In a surprising turn of events, Team Liquid's Counter-Strike 2 team has announced the benching of sniper Casper “cadiaN” Møller, signaling a major shift in the team’s lineup amidst a challenging 2024 season. The decision comes after a series of underwhelming performances and missed opportunities for the squad, leading to speculation about further changes on the horizon.
Liquid's ambitious CS2 project for 2024, which aimed to elevate the team's standing in the competitive scene, has struggled to gain traction. Despite making it to the playoffs in major S-tier LAN events like IEM Chengdu and ESL Pro League Season 19, the team failed to convert these appearances into victories, culminating in a notable loss to Eternal Fire in the CCT Season One grand final. The team’s inability to perform on home soil against a weakened G2 at Dallas further highlighted the need for a roster revamp.
The benching of cadiaN marks a significant turning point for Team Liquid, as it reassesses its strategy and lineup for future success. The announcement was made via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on June 17, with both the team and cadiaN expressing their hopes for better outcomes ahead. This move has sparked discussions about the team's direction, with rumors suggesting that coach zews and potentially another squad member could also be departing.
Renowned esports journalist Richard Lewis has reported, citing a reliable source, that zews is expected to leave the team, with Canadian star rifler Twistzz potentially stepping in as captain. These changes, while not yet confirmed, indicate a significant restructuring within Team Liquid as it aims to recover from a lackluster season.
As Team Liquid prepares for the BLAST Premier Fall season and IEM Cologne, the esports community is keenly watching to see how these changes will impact the team's performance. With a revamped roster and a renewed focus, Liquid hopes to return to its former glory and compete at the highest levels of Counter-Strike 2.
The benching of cadiaN and the potential departure of zews represent a pivotal moment for Team Liquid, with the team facing the challenge of rebuilding and redefining its identity in the competitive CS2 landscape. As the esports world looks on, the question remains: Can Team Liquid turn its fortunes around and once again become a dominant force in the scene?
(First reported by: Richard Lewis, June 17)
