Valve have confirmed the seven direct invitations to The International 2026 in Shanghai, with defending champions Team Falcons headlining a list that also brings in Aurora Gaming, BoomBoys, Team Liquid, Tundra Esports, Xtreme Gaming and Team Yandex. The announcement from the Dota 2 team locks in nearly half of the 16-team field for the event, which runs from 13 to 23 August 2026 at the Oriental Sports Centre. The remaining nine slots will be settled through regional qualifiers across June, with Europe receiving four spots and the host region of China taking two.

As of 26 May 2026, the seven invitees are confirmed and the qualifier brackets are roughly three weeks out, with China and South America opening the regional cycle on 15 June. The base prize pool starts at $1.6 million USD and grows through in-game supporter bundle sales, with 30 per cent of bundle revenue added to the total over the course of the campaign.

The Seven Direct-Invited Teams

Valve’s invitation list draws from the top performers of the 2025 to 2026 Dota Pro Circuit and the squads that posted consistent results across the international tournament calendar. Team Falcons enter as defending TI 2025 champions, joined by a mix of repeat invitees and one notable newcomer in Team Yandex.

BoomBoys appear on the list under their new banner after dropping the BetBoom Team name ahead of the 2026 calendar. The roster underneath the rebrand stays largely intact from the squad that earned the invite through its 2025 Pro Circuit results, with the organisation moving away from the betting-operator naming that defined its previous identity.

Team Yandex’s invitation is the most notable addition to the top tier. The organisation breaks into a direct-invite slot for the first time, joining the Eastern European contingent alongside Aurora Gaming and BoomBoys. The depth of three Eastern European sides among the invited seven reflects the region’s competitive surge across the back half of the 2025 to 2026 season.

Nine Spots Remain Through Regional Qualifiers

The qualifier path opens on 15 June 2026 and runs through 28 June, with nine slots split across the five competitive regions. Europe receives the largest allocation with four spots, reflecting the depth of the region’s professional scene. China takes two slots as the host region, while Southeast Asia, North America and South America each contest a single seat.

Regional Qualifier Allocation And Dates

Europe’s four-slot allocation continues the pattern Valve has set since restructuring the qualifier system, with the region’s depth of professional teams justifying the largest share. The two Chinese slots ensure the host nation carries a strong domestic contingent at the Oriental Sports Centre, while the single slots for Southeast Asia, North America and South America reflect the slimmer top tier in those regions through the 2025 to 2026 season.

The qualifier windows overlap rather than running in sequence, with the Chinese and South American brackets opening first and the European bracket finishing last. Teams falling out of one region cannot attempt another, with the regional gating set by organisation registration.

Prize Pool Structure And Supporter Bundles

The base prize pool opens at $1.6 million USD, the figure Valve has used as the starting point since restructuring the event in 2023. The pool grows through in-game supporter bundle sales, with 30 per cent of bundle revenue feeding the total. The supporter bundle model replaced the older Battle Pass system after the publisher moved away from the crowdfunded prize pools that had previously pushed TI totals into eight figures.

Bundle sales typically lift the final pool beyond the starting figure, though the totals over the past three editions have settled into a more modest range than the peak of $40 million reached at TI 2021. The final figure will be confirmed closer to the start of the Group Stage in August, with bundle revenue feeding the pool through the back half of the year.

The 30 per cent share is the same split Valve introduced when the bundle model was first rolled out, with the remaining 70 per cent retained by the publisher. The structure trades the headline-grabbing crowdfunded totals of the Battle Pass era for a more sustainable prize pool that does not fluctuate as sharply between years.

Shanghai Venue And Tournament Format

The International 2026 returns to Shanghai for the second consecutive year, with all stages staged at the Oriental Sports Centre. The Group Stage runs 13 to 16 August and feeds into the elimination rounds and arena finale, which take place across 20 to 23 August inside the centre’s main arena.

Sixteen teams contest the event, the format Valve has held to since the 2023 restructure. The Group Stage seeds teams into the double-elimination playoff bracket, with upper-bracket sides holding a one-loss buffer through the arena weekend. The structure favours teams that come out of the Group Stage cleanly, with the upper-bracket path the only route that allows a single-series defeat without elimination.

The Oriental Sports Centre hosted the elimination rounds for TI 2025 and drew strong attendance through the finals weekend. The TI 2025 grand final drew 1.78 million peak viewers, the highest figure for a Dota 2 grand final since 2022 and an indicator that the competitive audience has stabilised after the dips that followed the move away from the original Battle Pass model.

