Team Liquid
Team Liquid is a professional esports organization founded in 2000 in the Netherlands by Victor Goossens as a community website focused on StarCraft: Brood War.[1] Originally established as Teamliquid.net to serve as a hub for esports enthusiasts and early competitive players, it transitioned into a full-fledged competitive entity amid the growing popularity of esports in the early 2000s.[2] Today, headquartered in multiple global locations including Los Angeles, Utrecht, São Paulo, and Berlin, Team Liquid fields teams across more than 15 esports titles, including League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and World of Warcraft (via its Liquid Guild), with over 150 players competing worldwide.[3][4] The organization gained significant prominence through strategic expansions and mergers, notably acquiring Team Curse in 2015, which brought co-CEO Steve Arhancet on board and secured a spot in the North American League of Legends Championship Series (LCS).[1] In 2016, aXiomatic Gaming acquired majority ownership, providing resources for further growth into a global powerhouse.[1] Team Liquid has earned a reputation as one of the most successful and viewed esports organizations, with total earnings of $56 million across its divisions as of November 2025.[5][6] Key achievements define its legacy, including winning The International 7 in Dota 2 in 2017 for a record $24 million prize—the largest in esports history at the time—and securing The International 13 in 2024 by defeating Gaimin Gladiators 3-0.[1][7] In League of Legends, it claimed four consecutive LCS titles from 2018 to 2021, while its Counter-Strike team achieved the Intel Grand Slam in 2019, earning $1 million for consistent major tournament victories.[1] More recently, Team Liquid Philippines won the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup at the Esports World Cup 2025, and its teams continue to compete at top levels in ongoing 2025 events like the LCS and VCT EMEA.[8]History
Founding and early years
Team Liquid originated as a community-driven gaming clan in late 2000, founded by Dutch StarCraft: Brood War enthusiast Victor "Nazgul" Goossens in the Netherlands. Goossens, a competitive player himself, established the group to unite skilled, international players who emphasized sportsmanship and strategic depth in real-time strategy games, initially recruiting a small core of four members from European online forums.[2] The clan's early activities centered on fostering a supportive environment for Brood War enthusiasts. On May 1, 2001, Goossens collaborated with Liquid`Meat to launch the TeamLiquid.net website, which quickly became a vital resource offering strategy guides, replay analyses, recruitment tools, and discussion forums dedicated to StarCraft. By 2003, Team Liquid had expanded into one of Europe's leading amateur clans, hosting internal ladders and community tournaments that attracted hundreds of participants and solidified its reputation within the Western RTS scene.[2][9] As the mid-2000s progressed, Team Liquid transitioned toward semi-professional operations, leveraging its growing prominence to secure initial sponsorships from gaming hardware companies. In 2008, the organization partnered with Razer, a leading peripherals brand, which provided funding for the inaugural Team Liquid Starleague (TSL)—a prestigious non-Korean Brood War tournament featuring top international talent and marking the clan's shift from purely amateur roots. This sponsorship enabled enhanced event production and player support, bridging the gap to full professionalism. Meanwhile, the Team Liquid forums evolved into a cornerstone for RTS community engagement, hosting in-depth debates, match discussions, and user-generated content that drew thousands of active participants by the end of the decade.[10][11]Expansion into professional esports
In 2010, Team Liquid pivoted from its roots as a StarCraft: Brood War community clan to a professional organization by shifting focus to StarCraft II during the Wings of Liberty beta phase, signing early professional players such as TLO and HuK to build a competitive roster.[12] This move positioned the team as one of the leading Western organizations in the game, emphasizing structured training and international competition.[13] To bolster its presence, Team Liquid launched the Team Liquid Starleague (TSL) in its third iteration in 2011, adapting the long-running tournament series from Brood War to StarCraft II as a premier online event that attracted top global talent and fostered community engagement.[14] Sponsored by PokerStrategy.com, TSL3 featured high-stakes matches and helped establish Team Liquid's reputation for organizing influential esports events.[15] Diversification accelerated in 2012 when Team Liquid formed its Dota 2 division on December 6 by acquiring a North American roster including players TC, FLUFFNSTUFF, ixmike88, BuLba, and Korok, marking the organization's entry into multiplayer online battle arena games.[16] By 2015, further expansion came through the January 6 merger with Team Curse, which brought in a League of Legends team competing in the North American League Championship Series (LCS), along with rosters in Super Smash Bros. and other titles.[17] This period of growth saw Team Liquid expand to over 40 players across at least five disciplines by mid-2015, including StarCraft II, Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (acquired in January 2015), and fighting games.[18] The organization secured a major hardware sponsorship from Alienware in 2012, which provided essential gaming equipment and supported training infrastructure for the growing roster.[19] Despite these advances, Team Liquid encountered significant financial challenges in the early 2010s, relying on community support and modest sponsorships to sustain operations amid the nascent esports industry's instability. These issues were addressed through a co-ownership agreement in September 2016 with aXiomatic Gaming, backed by investors including Ted Leonsis and Peter Guber, which injected capital for stability.[20] In September 2020, the organization opened its European headquarters, the Alienware Training Facility, in Utrecht—its founding city—to centralize European activities and leverage local talent pools.[21]Key mergers and recent milestones
