Champion of the NACL and LP record breaker, Jett Michael "Srtty" Joye is finally set to enter the League of Legends Championship of The Americas North (LTA North) after months of anticipation. Now joining the ranks of Team Dignitas, the top laner is ready to step onto the big stage and prove himself against the best competition the Americas have to offer. In this exclusive interview, the rookie opens up about how he nearly retired before getting the chance to play, his determination to prove himself, his offseason, and his plans to defeat Eastern teams once and for all.

After a successful year in the NACL and missing out in 2024 with EG, what does it mean to you to finally get this shot and prove yourself?

Jett Michael "Srtty" Joye: "It's really exciting. I've been working toward this for a long time, and I know there are probably a million other people out there who would love to have my job. So, I'm really thankful to the fans and everyone around me.

The way I feel about it is... I think it's great to be in an environment surrounded by people who are all trying to achieve the same thing. I'm lucky because I know that some players in NA or other regions maybe don't take it as seriously if they've been in the scene for a long time. But everyone on my team, from what I've seen so far, is very passionate. That kind of energy is infectious.

Whether we win or lose, I think we'll do it together, and it's going to be a good experience. I'm really looking forward to it.

You mentioned choosing Dignitas over teams like Disguised because they approached you early and gave you input on the roster. How much influence did you have, and are you happy with the lineup? Were these your first choices?

Srtty: I'm not egotistical enough to think, "Oh, I know the best players, so I'm going to handpick them." Obviously, I had to listen to what other people had to say, get their opinions, and make sure everybody was comfortable. I wasn’t backseat-managing the team by any means, but I did have a say in my thoughts about the players they were considering.

I was lucky enough that we got the mid laner I wanted in Keine. I think he's really, really good, and I think people are going to be impressed. I mean, he made Quid go 1/9 at Worlds, which says a lot about his skill.

As for the other players, I think we got really lucky. Tomo is obviously a world-caliber AD carry. He was a massive reason why 100 Thieves even made the tournament. And for our support, since native NA supports aren’t usually that great, we were really fortunate to secure one of the good ones. I think we did a great job with this roster.

Many people might overlook Dignitas because of its unproven talents. What do you think is the ceiling for this team?

Srtty: So, first off, I think how people are rating us right now and how they're looking at us is completely fair. I mean, I wouldn’t ask anybody to rate us highly with unproven players on the roster—it would be completely delusional.

But from scrims, interacting with the team, and seeing their strong mechanical baseline—which is super important—I think we’re in a good spot. We also have a great coaching staff. From versing some of the top teams in the league, I’d be very surprised if we don’t end up in the top three by the end of the year. If we don’t, it won’t be because the other teams are amazing—it’ll be because we messed up. And I don’t think that’s going to happen.

The first split might be a bit rocky. It could go well, or it might not. I’m not expecting anything insane, but I’m going to work my ass off and do everything I can. By the end of the year, I think we’ll be in a very good spot, which will be great for everyone on the team.

You mentioned thinking that you were one of the few Western top laners who could one day rival Eastern top laners. Do you think you could be the X factor to bring the Americas back to the top?

Srtty: I think if anybody can do it, it's probably going to be me. And I know, obviously, I'm going to say that because I am me, but from playing against Eastern top laners in the past—I've faced Zeus, Kingen, all of these players—I don't usually have a rough time. I think it's because of the way I approach the game. It's not rigid per se, but it's very analytical. I like to break things down and only take actions or make decisions that make sense. I think that's a big strength of Eastern teams, as simple as it sounds.

You said you’d probably retire if you didn’t get offers in 2025. Before the offseason, did you fear that might happen? Do you think the NACL is doing enough for rookies, considering many retire without playing?

Srtty: I don’t think it’s the NACL’s fault. With the resources they have, I think they’re doing the best they can. But I was completely ready to step away from the game—not emotionally, but mentally. Obviously, I didn’t want to, but I understood that if I didn’t get an opportunity after everything I’d done, it would be foolish to keep trying to go pro when it’s just up to luck. And I hate leaving my fate to luck. That’s also why I did not like the offer I got of being FlyQuest's 6th player. At that point, I’m not controlling my fate.

Now that you're getting your shot, do you feel extra stressed to prove yourself with Dignitas? Is this a make-or-break situation for you?

Srtty: Whether it is or isn't a make-or-break situation, stressing about it doesn’t help me perform better. The worst thing I can do is get in my own head and think, “Oh my God, I have all these expectations.” If I do badly, my career is over, so I’ll play passively and do nothing. That’s the worst thing I can do. So, I’m trying not to think about that. Instead, I’m going to focus on the game and make sure I’m thinking about it so much that I can’t think about anything else. At that point, it can’t bother me.

You've been known for playing a lot of carry champions in your career. Are we going to see the mechanically gifted Srtty this year in the LTA, or will you focus more on playing for the team?

Srtty: It’s going to be a mix of both. I know what my strengths are, so I’m going to stick to them. But I don’t want to be rigid, and I need to be adaptable, though adaptable towards my strengths. So, what that means is I’ll play meta, and I’m fine with that, and I understand. But when the opportunity arises where I can do what I’m really good at, I’ll take it, and we’re going to win.

Dignitas was reportedly deciding between Spica and Sheiden for the jungle role. You played with the latter last year under FlyQuest Challengers. What does it mean to play with him again, and do you feel confident in your duo's potential?

Srtty: I’m really happy to play with Jade (Sheiden) again. I think that if you actually watch him play, his mechanics are really good—good enough to compete internationally. His mechanics are Korean-level, and he’s really easy to get along with. Contrary to popular belief, he’s not toxic—he’s actually really nice. He’s a really easy teammate to work with, so I’m pretty happy about the situation.

The format for the LTA in Split 1 is different from the standard league. How do you think Dignitas will perform in the first few weeks? Do you have any expectations for your first matches?

Srtty: If we’re not at least in the top half of the league, it’ll be a failure. From what we’ve been doing in scrims, we should be able to.

Any last words for your fans who’ve supported you in your path to the LTA?

Srtty: Just thank you, guys. I appreciate it a lot. I know that this league, my career, and everything relies on the fans, so I’m really thankful. I want you to know that you are recognized and appreciated. I see everything that everyone says."