What Comes Next For The Invited Seven

The invited seven now have just under three months to settle roster moves and preparation schedules ahead of the Group Stage opener on 13 August. Bootcamps in Europe are the standard lead-in for the Western European sides, while Xtreme Gaming and the Chinese qualifier representatives will compete on home ground across the full duration of the event.

Roster lock for the event traditionally falls in the window between the close of qualifiers and the start of the Group Stage, with substitutions and stand-ins permitted only under the conditions Valve has set in previous editions. The invited seven sit clear of the qualifier crunch and can use the full June window for scrimmages and patch-adjustment work, while the nine qualifier survivors will roll into Shanghai with their preparation compressed into the six-week gap between the end of the regional brackets and the opening of the Group Stage.

The next confirmed checkpoint on the calendar arrives on 15 June, when the Chinese and South American qualifiers begin and the field for Shanghai starts taking its final shape.

The post TI 2026 Direct Invites – Falcons, Xtreme Gaming, Liquid Lead Shanghai Field appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Team Liquid’s recent roster change has unexpectedly triggered a debate across the Counter-Strike 2 scene. After signing Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa from G2 Esports, the organisation’s regional classification in the Valve Regional Standings shifted to the Americas, placing them directly into the North American qualification race for upcoming majors.

While the move appears to be fully within Valve’s current rules, several teams and community figures are questioning whether switching regions shortly before Major invitations are issued creates an uneven playing field.

Team Liquid’s Signing Of malbsMd Changed Their Region

The controversy stems from Liquid’s acquisition of Guatemalan player Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa. Because of how the Valve Regional Standings determine a team’s regional classification, the roster change pushed the core of Liquid’s lineup into the Americas category.

That shift immediately altered their position in the rankings. According to analysis shared by CS caster Buckethead on X, the move would place Liquid around seventh in the Americas standings based on the current VRS listings.

That ranking position is significant because it would likely be enough to secure an invitation to the next CS2 Major.

Buckethead explained the implications in a post, noting that the move adds pressure to several teams already competing in the region.

“Doing quick math, with this move this makes the core of Liquid fall in the Americas for VRS. With the current listings they would fall in 7th place in Americas, almost certainly securing a spot for the upcoming major,” he wrote.

Doing quick math, with this move this makes the core of Liquid fall in the Americas for VRS. With the current listings they would fall in 7th place in Americas, almost certainly securing a spot for the upcoming major. The morality of switching regions to secure a major spot I… https://t.co/2qqVAp8qlX

— Buckethead (@Buckethead_cs) March 13, 2026

Critics Question The Fairness Of Last-Minute Region Changes

Although Buckethead acknowledged the move does not break any rules, he suggested the broader system might need review.

He added that while Liquid should not be blamed for taking advantage of the rules, the ability for teams to switch regions shortly before qualification cut-offs raises ethical questions.

“The morality of switching regions to secure a major spot still needs to be discussed,” he said, adding that such situations may need closer examination in the future.

The criticism is less about Liquid specifically, and more about whether the Valve Regional Standings framework unintentionally encourages strategic region changes near major qualification windows.

Marsborne Founder Speaks Out Against The Decision

One of the strongest reactions came from Cashmere, founder and general manager of the North American organisation Marsborne.

Responding to the situation on X, he questioned why teams would invest heavily in developing a region if others can effectively enter the race shortly before Major invitations are determined.

Why spend time/money/resources building in a region you believe in when you can just grab a spot right before cutoff.

— 𝕮𝖆𝖘𝖍𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖊 (@Cashmere_GG) March 13, 2026

In another post quoting Team Liquid’s social media announcement about their move to the NA region, he added further criticism.

Have done zero to grow or support the region but sure. https://t.co/hNqzrkjYRM

— 𝕮𝖆𝖘𝖍𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖊 (@Cashmere_GG) March 13, 2026

Marsborne has reportedly spent significant resources building its roster within the region, including travelling to tournaments in Brazil, covering logistics and flights, handling visa arrangements for players, and grinding out VRS points across multiple events.

North American Teams Now Face Increased Pressure

Liquid’s entry into the Americas standings raises the stakes for several teams already competing for limited Major slots.

Buckethead specifically highlighted organisations such as Passion UA, Marsborne, M80, Voca, and Imperial as teams now facing increased pressure in the rankings race.

For squads on the qualification bubble, even one additional competitor in the standings can significantly affect their chances of receiving an invite.

Marsborne’s situation illustrates that challenge clearly. The team still has opportunities to gain points through upcoming Tier-2 LAN events in Brazil, but the margin for error is now smaller than before.

Valve’s Regional System Now Under Scrutiny

The debate surrounding Liquid’s regional shift highlights a broader conversation happening in the Counter-Strike community.

