At IEM Cologne 2025, an event took place that may well mark the beginning of a new chapter for Australian Counter-Strike: the return of Justin “jks” Savage to a lineup dominated by his native region. In June, he signed with FlyQuest — an ambitious mix combining an Australian core with European firepower. After four months without official matches and a disappointing stint in Liquid, jks turned down the idea of waiting for the “perfect” offer and instead took on not only the role of a rifler but also that of a mental and structural leader.
A Decision from the Heart: “I Wanted Something Familiar”
After leaving top-tier teams like Complexity or G2, jks usually took time before returning to competition. This time, however, things moved fast — the FlyQuest offer was accepted quickly. Though other options were on the table, Savage chose to follow his instincts.
I didn’t want to wait for the perfect opportunity again. I wanted something familiar — to play with Australians, with people I know. It’s a step back to where I started, jks explained.
FlyQuest didn’t just offer him a spot in the starting five — they gave him a platform where his experience could truly make an impact. After years playing in international lineups alongside stars like NiKo and Twistzz, Justin gained a unique perspective — and now, as he says, it’s time to pass it on.
There were other options, and some were intriguing, but deep down I knew this was the place to go. And I don’t regret that at all.
A New Form of Leadership: From Fragger to Foundation
jks’s role in FlyQuest goes far beyond shooting. His mission is to become the architect of structure, communication, strategy, and mental framework. In past lineups, he rarely carried the mantle of primary in-game leader — but here, he’s the one setting the tone, offering guidance, and helping others grow.
I feel like I can give them a lot of experience. And I want to do that. I know I can’t just join the team and coast. This was a conscious decision — to be someone who builds.
He finds particular motivation in working with younger players. He doesn’t dictate — he supports. And according to him, mutual respect has become one of the defining strengths of this team:
The guys really respect me and listen, and I return that respect — I take their feedback too. It’s a two-way process. That’s what makes this team strong.
But leadership comes at a cost — exhaustion. In the first weeks, jks gave his all to help build the system: doing theorycrafting, internal discussions, micro-adjustments. He admits that the balance between mentoring and personal form hasn’t been perfected yet:
There were moments where I took on too much and lost focus on my own game. But that’s part of the process. We’re all learning.
LAN Debut: A Loss Full of Hope
The match against FURIA was FlyQuest’s first real test. And while the best-of-three ended in defeat, jks remained optimistic. For him, the key takeaway was the team’s mindset:
No one gave up. We kept communicating, stayed composed. That’s the biggest win for me in this match.
FlyQuest lost several crucial rounds, particularly on forcebuys — a turning point, jks says. At the same time, he admits that the team has yet to fully implement their new ideas, and that’s an area they are actively working on:
We haven’t fully built everything we planned. But there’s progress — and you can see it.
Their next opportunity will come against B8 in the lower bracket. It will be the team’s first elimination match — and the first serious test of their mental resilience.
The Goal: Bringing Australian CS Back to the Top
jks is driven by a clear ambition — to bring Australia back to the global elite. He was part of historic runs with Renegades and 100 Thieves, reaching as high as top 4 in HLTV’s rankings. Now, he dreams of repeating that with a new generation.
I want to do with this team what we did back then. It’s harder now — the scene is way more competitive. But we have the talent. The question is how badly we want it.
His confidence is not superficial. It’s rooted in experience and trust in his teammates. And although the road ahead is long, the first steps have been taken.
Conclusion: jks Returns Not Just as a Player, But as the Architect of a New Project
jks’s signing with FlyQuest isn’t just another roster move. It’s a symbol of transition — from individual excellence to collective foundation. Justin knows his career is entering a phase where legacy matters as much as performance. FlyQuest gave him a chance — and he embraced it without hesitation.
Now, he and his team face a challenging but inspiring task: to prove that Australia can once again fight among the best.
That’s my main goal — to bring Australia back to the top. And I believe we can do it, jks concludes.
