An Interview with Joreuz Ahead of the Birmingham Major
We sit down with Rocket League professional Joreuz to talk about the upcoming Birmingham Major.
As Joris “Joreuz” Robben prepares to return to the RLCS international stage for the first time in two years, he reflects on his journey, his growth as a player, and the excitement of getting back to the highest level. We were able to talk with Joreuz about the first half of the rocket league season, and what his mindset, preparation, and expectations are leading up to the Birmingham major.
This will be your first RLCS Major in two years and Stizzy’s first-ever. What is it like to be back on the RLCS international stage and to share that experience with Stizzy for the first time?
Joreuz: It’s exciting. It feels like a completely new experience because so much has changed in my career since my last LAN. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years, and I’m no longer the same player or person I used to be. Making the first LAN for Stizzy is also a huge moment. When I was 15 and made my first LAN, I was beyond excited, so seeing Stizzy build that same excitement throughout Regionals has been fun. I’m happy for him.
What contributed to the improvement from a 5th-6th place finish in the first Open to solidifying yourselves as a top 3 team in Europe in the next two Opens?
Joreuz: There was a huge change between Open 1 and Open 2. We only started teaming in mid-December due to a very eventful roster shuffle. We found each other at the end and had only two to three weeks of scrims before the first Regional. During that time, we played well together, but we didn’t have a system or a plan, we were just trying to gel without overthinking our playstyle.
We could hold our own against top teams in low-pressure situations, but as soon as the pressure ramped up, we started deviating from our usual play because we hadn’t developed a structured approach. Without backup plans or predefined rules, we struggled to adapt. After the first Regional, we adjusted and added rules about how we wanted to play together, and the results were immediate. Having a clear game plan helped us stay consistent in high-pressure situations, and we improved significantly.
Is there anything you wish you could have done differently during the split?
Joreuz: One area I’m keen on improving is our kickoff game. You see teams like Karmine and Geekay making it so difficult to settle into a match when they execute unconventional kickoffs. It adds another layer of mental pressure before the game even starts, and I want to be better prepared for that.
You and ApparentlyJack played together for a long time before you moved to Oxygen/M80, and he moved to Gen.G. What brought you back together?
Joreuz: When Jack and I stopped teaming up, neither of us expected to play together again. We had a great friendship and good times, but it wasn’t working on the field. During the offseason, I tried out different Dignitas variations with Stizzy but never with Jack because we were hesitant about trying again. When Nass went to NIP, Jack and Stizzy were looking for a third. I had offers from other teams, including playing with Oaly on a team or playing on Twisted Minds, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.
At the FIFAe World Cup, ViolentPanda was our coach. I was driving home from a boot camp with Panda, and he mentioned that he thought I’d be a good fit with Jack and Stizzy. We ended up agreeing that we had all matured since our last run together. That conversation convinced me to give it another shot, and once we did, everything clicked seamlessly. We set aside past differences and made it work.
What games are you proud of during this split?
Joreuz: Beating Vitality. We were proud of that win, and it showed we can beat the top teams.
What is the difference between playing in the EU region as opposed to NA?
Joreuz: I know some people disagree, but I believe EU is very top-heavy. The top four teams are incredible, but after that, there’s a steep drop-off. In NA, the talent is more spread out. While NRG stands out, teams like Luminosity or OG (last season) aren’t as strong as Gentlemates were last season. However, NA teams are incredibly mechanically skilled, so you can’t afford an off day, or they will punish you. In EU, that isn’t always the case.
What are your expectations going into the tournament?
Joreuz: I want to explore the city! As for the tournament, since it’s been a long time since I played RLCS, and with this being Stizzy’s first LAN, I’m not expecting us to dominate right away. Instead, I want to use this event to practice keeping our composure under LAN conditions. A top six finish would satisfy me, but of course, we’re always aiming to win. If we can stay cool, I see us finishing in the top 6 or top 4. If we peak at the right time, we could even make top 2 or win.
How has your prior LAN experience shaped your preparation for Birmingham? Any specific changes?
Joreuz: Not really. We’re going to boot camp a week before the event and go hard. Since it will be in person, we’ll be playing live together, which, while not exactly like LAN, will still help us get used to that setting. The key focus is maintaining discipline.
Are there any non-EU teams you’re excited to go against?
Joreuz: I’d love to play Falcons and NRG. At the FIFAe World Cup with the Dutch team, we put up a strong fight against them, so I’m excited to see how we match up with our RLCS roster. I feel confident playing against them.
What team do you think will be your toughest matchup?
Joreuz: Karmine Corp. I think they’re way ahead of everyone else right now.
Did you see anything Geekay did to beat Karmine that you can take advantage of?
Joreuz: Yeah, their kickoff game completely threw Karmine off. That’s something we can learn from.
What are you most looking forward to doing in Birmingham?
Joreuz: I’ve never been to Birmingham, so I’m not sure yet. I just like to walk around and explore at least the city center. Competing is the priority, but it’s always good to take some time to enjoy the experience. It’s a privilege to be here, so why not make the most of it?
What are your Birmingham predictions? Which players do you think will make a name for themselves?
Joreuz: Leaving our team out of the equation, I think Karmine Corp will win. Falcons and NRG will finish in the top four, and I believe Vitality will also make the top four. This Major will set the tone for the rest of Vitality’s season. I’m also excited about Furia; they could break into the top four as well, but they’re always a wildcard coming into a Major.
Thank you for the interview Joreuz. It was great talking and good luck in Birmingham.
If you want to see more Joreuz you can follow him on Twitter: @Joreuz_
