Liquid‘s recent decision represents a significant change for the North American Counter-Strike scene. According to reports, the team is actively pursuing Russian player Robert “Patsi” Isyanov from Spirit and Bulgarian rifler Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov. This indicates a shift towards building a European-focused roster.
As part of this transition, Liquid is reportedly considering selling Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski, a key player who has been with the team for seven years. While contracts have not been finalized with Patsi or Rainwaker, critical decisions are expected within the next 36 hours. There is also a possibility for EliGE to continue with the team, and negotiations with the European players may not go through.
This move has significant implications for Liquid and the North American scene in Counter-Strike. As a prominent tier one organization, Liquid‘s decision to seek talent outside of North America could reshape the regional landscape. If they form a European core, they would no longer be eligible to compete in the Americas RMR but would instead join the highly competitive EU RMR.
Furthermore, EliGE‘s potential departure from Liquid, alongside the retirement of Nick “nitr0” Cannella after IEM Dallas, would mark the end of an era in North American Counter-Strike history.
Here is the new possbile EU-centric roster of Team Liquid:
- Keith “NAF” Markovic
- Josh “oSee” Ohm
- Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis
- Robert “Patsi” Isyanov
- Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov
- Damian “daps” Steele (Coach)