On one side, the move is simply a smart use of the existing rules governing the Valve Regional Standings. Liquid did not violate any regulations, and roster changes affecting regional classification are part of the system.

On the other hand, critics argue that last-minute region switches could undermine the long-term efforts of teams that spend months or years building within a particular region.

For now, the rules remain unchanged. But with Major qualification becoming increasingly competitive, discussions about whether the VRS system should place stricter limits on regional switching are likely to continue.

Upcoming tournaments across the Americas region will ultimately determine whether teams like Marsborne can still secure enough ranking points to qualify, despite the new competition.

The post Team Liquid NA Move Sparks Debate Over CS2 Major Qualification appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

One of the most talked-about roster rumours in the Counter-Strike 2 scene has now been confirmed. G2 Esports and Team Liquid have officially completed a player swap that sends Guy “NertZ” Iluz to G2 while Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa joins Liquid.

Both organisations confirmed the move on social media, ending several days of speculation across the community. The transfer reshapes both line-ups heading into a busy run of tournaments and could also play a major role in Team Liquid’s qualification path for the upcoming Counter-Strike 2 Major.

The Confirmed G2 And Liquid Player Swap

The deal sees Israeli rifler NertZ move to G2 while Guatemalan entry-fragger malbsMd joins Team Liquid.

For G2, the signing reunites NertZ with familiar faces. He will once again play under coach Eetu “sAw” Saha and alongside Spanish AWPer Álvaro “SunPayus” García, both of whom previously worked with him during his time with ENCE.

Let’s switch things up around here 😎

Welcome @NertzCS! pic.twitter.com/b8wPFVS1ph

— G2 CS (@G2CSGO) March 13, 2026

Meanwhile, Liquid gains an aggressive rifler in malbsMd, a player known for his high-impact entry style at top-tier events. The organisation also confirmed the roster change at the same time as G2, signalling a coordinated transfer between the two teams.

welcome @malbsMd 🇬🇹

Back in NA! We’re excited to have malbsMd join our starting roster at BLAST Open Rotterdam and to bring a new element to our team.

Thanks to @g2esports for working with us on this trade- the doctor is in! 🩺 pic.twitter.com/2dZ5vIVdy4

— Team Liquid CS (@TeamLiquidCS) March 13, 2026

The move had been heavily discussed by fans and analysts in recent days, but the simultaneous announcements from both organisations now make it official.

Why The Move Matters For Liquid’s Major Qualification

While the swap strengthens both teams competitively, it has particularly important implications for Team Liquid’s Major hopes.

Liquid currently sits outside the top 17 in the European Valve Regional Standings, which had placed their qualification path in danger ahead of the April 6 cut-off date.

By bringing in malbsMd, Liquid returns to an American core roster. That shift moves the team back into the Americas qualification region, significantly improving their chances of securing a Major spot through the regional system.

However, there is still a requirement both teams must meet. Each roster must play at least five official matches with the new players before the April 6 invite deadline in order for the line-ups to be recognised.

If Liquid fails to complete those matches in time, the team could still miss the Major despite having sufficient ranking points.

NertZ Looks To Rebound With G2

NertZ arrives at G2 following a relatively quiet stint with Team Liquid.

During his time on the roster, his rating dropped to 1.05, which is noticeably lower than the form he showed earlier in his career. In 2023 he was named Rookie of the Year and ranked the 13th best player in the world, while maintaining ratings above 1.12 during his time with ENCE and HEROIC.

The reunion with sAw and SunPayus could help the Israeli rifler rediscover that level. Their previous collaboration at ENCE produced some of the strongest results of his career.

For G2, the addition also comes at a time when the team is rebuilding following the departures of Nikola “NiKo” Kovač and Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov earlier in the season.

malbsMd Leaves G2 After Difficult Period

Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa joined G2 with high expectations but struggled to consistently reach his best form after the roster changes that followed the departures of NiKo and m0NESY.

Despite those challenges, he remains known as one of the more explosive entry players in the professional scene. Liquid appears to be betting on that aggressive playstyle to strengthen their front line.

The move also helps reshape Liquid’s regional identity as the organisation returns to a roster structure more closely aligned with the Americas scene.

Upcoming Tournaments Will Debut The New Rosters

Both teams now face a tight schedule as they rush to complete the required number of matches before the Major cut-off.

G2 is expected to debut NertZ at upcoming events including BC.Game Masters and Stake Ranked Episode 1. These tournaments will help the roster reach the five-match requirement for Major eligibility.

