JerAx explained why he left Team Liquid in 2016

Former esports player Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka explained the reasons for his departure from Team Liquid in 2016. He admitted experiencing emotional exhaustion and being unable to maintain a high level of gameplay.

“I felt very anxious and almost burnt out. This happened for the second time. I realized I needed to ‘take a breath of fresh air.’ I liked my team. I told the guys, ‘I’m leaving, I feel very bad. I’m not sure I can play normally, I need a break.’ I definitely wasn’t kicked out. I don’t know if they would have kicked me out if I hadn’t left,” JerAx said.

He also shared his emotional state during his esports career, noting that fans often don’t understand the trials players go through.

“I understand that such statements surprise people. But they don’t see the other side of an esports career. They don’t understand the efforts teams make to qualify for tournaments and what players feel. My main feeling at tournaments was – I felt very anxious, and I had to block out these thoughts to survive,” JerAx added.

The two-time The International champion ended his esports career in 2022, earning approximately $6 million in prize money. His last team was Team Liquid, where he served as a coach.