Team Liquid’s co-owner and co-CEO Steve ‘LiQuiD112‘ Arhancet explained what went wrong with the team this season after not qualifying for Worlds, and the direction of the team moving forwards
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Steve wanted to build ‘the best NA roster we’ve ever seen’ since Worlds is in NA this year
For that to happen, Steve clarified that he had had to garnered support from partners and convinced stakeholders that ‘this is the year’, since Worlds 2022 will be held in the U.S and Mexico. They spent a lot of money (reportedly around 7 million US dollars) and effort trying to make an all-star team
Liquid brought in veteran ADC Hans Sama and Toplaner Bwipo from the EU LEC, recruited NA midlaner legend Bjergsen and rounded up the roster with CoreJJ and Santorin from previous rosters for a ‘super team’
The results were disappointing. Team Liquid ended up 4th place in the NA LCS Summer Split after falling to EG 2-3 and will have to cheer for the NA home teams from spectators’ seats. Steve is angry at himself because there was a lot of ‘could’ve, would’ve’ with the team.
‘No more super’
Steve went on to confirm there will be roster changes next season. There won’t be another super team and the new team will use Liquid’s old structure, utilizing home region talents and focusing on chemistry rather than bringing in expensive imports. Finally, he apologized to all the fans and sponsors for the disappointments and emphasized they are right to be upset.
Super teams have not had much success historically in esports. High expectations, clashes in ego, mediocre chemistry, … and a myriad of other factors make such a team a nightmare even for legendary veterans of the scene to deal with.
It’s fun for the fans to fantasize putting Faker, Ruler, Kanavi, etc on a team, but apparently not ok if you’re CEO and owner of a big team, lesson learned!