Team Liquid has an even busier path. Alongside BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, the squad is scheduled to attend events such as DraculaN and the WINAMAX Counter-Strike 2 Trophy.

Liquid is also currently competing at the Roman Imperium Cup VI with Justinas “jL” Lekavicius standing in temporarily before the roster fully stabilises.

Updated Counter-Strike 2 Rosters

G2 Esports

Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač
Matúš “MATYS” Šimko
Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko
Álvaro “SunPayus” García
Guy “NertZ” Iluz

Coach: Eetu “sAw” Saha

Team Liquid

Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski
Keith “NAF” Markovic
Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek
Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak
Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa

Coach: Viktor “flashie” Tamás Bea

With the Major qualification deadline approaching fast, both organisations now face the same immediate challenge, getting enough official matches played with their new players before April 6.

If the rosters settle quickly, this swap could end up shaping not only the future of G2 and Liquid, but also the final lineup of teams competing at the next Counter-Strike 2 Major.

The post G2 And Liquid Swap NertZ And malbsMd In Major Impact CS2 Roster Move appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The lineup for the first BLAST Bounty Season 1 Finals of 2026 is now complete, following a brutal online stage that cut the field from 32 teams down to just eight. With several big names falling early, the road to the LAN finals in Malta has already proven anything but predictable.

Only four top 10 teams managed to make it through, setting the stage for a finals event that feels wide open, and slightly chaotic, heading into late January.

Big Names Fall Short Before Malta

The online phase claimed some major casualties. FaZe, Natus Vincere, and Aurora were among the most notable teams to miss out on qualification, a result that few would have predicted at the start of the tournament.

With those exits, the final eight heading to Malta includes a mix of tournament favourites and lower seeded squads that fought their way through a demanding bracket.

Confirmed Teams For BLAST Bounty Season 1 Finals

The eight teams heading to Malta are now locked in:

• Vitality
• FURIA
• Falcons
• Spirit
• Liquid
• PARIVISION
• GamerLegion
• HEROIC

The FINAL EIGHT who are heading to Malta to battle for the BLAST Bounty trophy! 🏆 #BLASTPremier pic.twitter.com/wDcFxQxaBL

— BLAST Premier 💥 (@BLASTPremier) January 18, 2026

Falcons Hit By Last Minute Roster Issue

One of the biggest storylines heading into the LAN finals is the situation surrounding Falcons. The team will be forced to compete with academy player Matej “NucleonZ” Trajkoski standing in for Maxim “kyousuke” Lukin, who is unable to attend due to visa issues.

The roster change adds another layer of uncertainty to a tournament already shaped by upsets, and it remains to be seen how Falcons will adapt on LAN against elite opposition.

Draft Show To Decide Quarter Final Matchups

The four lower seeded teams will each select one of the top seeds as their opponent during BLAST’s live draft show on Wednesday at 02:00. Liquid will have first pick, giving them a key strategic advantage before a single round is played on LAN.

The draft is expected to play a major role in shaping the tournament bracket, especially given the balance between favourites and dark horses this season.

Malta LAN Set For Late January

The BLAST Bounty Season 1 Finals will run from January 22 to 25 at BLAST’s studios in Malta. With only a handful of top ranked teams remaining, a live draft deciding matchups, and roster complications already in play, the event is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable CS2 LANs of the early 2026 season.

The post BLAST Bounty Season 1 Finals Locked In As Only Four Top 10 Teams Survive Online Stage appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A new global study has ranked Team Liquid as the most successful esports team of all time, cementing its legacy at the very top of competitive gaming. The December 2025 report, published by digital entertainment platform JB, analysed the world’s biggest esports organisations using a detailed Success Index that combines competitive results, earnings, viewership, and social reach.

The research paints a clear picture of how far esports has evolved, from small online competitions into a global industry that rivals traditional sports in scale, professionalism, and prize money.

How The Rankings Were Calculated

The study examined leading esports teams from around the world and scored them using a Success Index ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate stronger overall performance across several key metrics.

These included total tournaments played, all time prize money, earnings during 2025, peak viewership in 2025, number of matches played that year, and follower counts on YouTube and Twitch. This approach allowed the research to balance long term legacy with recent competitive impact.

You can access the complete research findings and methodologies here.

Team Liquid Takes The Top Spot

With a perfect Success Index score of 100, Team Liquid stands alone at number one. Founded in 2000, the Dutch organisation has competed in an astonishing 2,977 tournaments over 25 years, more than any other team in the study.

Across that period, Team Liquid has earned over US$56 million in prize money, the highest total of all teams analysed. In 2025 alone, they competed in 570 matches and brought in close to US$2.4 million, while also reaching a peak viewership of 2 million fans during major events.

