TH benjyfishy opens up about the disappointing start to Stage 1, Koshmaras’ debut, and his growth since starting his esports career.
Benjy “benjyfishy” Fish acknowledges that Team Heretics (TH) are not in their best form, following two consecutive losses in VCT EMEA 2026: Stage 1. In an interview with esports.gg, the British player opened up about the team’s performance, playing Harbor, and Koshmaras’ Tier 1 debut as the team’s most recent roster change.
He also spoke about the importance of qualifying for the Masters London and his growth over the years. TH benjyfishy says his younger self would be proud of his choices, and that he’s proud to have become more authentic over time.
Back then, I didn’t know who I would be without Fortnite. I think the younger benjy would be very proud that I took such a big risk and that it paid off.
TH benjyfishy
Starting on the wrong foot
For Team Heretics, the start of VCT EMEA 2026: Stage 1 hasn’t been ideal, with two series and two losses so far. In their latest match against Team Liquid, TH benjyfishy felt the team made fewer mistakes compared to their Kickoff elimination game, but it still wasn’t enough to secure the win.
“Last time, we got destroyed on Bind. This time, we put up a better fight, but we still lost, so it doesn’t really matter. We were not able to deal with their composition,” he commented. “In general, I believe we did a better job than last time, but we still made many mistakes. We are in our top form right now because, if we were, we could 100% beat them.”
As for the reasons, benjyfishy believes it’s hard to say. “Obviously, we got a new play yesterday, and honestly, he did a good job considering this. We had one day of practice with him, so it’s not easy. Now, we’re going to focus on improving as five,” he explained. “I think the main thing for us right now is to not give up and keep going. If you start thinking all sad and down, it’s not going to end out good.”
TH benjyfishy on playing Harbor
In VCT EMEA 2026: Stage 1, only three players have picked Harbor, placing the region behind the Americas (six players) in terms of agent usage. In China, only one player has picked him, while players in the Pacific region have yet to pick him.
For TH benjyfishy, especially on Pearl, the agent is very strong. “I see a lot of value on defense because he helps us be proactive. With Harbor, you can change his wall depending on what the enemies do, and that adaptability is what makes him so good,” he said. “It took me a little bit to get used to him, but now I’m pretty used to him.”
At the same time, the player believes it all comes down to the meta read, and many teams don’t have someone who knows how to play Harbor, leading them to other controller choices. “If teams are committed to the double duelist comp, they won’t be playing Harbor,” he explained. “NRG has been running the double controller comp for a while now, and I think more teams are slowly starting to do the same.”
Koshmaras’ debut in Tier 1 and the road to Masters London
Martynas “Koshmaras” Namikas made his Tier 1 debut in the Team Heretics vs Team Liquid series, flying in just a day earlier as the latest addition to the roster. He stepped in to replace Berkcan “ComeBack” Şentürk and will remain with the team until the end of the season.
“Koshmaras fits very well into the role we need. He’s shown that already and is already joking around with us and getting into the team’s vibe. He is a really nice person. He’s funny, good at the game, and exactly what we needed,” benjyfishy said. “I think it’s just going to take time with him, like it would with any new player on the team, but I think he’s done a good job in this series.”
For benjyfishy, the road to the second international event of the year in London carries a different meaning. While qualifying in his home country with the support of the crowd would be a dream come true, he treats every match as the most important one, and approaches his preparation the same way.
“Whenever I’m on stage or practicing, I give everything I have, and nothing has changed for London,” he said. “It’s a little bit more personal for me, my emotions are much stronger towards the tournament, but I think, preparation-wise, it stays the same. I just care a bit more.”
What would younger benjyfishy think of who he’s become?
When benjyfishy began his professional career in Fortnite, he was just 15–16 years old. Now, at 22, after numerous achievements and a transition to VALORANT, he sees himself as a different person. “I’ve become less afraid of showing emotions, and I’m more authentic. What you see on stage or in interviews is just who I am,” he said. “Before, I was more shy and timid, but I think I’ve learned to be more myself.”
While it’s impossible to know what his younger self would say, benjyfishy believes he would be most surprised by his career shift. “I think the younger benjy would be most surprised by the fact I had the balls to swap from Fortnite to VALORANT,” he laughed. “Back then, I didn’t know who I would be without Fortnite, I had no idea. I think he would be very proud that I took such a big risk and that it paid off. It was one of the biggest changes in my life.”
For fans wondering why benjyfishy has switched to a non-animated Phantom skin, the inspiration came from his opponent, Ayaz “nAts” Akhmetshin.
Honestly, there is no story. It actually comes from nAts. He always plays with that purple no animation phantom, and I was like, ‘Maybe I should try’. You know, it looks so clean when he plays with that no animation phantom.
Then I just browsed which non-animated phantoms exist, and I saw the cat one, so why not? I’m like, ‘I love cats,’ and it kinda stuck. Maybe I need to change to his phantom, the purple one. Maybe that will be a better choice.
TH benjyfishy
Team Heretics returns to the VCT EMEA stage on April 16 to play against Karmine Corp. They will then play against Gentle Mates and FUT Esports.