[Exclusive] Interview with GiantX runneR: “Cloud and Tom have been calling me “Girly” because I’ve been ordering a lot of stuff from Amazon”

Before the start of VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, we had the chance to talk with GIANTX player Emil "runneR" Trajkovski. The conversation was incredibly engaging, covering topics like his transfer to GIANTX, his time with Team Vitality, gym training, and much more. Enjoy the read!

Can you tell me about your time in GIANTX so far? You've been with the team for a while, basically since October.

Overall, joining GIANTX has been amazing. When I was asked to join, I was thrilled because everyone here is so energetic. The team has this unique vibe—everyone is involved in everything we do, except sleeping, of course. It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve enjoyed every moment, from practice sessions to just hanging out. Tomorrow we start the season officially, and I’m really excited for it.

Let’s step back and talk about how the roster was formed. Can you walk me through the process? What were the discussions with management and players about deciding who to bring on board?

After the season with Vitality, I wasn’t sure if I’d stay with them, and they weren’t certain either. So I started exploring other options. My agency reached out to GIANTX, and I trialed for them, testing every role. I fell in love with the flex/support role—it just felt right. Pipson and I talked a lot about it, and he agreed it was a great fit for me. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a role this much.

During the trials, I played with Cloud, Purp0, and Westside while we searched for a fifth player. After two weeks of practice, I felt pretty confident I’d made the team. If they didn’t want me, I wouldn’t have been playing that long.

Later, we trialed Thomas, and he immediately clicked with the team. He shared our vibe—funny, smart, and a great player. He added so much energy and balance to the team. That’s how the roster came together.

You finished in the 9th–12th place with Vitality, which is a bit of a mixed result. Are you satisfied with how the season ended for you?

Of course, losing is never satisfying. However, I’m really grateful for the experience I gained with Vitality. That year taught me so much—about the game, esports in general, and working with teammates, coaches, and management. It was my rookie year, and I feel like I grew significantly as a player. While the result wasn’t what I wanted, the journey and everything we went through together were invaluable.

What led to the decision for you and Vitality to part ways?

I don’t know all the details, but it came down to a role clash. After the season ended, I started trialing with GIANTX and decided to switch to the flex role. Vitality had already decided to bring in Less, and they did offer to trial me as a flex player, but I was really enjoying my time with GIANTX. I felt the role suited me, and everything clicked with the team, so I chose to stay.

What did your latest tournament, Monsters Reloaded, reveal about your strengths and weaknesses?

Monsters Reloaded was mostly about gaining LAN experience together as a team. It helped us identify areas to improve, like preparation and adapting to different conditions. We didn’t prioritize showing our strategies since it wasn’t a major event for us, but it was a good chance to see what we were missing. While it would’ve been nice to win, the main goal was learning and preparing for the official season.

LAN events are quite different from online matches. What was your experience like playing with the team in that environment?

LANs definitely bring out more energy. You feel the pressure and excitement, and it pushes you to give your all. But LANs can also present challenges—like delays, equipment issues, or even nerves—that can affect performance. It’s all about learning to stay composed and prepared for those situations so they don’t impact your official matches.

You’re the only player on the roster with recent experience in champions-level tournaments. Do you feel this gives you a unique role in the team, beyond your in-game contributions?

Having that experience is definitely helpful. For example, I’ve been able to guide teammates like Westside and help him fix certain aspects of his play, which he did quickly. But at the end of the day, everyone contributes something valuable. While my experience is beneficial, I see it as part of the bigger picture of teamwork. Playing in champs felt like any other season to me—it’s about consistency, not overhyping the event.

What are your predictions for the year? Where do you see your team by the end of 2025, assuming the roster stays unchanged?

I feel confident in us, so I’d say top two or top three. Of course, our goal is to aim for the number one spot. No one likes to lose, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got. I think we’re underrated, and that might work in our favor. Some teams may underestimate us, but they shouldn’t. At the end of the day, I believe we’re strong contenders.

Do you think being considered a dark horse at the start of the season could work to your advantage?

Yeah, it might. We don’t have big names on our roster, which could reduce the pressure on us. Being a young team with nothing to lose, we’re just focused on playing against as many teams as possible, especially the big ones, to improve and grow stronger.

Which teams do you see as your main competition for the tournament in Bangkok?

Probably Vitality, Fnatic, and a few others, but you never know. Rosters are changing, and new players and teams are entering the scene. It’s hard to predict, but I’m looking forward to playing against everyone.

Do you feel any personal motivation to prove something to Vitality?

Not really. I don’t care much about that. I just want to play, beat everyone, and focus on what’s ahead.

You seem like a chill guy.

Yeah, I like to have fun and joke around, but when it’s time for practice or officials, I’m fully locked in. I get vocal, emotional, and maybe throw in some Macedonian words to hype up the team. We all do that, and it’s one of the reasons we work so well together.

Are you the one who usually fires up the team?

