We had the opportunity to speak with the new CS2 coach of Passion UA — Tiaan "T.c" Coertzen. In an exclusive interview for Bo3.gg, he talked about his transition to the new club and what became the key factor in accepting the offer. Tiaan also shared team`s goals, insights into his coaching philosophy, gave his opinion on the current state of CS2, and reflected on his time with Complexity Gaming.
How would you describe your time with Complexity?
I think Complexity was definitely a major chapter in my career. It wasn’t the beginning—we had already spent around four years in the US and were part of Cloud9 before joining Complexity. But this was the most intense and high-profile period of my career so far.
The expectations and challenges pushed me further than before. It was a period of constant pressure and learning, but also constant growth.
What was the biggest challenge for you in Complexity?
Either way, I think the biggest struggle was being a mostly North American team without a permanent base in Europe. The constant travel between the US and Europe made it really hard.
We spent extended periods in Europe—sometimes up to eight weeks straight—living in hotels, going from event to event or from bootcamp to tournament. That constant movement makes it hard to maintain a consistent routine.
Things like working out, eating well, or trying to live a healthy life on the road become much more difficult. You’re always adjusting—new locations, new restaurants, different schedules.
Being away from home, family, and friends for so long adds to the challenge. That was probably the biggest challenge for us.
Do you think the current tournament schedule is a problem for players, especially with jet lag and short breaks between events?
For EU teams, I don’t think it’s a big issue because the events usually take place in Europe, and most teams are based there. So time zone changes and jet lag aren’t major concerns for them.
But for American or Asian teams, or when events happen on different continents—like the upcoming one in Melbourne—it definitely becomes a problem. More than jet lag, though, I think the lack of proper rest days between tournaments is the bigger issue.
If you’re making deep runs in every event, there’s very little time to rest or get good-quality practice in. Eventually, teams have to choose between taking a break or continuing to train. And that’s when burnout becomes a real risk.
Should there be fewer Tier 1 events to allow players more rest and practice—maybe one or two per month instead of three or four?
I personally enjoy having a lot of tournaments. It’s great for the scene, but it can definitely become overwhelming. The bigger issue is when tournament organizers set up systems that basically force teams to attend everything.
In theory, teams can set their own schedules. Not every team needs to attend every event. Some teams want to play more, others need more time off—it depends on the personalities involved.
But now, with partner leagues gone, some tournaments have certain requirements. You may need to attend a specific number of events to get added benefits or support. That’s where it gets tricky.
Let’s come back to your time in Complexity. What achievements or moments stand out the most in your memory?
Yeah, I was with the organization for a long time, but I think 2023 was definitely the highlight for me. That tournament run [IEM Sydney 2023]—making it all the way to the finals—really showed what the team was capable of when everything started clicking. Some of the matches were incredible, especially the final. I think we were down 10:3 or 11:3 on the third map and made a huge comeback. The resilience we showed there was a big moment for us.
That run came shortly after we brought in EliGe, and then we went on to perform really well in Sydney. It was also right around the time of the switch to Counter-Strike 2, so it felt like a defining moment.It wasn’t just about reaching the final—it was about proving that we could adapt quickly and perform under pressure.
Another great memory is winning in Jönköping. That meant a lot because Complexity hadn’t lifted a trophy in a while, and it felt good to deliver one to the organization.
Do you feel like you were able to fully realize your potential as a coach during your time with Complexity?
In some ways, yes. There were definitely moments when the team reached a level I was proud of. You know, when everything clicks—the team environment is healthy, players are working tightly together, everyone is doing their part—and as a coach, it almost feels like you’re no longer needed. Those moments are really special.
But at the same time, you always reflect and think about what you could’ve done better. There were challenges that were outside of my control, and some tough periods that made it hard to maintain that progress. Still, in the end, you have to ask yourself how you could’ve handled those situations better. I’m proud of what we achieved, but I also think there’s more I could unlock as a coach. There’s always room to grow.
