The North American team Complexity ended their run at the FISSURE Playground 1 tournament in the quarter-finals, falling to Portuguese side SAW in a tight 1-2 series. It was a painful loss — on Nuke, Complexity had four match points but failed to close it out, with SAW pulling off a comeback in overtime and then sealing the win on the decider. Despite the bitter ending, Complexity’s in-game leader Johnny “JT” Theodosiou tried to focus on the positives in his post-match interview with HLTV, highlighting the team’s steady improvements.
A crucial step forward — regardless of the result
The loss to SAW was painful not just because of the result, but also because Complexity genuinely had a chance to go deeper. They came close to clinching the series on the second map but faltered under pressure in the most crucial moments. Nevertheless, JT refuses to dwell on the negatives — for him, the priority right now is building sustainable growth.
I would have liked to go further than just the top eight,” he admitted. “But I’m happy that we’re at least improving. That’s what matters most to me at this point.
Looking ahead: IEM Cologne and new challenges
The next challenge for Complexity is the prestigious IEM Cologne 2025, set to kick off on July 23. They will face GamerLegion in their opening match, and JT has clearly defined the team’s goals for the tournament.
I don’t have specific expectations, but the goal is to go deep. I don’t want to be eliminated in the first stage. I want us to reach the playoffs and give the guys a chance to experience the big stage in Cologne. None of us have played in front of that arena before, and it’s a dream to make it onto that main stage in front of such an incredible crowd.
JT also emphasized the importance of mental preparation and learning from mistakes in the aftermath of the loss to SAW:
We’ll go back, watch the demos, analyze what went wrong, and try to be better in Cologne. We’ve got a packed schedule, and unfortunately, not much time.
A milestone for the rookies: first crowd experience and motivation
The match against SAW was especially memorable for Nick “nicx” Lee and Danny “Cxzi” Strzelczyk, who played in front of a live audience for the first time. Although it was a relatively small stage in Belgrade, JT believes this experience will be a key moment in their development.
Even for us — the core trio — it was a rare chance to play in front of a crowd. But for the rookies, it’s something entirely new. I remember my first time playing in front of a live audience — it was incredibly motivating. I hope it has the same effect on them. Even if it wasn’t a massive stage, it was still a real environment, and that’s something different.
mithR: a trial-period coach and a valuable mentor
Guiding Complexity at FISSURE Playground and the upcoming IEM Cologne is Torbjørn “mithR” Nyborg, who currently serves as interim head coach following the departure of Tiaan “T.c” Coertzen in March. While the partnership hasn’t yet been formalized for the long term, JT is highly appreciative of what the Danish coach has brought to the table.
He’s improved areas we hadn’t even thought about. In just one week, he’s helped us in multiple aspects — from understanding small in-game details to refining our playbook. He fits our team really well: a good teacher, a good leader, JT stressed.
It’s still unclear whether mithR will stay with Complexity after Cologne, but JT openly acknowledges the immediate impact the coach has had — both in-game and in terms of team dynamics.
Despite the early exit from FISSURE Playground 1, Complexity leave the tournament not in despair, but with renewed motivation. Gradual progress, key experience for their rookies, and effective collaboration with a new coach all provide hope for a stronger showing in Cologne.
IEM Cologne 2025 will be a true test for JT and his squad: tougher opponents, higher stakes, and the pressure of a legendary crowd. But judging by their captain’s words, Complexity are ready to fight — not just for short-term wins, but for their long-term future.