Not necessarily. It can be anyone—Purp0, Thomaszy, or someone else. Everyone on this team can bring energy, which is important. If only one person does it, and they’re off one day, it can affect the whole team. That’s why having multiple people who can bring the hype is a big strength for us.

How long have you been at bootcamp?

We’ve been here for about 11 days now. We arrived around January 3rd. It’s been intense—we’ve been grinding, playing, and doing things outside of the game like going to the gym, ice skating, and exploring the city. It’s only been 11 days, but it feels like two months already.

You first met your teammates in Turkey during the tournament. How did your impressions of them change after spending more time together at the bootcamp?

It’s a completely different feeling. Practicing from home is fine, but boot camps are something else. You can feel everyone’s energy, and it motivates you to focus more. If someone has a bad day, there’s always someone to cheer them up. Boot camps are crucial for team growth because you’re all in it together, building that connection and improving as a group.

Has anyone surprised you with their hidden talents or quirks during the boot camp?

Yeah, Cloud and Westside are surprisingly good at ice skating, which caught me off guard because I could barely stand on the ice. Cloud is also good at chess, and Westside plays as well. For me, I’m more of a gym guy. I enjoy working out and feel like I’ve motivated others to join me. Over the past year, I’ve gained around 7 or 8 kilograms of muscle, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.

Sounds like you’ve had fun joking around. Do you guys have any nicknames for each other?

Yeah, recently Cloud and Tom have been calling me “Girly” because I’ve been ordering a lot of stuff from Amazon, including skincare products. It’s all lighthearted fun, and I don’t mind—it’s part of the team dynamic that makes boot camp so enjoyable.

Do you go to the gym alone, or do others join you?

I usually go alone, but sometimes Westside or Tom comes along. Last week, Westside joined me four times, and Tom came twice. I’m always open to having them tag along, but I’m fine going solo too.

It sounds like you’ve built a great atmosphere with your teammates. Do you think this bond will translate to better in-game performance?

Absolutely. The better we connect outside the game, the stronger we are in-game. That energy and support help us stay focused and perform at our best.

The gym is often a personal sanctuary for many people. Would you say it’s the same for you?

Absolutely. When I first started working out a couple of years ago, I enjoyed going with friends because it’s motivating to push each other. But after moving to Germany and working out alone for about a year, I realized I actually prefer it. Being alone allows me to focus entirely on my workout without distractions. When you’re with someone else, you tend to chat and spend more time, which can dilute the focus. For me, the gym has become my personal space, a part of my day that’s solely mine.

I’ve had similar experiences. While working out, I often find myself reflecting on life, frustrations, or challenges. Do you find the gym to be a space for that kind of mental clarity?

Definitely. For me, the gym is almost like meditation. It’s where I release stress or anger and reset. If I’ve had a rough day or woken up in a bad mood, going to the gym helps me process those emotions. By the time I’m done, I feel like a completely new person. It’s become such an essential part of my routine that skipping it feels strange—like I haven’t fulfilled my daily responsibility to myself.

Do you think going to the gym impacts your in-game performance?

I think it does, especially mentally. Working out clears my head and reduces stress, which helps me stay calm and focused during games. Physically, it doesn’t really affect gameplay once you’re used to it, even after heavy workouts. Overall, I’d recommend it to any esports player—it’s a great way to balance the intensity of gaming.

Let’s shift gears to Valorant transfers. In your opinion, which team had the best roster changes during the recent transfer window?

It’s hard to say. I think some teams like Vitality and Fnatic made strong moves, but it’s too early to judge. Roster changes are always a gamble, and new players or teams entering the scene could shake things up. We’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

What’s your take on the new maps being added to the pool?

I like the variety—it keeps things fresh. Adding new maps can be tough for teams that have to adjust their strategies, but for me, it doesn’t make a huge difference. I’ll just practice and adapt to whatever is in the pool. It’s part of the game, and I’m fine with that.

Lastly, what’s your opinion on the new agent, Tejo? Especially considering his ability to destroy utilities like Killjoy’s Ultimate?

Tejo seemed overhyped at first, but I think he’s pretty balanced now. His utility can be situational—useful on some maps with tighter choke points, but not universally strong. Teams might find creative ways to incorporate him, but I don’t see him being a must-pick. We’ll see how he fits into the meta over time.

It’s interesting that the new agent was released just days before the season started. Do you think it was too soon for it to be allowed in official play?

I mean, it’s not ideal timing, but I don’t think it’ll have a huge impact. Even if teams decide to play it, we’ve already practiced against it and know what the agent does. So we’re prepared and don’t really mind.

Was there any informal agreement between teams to avoid using the new agent since it’s so new?

No, there aren’t any secret agreements like that. If a team wants to use the agent, they can. At the end of the day, the better team will win, regardless of whether the agent is used or not.

Fair enough. Are you planning to use the new agent?

We’ll see. I’m not saying anything—you’ll have to wait and find out.

Got it, we’ll keep it under wraps for now. Thanks for taking the time for this interview, and good luck with the gym and the upcoming season.

Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.