Was there anything specific that prevented you from building the way you wanted to?
Yeah, I mean, I think there are always some limitations unless you're at an org with a really big budget and a roster stacked with insane players that everyone wants to team up with. Things like buyouts, budgets, and timing always play a role in what’s realistically possible.
You don’t always get the pieces you want, and you have to work with what you’re given. That’s why adaptability is such a crucial part of coaching in esports. You have to be dynamic and make the most out of the hand you’re dealt.
Here’s the big question—who made the decision regarding your departure? Was it your choice or the organization’s?
I believe it was a business decision by Complexity. It’s not a secret that they’re going through a bit of a rebuild right now. Jason just got ownership back, some major sponsors have changed, and the overall direction is shifting a bit.
If they had been seeking a coaching change, they probably would’ve replaced me right when they brought in two new players at the start of the year—instead of help with rebuilding the system and then parting ways just two months later. So yeah, I think it was more about timing and the direction the organization was headed in.
Is there anything you would do differently in hindsight?
Yeah, for sure. I think one thing I’d definitely change is pushing harder for certain decisions to happen faster. Sometimes you get told something isn’t possible right now, so you settle and try to make the best of it. But looking back, I think I could’ve done more to challenge that—to push for change instead of just waiting things out. You learn from those moments. It’s part of the growth process.
Complexity made playoffs at PGL Bucharest. How do you view their current success? And on a personal level, is there any regret that you’re no longer part of the team just as things seem to be coming together?
Yeah, they made it to the semifinals in Bucharest, right? I’m really happy for the guys. I know how hard they’ve worked—because I was right there with them for over two months at the start of the year. We were already pushing for that kind of run back in February, but it was still a little early and there were things we needed to fix.
So to see them getting results now—it’s awesome. I gave everything I had while I was there, and so did everyone else. It’s nice to see that work paying off. I have no bitterness at all, just pride and happiness for the team.
Do you stay in touch with any of the former players or staff from the team?
Yeah. I mean, obviously these are people you've worked with for more than three years, right? So you're not just colleagues — over time, you build relationships, especially when you spend so much time together on the road. The biggest one for me is JT, though. I've known him for about eight years, and we've been playing and working together that whole time. So he's definitely at the top of the list.
Who was the easiest to work with, and who was your favorite teammate? Was it JT?
Let me think... I’d say everyone was kind of easy to work with. We had a really good team environment for the majority of the time I spent at Complexity. Picking a favorite is like choosing your favorite child, but yeah, JT was definitely mine. I think hallzerk was the easiest to work with — he always had a good attitude and brought positive energy every single day. He was never in a bad mood, so yeah, I’d say he was the easiest, but JT will always be the favorite.
You're now the coach of Passion UA. Welcome to the Ukrainian team! Tell us how this move happened. Why did you accept their offer?
Yeah, it's an interesting move — not a lot of people saw it coming, I guess. But it came together quite organically. I had a few conversations with the CEO. What really stood out to me was their ambition. They weren’t just trying to rebuild the team — they wanted to build something with long-term structure and real potential. They were serious about investing in the right way. Honestly, it was their approach that drew me in. At that point, I didn’t even know much about the roster yet.
Did you receive any other offers before accepting the invitation to join Passion UA, if you can share?
There were some conversations, but nothing concrete because of the timing in the season. It was right before the Major qualifiers and roster locks, and most teams weren’t making changes at that point. I knew that if I didn’t take this offer, I would have to wait until after the Major to see if any teams were making changes. There’s always a big shuffle after the Major, so I would’ve had to wait and see what happens then.
Are the players comfortable communicating in English? Do they have any issues with that?
No issues, I think everyone on the team has decent English. Some guys speak it better than others, but if something isn’t clear, one of the stronger English speakers will just explain it in Ukrainian if needed.
Do they speak English or Ukrainian during practice and matches?
