XLG Esports has a problem that no amount of aim training can fix. The Chinese VALORANT squad performs well in scrims against top competition, but translating that into results on the international stage requires something less tangible: genuine self-belief.

That’s the assessment from Aleksandr ‘hvoya’ Eremin, the team’s Russian head coach, who says the squad needs to improve their international mindset and start trusting what they’re capable of. With VALORANT Masters London scheduled for June 6-21, 2026, the clock is ticking on a mental reset.

The scrim-to-stage gap

For XLG, the disconnect between practice and performance appears to be rooted in psychology rather than mechanics. Hvoya has been vocal about the need for his players to believe in themselves, pointing to their scrim results as evidence that the skill ceiling is already there.

From Tier 2 to the VCT

Hvoya’s influence on this roster has been substantial. Since rejoining XLG as head coach on December 1, 2025, after a brief inactive period, he’s helped guide the organization from domestic Chinese competition into the VALORANT Champions Tour in China.

The roster has also seen key additions in recent months, including the pickup of player Lysoar, which signals that the organization is investing in building a competitive lineup. XLG, also known as Xi Lai Gaming, is positioning itself as more than a placeholder in the Chinese VALORANT scene.

Why mental preparation matters more than ever

Hvoya seems to understand this intuitively. By publicly addressing the mental block before Masters London rather than after a disappointing result, he’s framing the conversation proactively. It’s a coaching move that serves two purposes: it normalizes the discussion around self-doubt within the team, and it sets realistic expectations for fans and analysts watching from the outside.