Their dominance across multiple esports titles and consistent presence at the highest level were key factors behind their top ranking.

Team Falcons Surge After A Huge 2025

Second place belongs to Team Falcons, following an outstanding 2025 season. The Saudi Arabian organisation earned nearly US$2.8 million during the year, competing in 54 tournaments and playing 543 matches.

Team Falcons also recorded a 2025 peak viewership of 1.8 million and boasts one of the largest YouTube audiences in esports, with around 3.8 million followers. Their recent success highlights the rapid growth of esports in the Middle East.

Team Spirit’s Efficiency Pays Off

In third place is Team Spirit, a team known for making the most of fewer appearances. Since forming in 2015, Team Spirit has only entered 307 tournaments, yet has already earned more than US$36 million in prize money, the second highest total overall.

Their peak viewership in 2025 reached 1.7 million, with a growing fanbase that includes over 400,000 YouTube subscribers. Despite a smaller tournament footprint, their high impact performances pushed them into the global top three.

Team Vitality Leads France’s Esports Charge

France’s Team Vitality takes fourth place after a strong year on the international stage. Founded in 2013, Team Vitality has competed in 524 tournaments and earned roughly US$13.4 million in total prize money.

In 2025 alone, they collected nearly US$3.1 million, matching Team Spirit’s earnings for the year. The organisation also continues to grow its audience, with over 290,000 followers on Twitch and more than 417,000 on YouTube.

FaZe Clan’s Social Media Power

Rounding out the top five is FaZe Clan, the most followed esports brand in the world. FaZe Clan boasts 8.5 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 600,000 Twitch followers, giving them unmatched reach on social platforms.

While their competitive results in 2025 were quieter, earning around US$226,000, their long term success is undeniable. Since 2010, FaZe Clan has entered 801 tournaments and accumulated more than US$21 million in prize money.

The Top 10 Most Successful Esports Teams

Esports Now Rivals Traditional Sports

Commenting on the findings, JB’s CEO emphasised how outdated perceptions of esports have become. He noted that modern esports organisations operate like professional sports franchises, employing coaches, analysts, and support staff, while signing players to contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

He also pointed to Team Falcons winning US$7 million in a single tournament during 2025, a prize pool larger than what many traditional sporting events offer to their champions.

The post Team Liquid Crowned The Most Successful Esports Team In The World appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Team Liquid Enters a New World

Esports giant Team Liquid is gearing up for a fresh adventure, announcing a new partnership with the open-world MMORPG Sword of Justice. The organisation shared the news online with a bold promise, saying it is ready to dive into a challenging and immersive world where fast-paced action meets strategic gameplay.

A NEW CHALLENGE AWAITS 🌊
We’re proud to announce our partnership with Sword of Justice @SoJ_Global! Get ready to dive into a challenging and immersive MMORPG that brings fast-paced action and strategic gameplay to the next level ⚔️

Stay tuned for more info as we prepare to… pic.twitter.com/VtFRBBPnMV

— Team Liquid (@TeamLiquid) November 13, 2025

While details are still under wraps, Team Liquid confirmed that more information will be revealed soon. The announcement was paired with a promotional image featuring members of the organisation’s World of Warcraft guild, including Brandyn ‘Hopeful’ Hahn, ‘Imfiredup’, ‘Tobo’, ‘Scott’, Arthur ‘Maximum’ Maxwell Smith, and ‘Nick’. These players were part of the leadership that helped Team Liquid secure the Race to World First for Mythic Manaforge Omega back in August.

This latest collaboration adds to Team Liquid’s packed 2025 partnership lineup. Earlier this month, the organisation teamed up with UNICEF to support initiatives tied to the Sustainable Development Goals, showing its ongoing commitment to global impact both inside and outside the gaming scene.

Echo Esports Joins the Challenge

Team Liquid isn’t the only powerhouse stepping into Sword of Justice. WoW team Echo Esports has also revealed a collaboration with the MMORPG. In its announcement, Echo confirmed that its guild members are testing out the game’s first raid, a clear nod to the competitive speed-running format fans know from events like the Mythic Dungeon International.

We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with @SoJ_Global! Echo is trying out the first raid in Sword of Justice, an immersive MMORPG that combines fast-paced combat and deep strategy for a game-changing experience.⚔️ #SwordOfJustice #Echo pic.twitter.com/rBgPUrKJjg

— Echo (@EchoGuild) November 12, 2025

The move hints that Sword of Justice could be shaping up for a bigger push into esports, using its raid content as a competitive arena where teams race to claim the fastest clear times. For fans of high-intensity MMO content, this could be an exciting new battleground to watch.