They still communicate in Ukrainian. That was something I specifically encouraged — I didn’t want to sabotage their communication. We have five Ukrainian players, so it makes sense for them to speak their native language. It helps them express things quickly and clearly. I didn’t want to compromise that just so I could understand everything. For now, they speak Ukrainian, and we’re figuring out ways for me to be more involved. That’ll become more important once we start playing official matches. Right now, in practice, I can just review demos, listen to voice comms, and have them explain what happened.
Is it difficult for you to follow what’s going on in-game when you don’t understand the comms? For example, what IGL is calling?
Yeah, it’s a lot more difficult than I expected — especially when we’re starting new maps. We’re a new team, so we’re building everything from the ground up. When we’re on a new map and adding a lot of stuff, I often find myself just trying to figure out what we’re doing , instead of focusing on how to improve it or noticing if someone is making a mistake or not following the plan. So it was a bit slow at the start, but we already introduced ideas to fix it and we’ll keep working on ways to bridge any communication barriers., but things will get better with time. I knew this would be a challenge, and right now, we’re just trying to find the best way to work through it.
Comparing it to your previous teams, are you satisfied with the environment and conditions at Passion UA?
Yeah, it’s been very professional from the start. Of course, it's still early days since we’ve just started, but the working environment has been solid. There’s plenty of support, and people are really eager to help. So overall, it’s been great.
You mentioned some communication challenges, but how do you assess the potential of the current roster? What are the chances of breaking into the Tier 1 scene?
I think the roster has a lot of potential. From what I’ve seen in the first few days, the guys are very skilled, and there’s a lot of untapped potential. We have players like Woro2k and DemQQ who have already proven themselves internationally, but the rest of the team has their own strengths as well.
The main question is whether we can build consistency and find the right structure to get everyone comfortable and on the same page. If we can do that, I believe we can start pushing into Tier 1 and competing consistently.
Transfers of Woro2k and DemQQ. Were you involved in forming the roster, or were the transfers and decisions made entirely by the organization?
I was aware of the changes happening. We talked about potential free agents, and I knew they were looking at Woro2k and DemQQ. That actually added weight to the offer, because these two guys brought more experience to the roster. I was aware of them, and once I agreed, they moved very quickly to get them signed, so they were just waiting for me. That added a little pressure on my side [laughs].
So next time, will you be involved in the recruitment process for new players?
Yeah, if there are any changes down the line, I will definitely be involved in the recruitment process. I hope so, at least, since I’m working with the team most of the time. I always find it strange when organizations make changes without consulting the coach. But yeah, I believe it’s part of the plan.
From the outside, it seems like your role at Passion UA goes beyond just coaching. It feels like you're also helping to shape the team into something bigger, perhaps even helping to build an international identity and structure for the organization itself. Would you say that's an accurate interpretation? What are your main goals and responsibilities within Passion UA at this stage of the project?
Let me think... I would say that’s a fair take. They definitely want to rely on me to shake things up and see if any of their systems aren't running efficiently or if there are areas where they could improve. With my experience working with teams from South Africa, where I helped build them from the ground up, I wasn’t always just a coach. I handled a lot of things for teams like Bravado, ATK, and Extra Salt, so I’ve done more than just coaching. With that experience, I can bring a lot of ideas to any organization.
But for now, the main goal is just to get everyone on the same page and figure out how we can make the most of every practice. We can’t afford to spend hours every day translating and trying to understand what’s being said, so the main focus is creating alignment in our day-to-day operations and maximizing practice time.
Has the team decided who will take on the IGL role? Will it be Topa or Woro2k?
It was never really up for debate. I don’t know if there were rumors or something about Woro2k taking the role, but no, it was always going to be Topa from the start.
Who do you think will be the star player of the team?
Let's talk again about your goals, but for the next 6 months. What are the main goals for the team during this period?
Obviously, we want to start getting to a point where we’re receiving invites for international events, especially with the new VRS system. You need to be ranked well enough to get those invites. So, the main goal for now is to climb the rankings, play in tournaments, and earn ranking points. By the end of the year, we want to make it to the Major. I think that’s the goal for everyone, but we don’t just want to get there. We want to be competitive at the Major.
