Zews Reflects on Team Liquid’s Downfall: “A Gradual Snowballing, Not an Abrupt Collapse”
Team Liquid, a powerhouse organization in the esports scene, had high hopes and ambitious goals for 2024. However, their journey took an unexpected turn, leading to a sharp and profound decline that has become one of the most talked-about disappointments in recent esports history. In an exclusive interview with HLTV, former Liquid coach Wilton “zews” Prado candidly shared his insights into the gradual buildup of problems within the team. Prado likened the downfall to a “snowball effect,” where issues compounded and snowballed, ultimately leading to Liquid’s sudden and devastating collapse.
This story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the fragility of success in the highly competitive world of esports. Liquid’s struggle to maintain their dominance and live up to their own lofty expectations has left a lasting impact on the industry, serving as a poignant reminder that even the mightiest teams can falter in the face of unexpected challenges.
Twistzz Takes the Helm: Team Liquid’s Transition and the Challenges Ahead
After seven tumultuous months marked by unstable play, Team Liquid parted ways with several key players, including Felipe “skullz” Medeiros, Casper “cadiaN” Møller, and head coach Wilton “zews” Prado. In the new lineup, the team is now under the leadership of Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken, who has taken on the role of captain for the first time in his career. The original plan was to build a roster focused on North American talent, with oSee and Brehze as the core. However, Jokasteve, the team’s general manager, proposed an alternative lineup featuring cadiaN, Twistzz, YEKINDAR, and NAF, with KSCERATO initially slated to replace skullz. Ultimately, the team settled on skullz, as KSCERATO decided to remain with FURIA. The problems started to surface towards the end of January, with a significant internal conflict within the team. Disagreements in ideas and playstyles soon began to manifest, and while there was a common belief that cadiaN’s inability to adapt to the new style was the primary reason for the failures, zews emphasized that the issue was more systemic, stemming from the incompatibility of different elements within the team. As zews noted, “It didn’t happen overnight, it was a snowball effect.” The choice of team composition was a collective decision, and while cadiaN was an important piece, his leadership skills did not align with Liquid’s needs. Twistzz and YEKINDAR were instrumental in the decision-making process, taking responsibility for the tactical side of the game when it became clear that cadiaN could not effectively manage the team.
This transition marks a significant milestone in Twistzz’s career, as he takes on the role of in-game leader for the first time. Zews expressed confidence in Twistzz’s knowledge and strategic abilities, but acknowledged that he still has work to do in developing his leadership skills and ability to interact with the team on an emotional level. The situation surrounding Liquid underscores the importance of finding the right leader and fostering a cohesive team dynamic. Twistzz’s journey as the new captain and in-game leader could be a pivotal moment for both his personal growth and the team’s future performance. It will be intriguing to see how the renewed Liquid roster fares in upcoming tournaments, starting with their match against Virtus.Pro tomorrow. Looking back at the team’s journey, it’s clear that the issues were not isolated incidents but rather a gradual accumulation of problems that ultimately led to their downfall. The departure of key players and the coaching staff was a significant blow, leaving the team in a precarious position. Twistzz, who has never previously taken on the role of captain, now finds himself at the helm of a team in crisis, tasked with steering them back to success.
One of the primary concerns surrounding Twistzz’s transition to the IGL role is his lack of experience in leading a team. While he is undoubtedly a talented player with a strong understanding of the game, managing the emotional and strategic aspects of a team can be a significant challenge, especially for someone who has not previously held such a position. Zews, the former head coach, acknowledged Twistzz’s strengths in terms of his tactical knowledge and decision-making abilities, but also highlighted the need for him to develop his leadership skills and ability to connect with his teammates on a deeper level. This delicate balance between strategic acumen and interpersonal skills is often the make-or-break factor for in-game leaders in the high-pressure environment of professional esports. The decision to appoint Twistzz as the new captain and IGL was likely a calculated risk, driven by the team’s desperation to find a solution to their mounting problems. With the departure of cadiaN, the team recognized the need for a strong, decisive leader who could unite the players and guide them through the challenges ahead. However, the transition is not without its risks. Twistzz’s lack of experience in the role could lead to growing pains and further instability within the team, potentially exacerbating the issues that had already manifested. The pressure of being the team’s new leader, coupled with the need to maintain his own individual performance, could prove to be a significant burden for the young player. Moreover, the team’s decision-making process in assembling the new roster has also come under scrutiny. The initial plan to build a North American-focused lineup was abandoned in favor of a more international approach, suggesting a lack of clarity or cohesive vision within the organization. The inclusion of players like cadiaN and YEKINDAR, who may have had different playstyles or personality traits compared to the existing Liquid players, could have contributed to the team’s internal conflicts and inability to find a consistent identity.
As Liquid enters this new era with Twistzz at the helm, the stakes are high. The team’s reputation and past achievements have raised the expectations of fans and the broader esports community, who will be closely watching to see how the squad navigates the challenges ahead. Twistzz’s transition to the IGL role presents an opportunity for him to showcase his leadership abilities and potential for growth. If he can successfully guide the team through this turbulent period and restore their competitiveness, it could be a defining moment in his career, cementing his status as a multi-dimensional talent and a key figure in the future of Team Liquid. However, the journey will not be an easy one. The team must work to address the underlying issues that led to their downfall, fostering a cohesive and collaborative environment where players can thrive. Twistzz will need to draw upon his strategic acumen, communication skills, and ability to inspire his teammates in order to steer Liquid back to the top. The road ahead is uncertain, but the potential for redemption is there. As Liquid prepares to face Virtus.Pro in their upcoming match, all eyes will be on Twistzz and his ability to lead the team into a new era of success. The future of the organization and the careers of its players hang in the balance, making this a pivotal moment in the history of Team Liquid.