About Sword of Justice

Sword of Justice is a free-to-play online MMORPG developed by ZhuRong Studio and published by NetEase Games. The title launched globally on November 7th, 2025 on both PC and mobile, and it has already made waves with more than 40 million downloads across Asia.

Designed around fast-paced combat, co-op raids, and deep strategic loops, the game blends classic MMO elements with modern action gameplay. With major esports organisations like Team Liquid and Echo now involved, Sword of Justice looks poised to build a competitive scene that MMO fans will want to keep an eye on.

What Comes Next

Both organisations have promised more updates soon, suggesting that players can expect new content previews, raid showcases, or early steps toward esports events. With two of the world’s most respected MMO-focused teams exploring Sword of Justice, the game’s future in the competitive space is looking more promising by the day.

The post Team Liquid and Echo Step Into Sword of Justice, Signalling a New Era for MMORPG Esports appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Team Liquid has officially rejoined the Apex Legends competitive scene, unveiling its brand-new roster in partnership with gaming hardware powerhouse Alienware. The announcement marks the organisation’s return to the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) and sets the stage for an exciting 2026 Championship campaign.

You thought we were leaving? Sikezz! There’s Zer0 chance this won’t be Fuhhnq.
And what’s a horse without its Winnie?🐴

Welcome To Team Liquid Alienware💙@Alienware | #LETSGOLIQUID | #TLWIN pic.twitter.com/agQdnFJavQ

— Team Liquid Apex Legends (@TeamLiquid_APEX) November 5, 2025

A Triumphant Return to the Arena

After stepping back from Apex Legends competition, Team Liquid is back in full force. Their new lineup comes from the rising team ZZ, which made waves in the 2025 Split 2 Pro League Americas by finishing as runners-up among 30 top-tier rosters.

The new Team Liquid Alienware Apex Legends roster features:

• Rhys “Zer0” Perry
• Nochilas “Sikezz” Odom
• Nicholas “Fuhhnq” Wall
• Winnie “tiltedwinnie” Long (Coach)

Winnie joins as the team’s coach after previous stints with notable organisations like NRG, bringing valuable experience to guide Liquid’s new Apex division.

Star Power and a Fresh Start

Perhaps the biggest headline is the signing of Zer0, a proven champion who previously played for Team Falcons alongside ImperialHal. During his tenure there, Zer0 lifted the 2025 Split 1 Pro League Americas trophy, claimed victory in the 2025 Open, and secured a third-place finish at the Year 4 Championship.

Now wearing Liquid blue, Zer0 expressed his excitement online:

“Finally get to be with an organisation I grew up watching. Couldn’t be happier with how everything’s turned out. Time for Liquid Apex to actually win something.”

His enthusiasm mirrors that of the Liquid faithful, who have been eagerly awaiting the team’s return to the Apex Legends Global Series stage.

The Road to Sapporo

Fans won’t have to wait long to see Team Liquid Alienware in action. The roster will debut at the ALGS 2026 Championship, set for January 15–18, 2026, in Sapporo, Japan.

The event will feature 40 of the world’s best teams from regions including Europe, the Americas, APAC North, and APAC South, all battling for their share of a $2 million USD prize pool.

Team Liquid will go head-to-head with Apex Legends powerhouses such as Team Falcons, TSM, Alliance, and Gen.G Esports. With its new roster, the organisation aims to reclaim its spot among the world’s elite and capture its first ALGS title.

A New Chapter for Team Liquid Apex Legends

Team Liquid’s re-entry into Apex Legends, coupled with its long-time partnership with Alienware, signals renewed ambitions for one of esports’ most recognisable names. With a strong mix of experience, chemistry, and hunger to win, Team Liquid Alienware looks poised to make a major impact heading into the 2026 season.

As Zer0 put it, it’s time for Liquid to finally take the crown.

The post Team Liquid Returns to Apex Legends with Alienware-Backed Roster appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A New Chapter in Esports Philanthropy
Team Liquid has announced a major partnership with UNICEF, joining forces with the world’s largest children’s rights agency to promote positive change through gaming. The collaboration focuses on supporting UNICEF’s Sustainable Development Goal of “Quality Education” and aims to inspire young people worldwide through special streams, in-game activations, and community events.