Do you think the current Valve ranking system is working well? Or do you think it needs some changes, like adjusting the point system so teams don’t lose so many points when they miss tournaments?
I can’t say exactly how it should change. There are a lot of complex algorithms involved, so even small changes could have bigger effects than expected. But I do think it needs some fine-tuning.
Right now, it’s very difficult for new organizations to enter the scene because you need three core players to be eligible for invites. Otherwise, you have to grind your way up, which can take months. That’s not very appealing for new organizations or those returning to Counter-Strike, and it takes away opportunities from players and free agents. I’m not sure how to fix it, but I don’t think it should take months to qualify and play in events if you're already ready to compete.
How would you define your coaching philosophy? What do you prioritize: structure, improvisation, or micro moments?
I’d say my philosophy is built on balance. All of those elements are important in a team. Structure is essential to ensure players have a clear understanding of their roles and what needs to be done, but I also think it’s important for players to have the freedom to trust their instincts in key moments. I want them to be able to make decisions without the fear of making mistakes.
How important is the psychological aspect of working with players and the chemistry between them?
I think that over time, the space has become much more professional, and everyone has realized that this is very much a mental game. You need to pay a lot of attention to the psychological aspect and understand what makes a player tick. But players also need to understand themselves—what motivates them, what gets them into the zone, and what can potentially take them out of it. Personally, with my medical background, I understand that the psychological aspect is huge, and it’s something that needs to be addressed. You have to be mindful of it at the end of the day.
With your experience as a coach, how do you handle internal conflicts, dips in motivation, or burnout within the team?
Yeah, so I think it’s important to create a team environment where these issues can be talked about openly before they become serious problems. Regular check-ins with players, even outside of official scrims, are crucial.
In previous teams, we worked with psychologists to conduct burnout screenings to catch problems before they become major issues. Once a player burns out, it’s too late—it takes time to recover. So we actively screened and tried to prevent burnout from escalating into something bigger.
Do you have any psychological tips or tricks to avoid burnout in CS, or anything like that?
It’s different for everyone. It’s essential to understand the person behind the monitor and recognize that not everyone is the same. Some people can play for 16 hours a day, while others start feeling worn out after 6 or 8 hours. It’s important to recognize these differences and give people what they need. But overall, I think building a supportive environment and culture where players can talk openly about their struggles is key. When conflicts arise, I prefer to address them head-on.
I’ve always believed in creating a space where people feel they can openly discuss issues, whether personal or team-related, and deal with them right then and there. This helps prevent things from building up and negatively affecting the team down the line. It’s going to be different here, though, since I’m still getting to know the players and the language barrier means I might miss certain subtle cues. In past teams, I could sometimes pick up on the tone of conversations and notice when something wasn’t right between players, but that will be harder for me to see now.
Can you name three things you pay attention to in order to stay consistent and avoid burnout in CS?
For burnout, I’d say the schedule is really important. Finding a schedule that works for everyone, where players have enough time to rest, is crucial. You don’t want to force people to consistently work outside of their normal functioning hours. I think it’s important to involve the players and be flexible.
Another thing is the time spent away from home—making sure we’re aware of how much travel and time away the players are doing. It can be exhausting, so we need to put emphasis on that. Lastly, I think it’s important to involve players in the scheduling process. They don’t need to dictate it, but they should be part of it so that they feel their input is considered. Those are some key things I focus on to maintain balance. I also think setting boundaries and engaging in activities outside of work are important to avoid burnout.
What is the best way for you to integrate your ideas and tactics into the team?
Right now, it's actually quite easy because we're not joining an already-formed team. We’re starting from scratch with a new team, so we have to build everything from the ground up. Every day, we have theory sessions before our practice matches, where we discuss what strategies to add or adjust. These can be new strategies we’ve come up with, ones we’ve used in the past, or something we’ve seen another team run and think would work well in our system. It's easy to implement when you have a visual example of how you want a round to play out. And I can also come with a clear plan for each player's role in the round.
