Team Liquid has established itself as a titan within the esports industry, boasting many teams across multiple games that consistently reach the pinnacle of competitive play. From their roots in StarCraft to their commanding presence in League of Legends and Counter-Strike, their impact spans nearly the entire spectrum of esports. However, this article will focus specifically on their Dota 2 squad. Their team has won one of the most prestigious tournaments in all of esports - the International and remains a formidable force in the competitive Dota 2 scene. This report will thoroughly examine the accomplishments, history, current team lineup, and distinctive media presence of Team Liquid's Dota 2 team.
Achievements
Team Liquid's journey in Dota 2 is marked by several significant achievements that underscore their prowess in one of the most competitive esports titles.
The International 2017 Victory: Team Liquid's crowning achievement in Dota 2 came in 2017 when they won The International 2017 (TI7). This victory was historic for its $10 million prize and because Liquid was the first team to sweep the grand finals 3-0 in the history of the International tournaments.
Runner-up at The International 2019: Building on their previous success, Team Liquid also reached the grand finals of The International 2019. Although they finished as runners-up, their performance was a testament to their enduring skill and tactical gameplay. This event further solidified their reputation as one of the top teams globally.
Additional Achievements in Other Esports Titles
League of Legends: In League of Legends, Team Liquid has consistently been a top contender in the North American LCS, with a notable resurgence in 2024 to clinch the LCS title after several years. This victory marked a significant moment, reaffirming their status in the regional scene.
StarCraft II: Team Liquid has achieved remarkable success in the esports industry, and that started in the StarCraft II scene. The organization played a significant role in developing some of the best Western talent in the game. Their comprehensive coverage and analysis on TL.net contributed significantly to the game's competitive landscape.
Valorant and Other Titles: Expanding their reach, Team Liquid competes in Valorant, where they have assembled a competitive team participating in major tournaments. This is part of their broader strategy to maintain a presence across multiple esports fronts, including titles like CS: GO and PUBG.
History
Founded in 2000 in the Netherlands, the organization started as a small StarCraft: Brood War community formed by Victor "Nazgul" Goossens. This early period was driven mainly by passion rather than profit, as esports was not lucrative.
As StarCraft II gained popularity, Team Liquid expanded, becoming one of the foremost teams in the Western esports scene. The launch of the TL.net site helped solidify its status, creating a hub for StarCraft discussion and eventually covering multiple esports titles through its wikis.
The pivotal year of 2015 marked a significant expansion for Team Liquid through a merger with Team Curse. This move introduced them to new esports titles like League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. This broadened their game portfolio, strengthened their presence in North America, and established them as a significant player in the global esports market.
Team Liquid has continued diversifying its involvement across various competitive scenes in recent years, including Dota 2, League of Legends, and more niche markets like Super Smash Bros. and Street Fighter. The organization has built a comprehensive support system for its players, including coaches, analysts, and health professionals, ensuring their athletes can perform at their best.
Players
Team Liquid's Dota 2 squad's active roster
Michael 'miCKe' Vu - Position 1. Since joining in 2019, he has been a critical player known for his agility and tactical gameplay, which are crucial in the team's strong tournament performances.
- Lima Major Grand Final
- Riyadh Masters 2023: 2nd Place
- The International 2022: 3rd Place
- ESL One Germany 2020: Champion
- DreamLeague Season 19: 2nd Place
- ESL One Berlin Major 2023: 2nd Place
- The International 2019: 13th-16th Place
- ESL One Kuala Lumpur Major 2023: 3rd Place
- Bali Major 2023: 2nd Place
Michał 'Nisha' Jankowski - Position 2. Joined the team in late 2022 and has been instrumental in securing critical victories with his strategic plays.
- Kuala Lumpur Major Finalist
- The International 2022 (TI11) Runner-Up
- BetBoom Dacha Dubai 2024 Solo Tournament Winner
- Multiple DPC Major Championships
- Esports PC Player of the Year 2020
Neta '33' Shapira - Position 3. The team's offlaner joined in November 2023, adding robustness and expertise to the squad.
- The International 2022 Champion
- PGL Arlington Major:
- ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023
Samuel 'Boxi' Svahn -Position 4. Since joining alongside miCKe in 2019, he has been known for his dynamic playstyle, contributing significantly to the team's flexibility in matches.
- DreamLeague Season 13: The Leipzig Major Champion
- Second Place at The International 2019
- Third Place at The International 2022
Aydin 'Insania' Sarkohi - Position 5 and team captain. Since 2019, his leadership and game knowledge have been pivotal for the team's coordination and strategy execution.
- ESL One Germany 2020 MVP
- Champion at ESL One Malaysia 2022
- Consistent Top Performer at Major Tournaments
Coaching Staff:
- William 'Blitz' Lee: Blitz was one of the Western players who joined the Korean Dota 2 scene, participating in the Nexon Sponsorship League and contributing significantly to its development. He has been influential as the coach of Team Liquid and has been credited with improving team dynamics and performance. Under his guidance, Team Liquid has achieved notable success, including a third-place finish at The International 11 (TI11) during the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2021-22 season. Before his current role at Team Liquid, Blitz was also a coach for Digital Chaos, leading them to a second-place finish at The International 2016.
Team Liquid's Media Presence
Social Media:
Team Liquid engages its global fanbase on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It provides real-time updates, match details, and promotional content to entertain and connect with fans.
Their YouTube channel features game highlights, interviews, and documentaries. On Twitch, they stream live gameplay, competitions, and interactive events.
It is important to note that they create videos with subtitles and region-specific social media posts to engage with fans worldwide and strengthen their global brand presence.
Educational and Analytical Content: For fans interested in the strategic aspects of esports, Team Liquid offers detailed video analyses of the games. These are crafted to educate their audience about complex game strategies and player decision-making processes. By breaking down gameplay footage, these sessions offer insights that both new and seasoned players can appreciate, enhancing their understanding of the game.
Collaborative Projects and Merchandising:
Team Liquid has partnered with Marvel Entertainment to create a line of superhero-themed team jerseys. The collaboration merges esports excitement with comic book hero allure.
They also partnered with Star Wars for limited-edition apparel and accessories, incorporating their branding with Star Wars motifs. The collaboration among gaming and sci-fi fans was a hit, enhancing their cultural footprint in merchandise.
Team Liquid generally updates its merchandise line with high-quality performance wear, casual apparel, and lifestyle products like backpacks and water bottles, ensuring fans can show their support in various aspects of daily life.
Their e-commerce platform allows fans worldwide to purchase their merchandise, with international shipping options available. They also set up temporary stores and event-specific merchandise booths during significant events, providing fans with exclusive buying opportunities.
Digital Engagement Through Merchandising:
Interestingly, Team Liquid uses Augmented Reality (AR) to provide fans with exclusive content when purchasing special edition jerseys. The jerseys have a scannable QR code that gives access to behind-the-scenes videos or messages from players.
Community Initiatives:
Team Liquid proposes exclusive content during meet-ups for its fans, especially in cities with a large fan base like LA, NY, Amsterdam, and Seoul. These events coincide with significant esports tournaments, providing a communal space for fans to watch games, interact with each other, and meet players and staff.
Esports Camps and Educational Workshops: Team Liquid hosts esports camps and workshops in various locations, including Utrecht, Los Angeles, and São Paulo. Participants receive hands-on gameplay training and health, teamwork, and media lessons from industry professionals, which are crucial for developing well-rounded esports professionals.
They've been involved in charity streams and tournaments, where proceeds go to organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other local charities. By doing so, Team Liquid reinforces the community's values and the support they stand for.