We’re proud to announce our partnership with @UNICEF 💙

Let’s use the power of gaming to make a difference for children everywhere through charity streams, in-game activations, and community events! 🌍

Every child deserves the chance to play, learn, and thrive. pic.twitter.com/9xrTUgCMJE

— Team Liquid (@TeamLiquid) November 7, 2025

The partnership was unveiled during Team Liquid’s Intel x Team Liquid World Tour stop in London, where founder and Co-CEO Victor Goossens shared how gaming shaped his own life. “As a teenager, gaming taught me about new cultures, helped me develop a work ethic, and gave me a goal to strive towards,” said Goossens. “Bringing these opportunities to young people is part of our mission, and we are honoured to partner with UNICEF to support children worldwide in reaching their full potential.”

Esports Meets Global Good

Through this partnership, Team Liquid and UNICEF will combine their strengths to use gaming as a platform for empowerment. Team Liquid provides a trusted link to digital-native audiences who see gaming as a central part of their culture, while UNICEF brings decades of experience in children’s rights, digital safety, and inclusive education.

Sebastien Lyon, Chief of Corporate Partnerships at UNICEF, said, “We are excited to partner with Team Liquid to mobilise their esports and digital communities to advocate and raise vital funds for the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we aim to inspire a generation by engaging with them where they play and connect, and empowering them to transform awareness into impact.”

The partnership will officially launch on November 20th, World Children’s Day, with a two-week charity streaming campaign featuring Team Liquid’s content creators and esports talent. Additional initiatives, including co-designed in-game integrations, will be unveiled later as part of a broader push to unite gaming communities for global good.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Team Liquid’s collaboration with UNICEF is the latest in a long line of charitable efforts by the organisation. In 2021, it partnered with IMC for a 24-hour charity stream to benefit the non-profit Room to Read. Earlier this year, Team Liquid also showcased its commitment to inclusivity by donning Pride jerseys during the Esports World Cup, raising funds for LGBTQ+ initiatives across Europe, North America, and Brazil.

With UNICEF now on board, Team Liquid continues to expand its “esports for all” mission, using its platform not just for competition, but for connection and compassion.

Gaming for a Better Tomorrow

Both organisations view this partnership as a way to bridge entertainment and education, turning the passion of gamers into a force for real-world change. Through joint initiatives and community-driven campaigns, Team Liquid and UNICEF hope to build a world where every child can play, learn, and thrive—no matter where they come from.

As Goossens summarised, “Gaming can be life-changing. Together with UNICEF, we want to make sure it’s life-changing for the better.”

The post Team Liquid Partners with UNICEF to Empower the Next Generation Through Gaming appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A High-Stakes Start in Bucharest

The stage is set for PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, with the tournament’s opening matches officially confirmed. Running from October 26 to November 1, the $1,250,000 Counter-Strike 2 event will be hosted at the PGL Studios in Bucharest, Romania, featuring 16 teams battling it out in a Swiss format before heading into the eight-team playoffs and a best-of-five grand final.

The tournament serves as one of the final Tier 1 events before the upcoming Budapest Major, giving teams a crucial chance to refine their form and build confidence.

Legacy vs Liquid Headlines Opening Day

Fresh off their victory at the CS Asia Championship 2025, Legacy enter Bucharest riding a wave of momentum and will open the tournament against Team Liquid in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling rematch.

Legacy have quickly become one of South America’s rising forces after their win in Shanghai, and this match against a resurgent Liquid, now led by Jonathan “ELiGE” Jablonowski, will test whether their recent success can translate onto European soil.

For Liquid, this is another opportunity to prove that their rebuilt roster can hang with the best. Fans are already hyped for the clash, which kicks off on October 26 at 8AM UTC.

Opening Day Lineup: Big Names, Big Battles

The opening round will feature a packed schedule of matches, with global representation from Brazil, Europe, and Oceania. Here’s the full list of opening-day fixtures:

October 26, 2025 (Saturday)

• 08:00 UTC – Legacy vs Team Liquid
• 08:00 UTC – paiN Gaming vs Gentle Mates
• 11:00 UTC – GamerLegion vs FlyQuest
• 11:00 UTC – HEROIC vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
• 14:00 UTC – 3DMAX vs SAW
• 14:00 UTC – BetBoom vs MIBR

October 27, 2025 (Sunday)

• 17:00 UTC – Aurora Gaming vs Fnatic
• 17:00 UTC – Astralis vs B8

🇷🇴 The Day 1 schedule of PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 is here! 🗓️

📅 October 26 – November 1
💰 $1,250,000 in winnings
🎮 16 teams
📍 PGL Studios#PGLMasters pic.twitter.com/mcwjAcJph6

— PGL (@pglesports) October 20, 2025

Fan Reactions: Time Zones and Sleep Schedules

While excitement for PGL Masters Bucharest is high, the global CS2 community had plenty to say about the match timings.
Brazilian fans were quick to note that both Legacy and paiN Gaming will be playing at 5AM local time, making it tough for South American viewers to tune in live.