For you, is it more comfortable to join a team that already has a structure, or is it better to start from scratch, like with Passion UA? What’s your preferred situation?
I always prefer starting from scratch. That’s what I’ve been doing the entire time, and it just works for me. It helps because when you join an already-established team, you’re always playing catch-up. There are things you don’t know, and even if the team tries to walk you through everything, there’s no way to remember all the details, the protocols, the keywords, and the little things. It's impossible to document everything, so when you're trying to explain things to someone new, it's hard to get it all across. I’d much rather be part of the building process from the start so I know exactly what’s been discussed and what’s been set in place.
When you’re preparing for your next opponent, how deeply do you study them? Can you reveal any secrets?
It really depends on how much time we have and the context. For key matches, like in the playoffs or important qualifiers like the MRQ, I’ll definitely put in a lot more effort. For lesser matches, you lean more on your own structure. You rely on the foundations and protocols you’ve set up. But in general, I’ll watch several recent demos to analyze the team. It's not just about their tactics, but also trying to spot any patterns or trends in their play. You want to understand their tendencies—how they play, what they feel comfortable doing. Those are the things you’re really looking for in your anti-strats.
How do you assess the current state of CS2 as a game?
It’s still being optimized but we’re getting closer. That said, I’m always open-minded when it comes to these things. I’m not someone who complains about the game or its mechanics. Everyone is playing on the same platform with the same set of rules. If something’s not perfect, it’s the same for everyone.
In your opinion, what did Valve do right in the transition from CS:GO to CS2, and what did they get wrong?
I think what they got wrong was the rollout. They kind of moved on from CS:GO before CS2 was fully ready. I feel like we could have kept playing CS:GO for a bit longer. But I understand—they wanted to get as many people as possible playing the game so they could fix things faster. But the timing wasn’t ideal. I remember we were in the middle of a ESL Pro League match against Monte, and there was like a 1 or 2 hour delay during the match. It was somewhere around August or September. So, I think they could’ve worked on the timing a bit better.
As for what they did right, I think individual upgrades are nice. The responsive smoke mechanics, where you can blow up smokes, have added an interesting dynamic to the game. I think it changed a lot more than people initially realized, especially in terms of timings and map control. People didn’t notice it at first, but it’s had a significant impact.
Do you think Valve needs to focus more on the game, not just skins or the monthly cases, but also huge updates?
Yeah, there are times when it feels like they’re not fixing the problems we have. It would be nice if they focused more on constantly developing the game. But they’ve been fairly responsive, especially when it comes to fixing the bigger issues. So, I think it’s okay for now.
Right now, the professional scene seems incredibly competitive. Anyone can beat anyone. Would you agree with that?
Yeah, I definitely think CS2 has bridged the gap between Tier 1 and Tier 2. It’s allowed for more upsets. The skill gap has definitely shrunk, especially when the game was first released. The scene is incredibly competitive now, and it feels like, while not anyone can beat anyone, there are definitely a lot more upsets happening.
What changes would you like to see implemented in competitive CS? Maybe you want to bring back the MR15 system or change the economy?
I think playing around with the economy is always interesting. I don't have any specific ideas, but whatever gets us more gun rounds. Especially now that it's MR12, more gun rounds are always better. Overall I enjoy things the way they are now. I really like MR12. I think it's also a little bit easier for the fans to digest the amount of CS. With MR15 the day could drag on very fast after a few overtimes. Also for us the practice day allows for some small breaks after scrimmages, so we can maybe fix a small issue or use the time to reset and refocus.
Lastly, do you want to say something to the Passion UA fans?
Passion UA fans, I just want to thank you for your support. Since the announcement, I’ve had a lot of people reaching out and being very supportive from the start. This isn’t a very conventional situation, so it means a lot. We’re building something from the ground up, and we’re going to put in the work to make you proud.
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