In the second of our series on psychology in PUBG Esports, we talk to HEORIC mental coach Simo Nuutinen about the importance of mental wellbeing, giving the players space during matches and why sometimes answers lie within your mentality.

Hi Simo, thanks for taking the time to join us today. How long have you been working in this area?
 

It’s my pleasure. I graduated 10 years ago in 2012 and have been working in the psychology space ever since. In addition to my work in PUBG Esports, I am also an occupational health psychologist.
 

What are your responsibilities as an occupational health psychologist?
 

Essentially I collaborate with different companies to work on their colleagues’ mental health and wellbeing. We want them to be healthier and happier in life, so I look at what they can do as a company to make that happen.
 

How did you get involved in PUBG Esports?
 

Although I’ve never played professionally I have been a gamer my whole life, I grew up glued to my Nintendo and my Playstation! It was that passion that led to my interest in PUBG Esports, I thought interest in games and professional experiences could really add something to a roster.

There was a program at a local university of applied sciences looking for students to work within esports and it sounded perfect. Through that I worked with SauKKi (coach of former Saunabois & Skade) and just before the PUBG Global Championship 2021 I joined HEROIC.
 

In what area do you think you can help the team the most?
 

 I think dealing with pressure is the big one. These guys want to be the best PUBG Esports players on the planet, it isn’t easy and takes a great deal of mental strength. So, that’s where I come in and add the most value.
 

 And how important is mental strength?
 

 There are the obvious things like confidence and resilience that are important, but I actually think it impacts all areas of the game. If the players are stressed then they will underperform and they wont communicate as well with each other. And that lack of communication can lead to problems throughout the team. People get upset and annoyed at one another, all of which is detrimental.
 

 How much time do you spend with the players?
 

 We have 1 on 1 conversations on a regular basis and have team meetings before and after each tournament. I’d say the majority of my work is done before the tournaments when we discuss mental strategies and prep for the matches ahead. Once the tournament starts, I like to give the team space to go out there and play their own game. Then after events we will have a debrief.
 

 Do you discuss the players mental health with them?
 

 Yeah absolutely, it’s something that is really important to look after – no matter what industry you are in. I talk to the players about what is going on in their lives in general, not just in their work.
 

 How do you think amateur players can best work on the mental side of their game?
 

It’s a good question. The best advice I could give to someone starting is simply don’t be too hard on yourself but try to track your progress and set up goals for yourself. If you’re too critical then ultimately it will have a negative impact on how you’re performing. Trial and error and learning - that's a good combo to start with.
 

You should also try and look within yourself to understand your own mentality. What makes you angry? What makes you frustrated? Understanding these aspects of your own character can help you deal with those emotions.