“I’d love to watch these matches, but I’m not waking up at 5AM on a Sunday for a Tier 2 tournament,” one fan wrote on HLTV, sparking a lighthearted debate about dedication versus practicality.

Others, however, were quick to defend the schedule, pointing out that the matches are aligned with local Romanian time zones. As one commenter put it, “You do realise that match times are according to the location of the tournament, right? Before blaming PGL?”

Fans in Europe and Oceania, meanwhile, were much happier with the timing, with one Australian user joking, “7PM for me – good time to eat dinner and watch from 8PM.”

Aurora and GamerLegion Seek Redemption

Among the most anticipated storylines are Aurora Gaming and GamerLegion, both looking to bounce back after inconsistent results.

Aurora enter Bucharest as the highest-ranked team in attendance, but their recent form has been shaky, placing mid-table at events like ESL Pro League and the Thunderpick World Championship. Their first challenge will be Fnatic, the current Fragadelphia Blocktober champions, in what promises to be a fiery match.

Meanwhile, GamerLegion face FlyQuest, a rising team from the Asia-Pacific region. Despite once being a top European contender, GamerLegion’s recent struggles could make this a surprisingly tight series.

What’s at Stake

With a massive $625,000 first-place prize on the line, every match at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 counts. The event also serves as a critical momentum builder heading into November’s Budapest Major, where many of these same teams will compete again.

Given their recent form and hunger for a Tier 1 breakthrough, Legacy may well be the team to watch once again. Their fans would love nothing more than to see back-to-back trophies added to their cabinet before year’s end.

The post PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 Opening Matches Revealed With Legacy to Clash with Liquid in Early Rematch appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Liquid End Their Shanghai Run on a High

Team Liquid have wrapped up their CS Asia Championships 2025 campaign with a confident 2–0 sweep over Heroic, clinching third place in Shanghai. The North American–European mix looked sharp from start to finish, marking their second consecutive third-place finish since the addition of Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski.

Liquid finish third at CAC 🥉 pic.twitter.com/2wCAMGmNge

— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) October 19, 2025

Liquid’s campaign began strong, marching through the group stage unbeaten with victories over GamerLegion, MIBR, and Legacy. However, their shot at the grand final slipped away after a close 1–2 loss to 3DMAX in the semi-finals. The team quickly regrouped for the third-place decider, taking down Heroic in style and adding another bronze finish to their growing list of top-tier results — following a similar showing at the recent Birch Cup.

EliGE and Siuhy Lead the Charge

The series opened on Mirage, where Liquid’s mix of experience and youthful aggression proved too much for Heroic. A tied 4–4 early game soon spiralled into a dominant 13–4 victory thanks to stellar performances from EliGE and in-game leader Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek, whose leadership continues to earn praise across the scene.

Heroic’s pick of Dust2 offered little relief. Despite a few promising rounds from Linus “LNZ” Holtäng’s squad, Liquid controlled the tempo and closed out the map 13–5, sealing the series 2–0.

EliGE once again stood tall on the scoreboard with a 1.41 rating and 99.7 ADR, while siuhy, Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak, and Keith “NAF” Markovic also delivered high-impact performances. Heroic’s temporary AWPer Olek “hades” Miskiewicz struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with a 0.68 rating as the team faltered against Liquid’s well-drilled play.

Three Straight Podium Finishes for Liquid

This third-place finish marks Liquid’s third straight top-four placement, following their strong showings at both the Birch Cup and Fissure tournaments. It’s a clear sign that the current roster, now stabilised around siuhy’s leadership, is building consistency heading into the crucial months of the season.

The team will now return to Europe to prepare for PGL Masters Bucharest, their final event before the StarLadder Budapest Major campaign begins. With EliGE in excellent form and the team’s chemistry improving, Liquid look ready to challenge for a title soon.

For Heroic, the Shanghai run was a mixed bag. The team showed promise with hades standing in, but their collapse in the decider highlights how far they still have to go to regain their former strength.

What’s Next for Liquid

Liquid’s Shanghai campaign may not have ended with a trophy, but their recent string of podium finishes paints a promising picture. If siuhy’s leadership and EliGE’s resurgence continue at this pace, fans could be witnessing the rise of a revitalised Liquid, one capable of reclaiming its spot among Counter-Strike’s elite.

The post Team Liquid Secure Third Place at CS Asia Championships After Dominant Win Over Heroic appeared first on Shane the Gamer.