Edward Cleland on Player Mindset, CS2 Team Dynamics & Handling Pressure

In this episode of Mind Games, I sit down with Edward Cleland, a renowned performance coach who has worked with top CS2 teams like G2 and Team Liquid. Edward shares his approach to helping players focus under pressure, manage online criticism, and navigate the complexities of competitive Counter-Strike.

We dive into how he builds trust with players, manages egos, and balances relationships between teams and organizations. From mental health and physical well-being to the impact of CS2's open circuit in 2025, this conversation is packed with insights for aspiring competitors and fans of esports.

📅 Recorded: November 19, 2024

🔖 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Edward Cleland & MindBodyEsports
01:22 Keeping players focused on CS2 and ignoring online distractions
03:12 The difference between public perception and reality in esports
04:39 External factors that affect team dynamics
06:18 Why Edward chose esports
08:52 How players handle high-pressure environments
12:44 Mental health challenges in competitive Counter-Strike
16:55 The value of routine and control for players
19:30 Three key lessons from MindBodyEsports
20:43 Physical health considerations for CS2 pros
22:31 What happens when players resist coaching
26:42 Balancing roles between coach, team, and player
28:51 Managing egos in professional teams
30:20 Pros and cons of CS2's open circuit in 2025
30:50 Team Liquid's preparation for the Shanghai Major
32:32 Edward’s advice for aspiring CS2 players

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