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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