Team Liquid has been undergoing significant changes to its roster. The organization’s recent decisions reflect a strategic shift as they prepare for future challenges and competitions.
Damian “Daps” Steele, who joined Team Liquid as a coach in June 2022, played a crucial role in the team’s successes, especially following the acquisition of YEKINDAR. Daps’ tenure saw Liquid reach new heights, including a successful period that bolstered the North American squad’s performance.
However, the team’s fortunes began to decline as they transitioned to a European lineup led by YEKINDAR. This shift in dynamics led to a period of underperformance, culminating in Team Liquid deciding to part ways with Daps, initiating another phase of team rebuilding.
Team Liquid’s Ongoing Restructuring
The departure of Daps is part of a broader restructuring process within Team Liquid. The organization also parted ways with Robert “Patsi” Isyanov and moved Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov to the bench. Reports indicate potential signings, including Felipe “skullz” Medeiros, Casper “cadiaN” Møller, and Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken, suggesting a significant overhaul of the roster.
Amidst these changes, only Keith “NAF” Markovic and Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis are reportedly set to remain on the roster. This reshuffling indicates Team Liquid’s commitment to reinventing its strategy and dynamics to stay competitive in the CS2 landscape.
NAF’s Continued Journey with Team Liquid
In contrast to the departures, Keith “NAF” Markovic has extended his stay with Team Liquid until 2026. NAF has been a pivotal figure in Team Liquid since joining in 2018 from Renegades. His consistent performance has been instrumental in the team’s successes over the years, contributing to multiple tournament wins including the ESL Pro League Season 9, ESL One Cologne 2019, and the Intel Grand Slam Season 2.
NAF’s decision to continue with Team Liquid amid the restructuring phase is a significant vote of confidence in the organization’s future direction.
Team Liquid’s CS2 now looks like:
- Latvia Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis
- United States Josh “oSee” Ohm
- Keith “NAF” Markovic
- Bulgaria Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov (benched)
With the departure of Daps and the ongoing roster changes, the coaching responsibilities are expected to be taken over by Wilton “zews” Prado. Zews, a former coach for Liquid, is anticipated to make a return to the organization, although an official announcement is yet to be made.
As Team Liquid prepares for the upcoming CS2 season, the community eagerly awaits to see how these strategic changes will translate into performance in the competitive arena.