In January 2015, Team Liquid merged with Team Curse, acquiring its assets including a spot in the North American League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), which marked the organization's entry into the competitive League of Legends scene and established a foothold in the North American esports market.[17] This merger also brought Steve "LiQuiD112" Arhancet on board as co-owner alongside founder Victor "Nazgul" Goossens, blending Team Liquid's StarCraft roots with Curse's multi-game expertise in titles like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Halo.[22] The 2020s saw significant organizational growth for Team Liquid, highlighted by a $35 million funding round in May 2022 led by funds managed by Ares Management, with participation from aXiomatic (Team Liquid's parent company), Revolution Growth, and Hiro Capital.[23] This investment valued the organization at approximately $415 million and supported expansion into over 15 esports titles, including Dota 2, Valorant, and Free Fire, while growing its roster to more than 150 players across global teams by 2025.[24] In 2025, Team Liquid celebrated its 25th anniversary with the release of limited-edition jerseys on April 4, featuring a unique crest and a pattern inspired by the organization's iconic horse-head logo to honor its legacy.[25] Earlier that year, in February, the organization launched a chess division by signing world chess champion Magnus Carlsen and U.S. champion Fabiano Caruana to multi-year contracts, backed by partner IMC, positioning Team Liquid in the growing intersection of traditional chess and esports through events like the Champions Chess Tour.[26] On May 9, Team Liquid acquired Dutch EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) academy Team Gullit for an undisclosed sum, integrating its roster of top football esports players and utilizing the acquired headquarters in Alkmaar, Netherlands, as a new operational hub.[27] Key milestones in 2025 included Team Liquid being named Esports Organisation of the Decade at the Esports Awards on August 24, recognizing its sustained impact across multiple disciplines over the past ten years.[28] At the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (July 8 to August 24), Team Liquid Philippines won the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup, while the chess division's Magnus Carlsen claimed victory in the inaugural Chess tournament.[29][30] By mid-2025, the organization's estimated valuation had reached over $440 million, reflecting its diversified portfolio and global presence.[31]Organization
Ownership and investments
Team Liquid's ownership is primarily held by its founder, Victor "Nazgul" Goossens, who serves as a majority stakeholder and co-CEO, alongside co-owner and co-CEO Steve "LiQuiD112" Arhancet, who joined as co-owner following the 2016 merger with Team Curse.[32][33] The organization operates under the parent company aXiomatic Gaming, which acquired a controlling interest in Team Liquid in 2016 and is co-founded by prominent sports investors including Ted Leonsis (majority owner of the NBA's Washington Wizards), Peter Guber (co-owner of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers), and Jeff Vinik (owner of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning).[1][34][35] In terms of investments, Team Liquid and aXiomatic closed a $35 million growth financing round in May 2022, led by funds managed by Ares Management, with participation from existing investors such as Revolution and iPro.[23][36] This round valued the organization at $415 million post-money, supporting expansion in content creation, global operations, and talent development.[37] By 2025, estimates place Team Liquid's valuation at approximately $440 million, reflecting sustained growth in esports revenue streams including sponsorships, media rights, and merchandise.[38][31] A notable development in 2025 was Team Liquid's acquisition of the Dutch EA Sports FC esports organization Team Gullit on May 9, with no reported changes to the core equity structure.[27][39] The deal integrates Team Gullit's roster and operations, while retaining Ruud Gullit—the legendary Dutch footballer after whom the team is named—as a brand ambassador to leverage his global influence in promoting the combined entity's football simulation esports initiatives.[40][41] Governance of Team Liquid is overseen by aXiomatic Gaming's board, which includes esports and sports industry executives such as chairs Peter Guber, Bruce Karsh, Ted Leonsis, and Jeff Vinik, emphasizing strategic decisions around sustainable expansion.[42] The organization maintains a focus on long-term growth, employing over 250 staff across global operations in content production, player management, and business development.[43][44]Management and leadership
Team Liquid's executive leadership is headed by co-CEOs Victor Goossens and Steve Arhancet, who have guided the organization since its early esports expansions. Goossens, the founder, oversees strategic direction rooted in his background as a StarCraft professional, while Arhancet focuses on operational growth and partnerships following the 2016 merger with Team Curse. Supporting them is President and COO Claire Hungate, who manages day-to-day operations, and CFO John Patterson, responsible for financial strategy. Josie Brown serves as Senior Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Content, driving global branding initiatives across esports and entertainment.[43][45] Discipline-specific leadership emphasizes specialized coaching to optimize performance in competitive titles. In League of Legends, the team underwent a coaching transition in late 2025, with Kim "Reignover" Yeu-jin departing as head coach in October after contributing to multiple international appearances, including Worlds and MSI; Reignover is set to join LYON as head coach for the 2026 LCS season. The team is currently searching for a permanent head coach to lead preparations for the 2026 season.[46][47][48] For Counter-Strike 2, Viktor "flashie" Tamás Bea was appointed head coach in July 2025, replacing interim analyst Jay "DeMars DeRover" Li following the departure of Torbjørn "mithR" Nyborg earlier in the year; flashie, formerly with Natus Vincere, introduced a focus on foundational systems and fundamentals.[49][18] In Dota 2, Chloe "Elya" Teoh serves as manager, coordinating roster changes like the October 2025 additions of Marcus "Ace" Hoelgaard and Erik "tOfu" Engel, while the team searches for a permanent head coach after parting with Damien "kpii" Chok in October post-The International 2024 success.[16][50] John Lewis, as Vice President of Esports, provides overarching direction across these disciplines.[46] In 2025, Team Liquid integrated staff from its acquisition of Team Gullit in May, bolstering football esports operations under the EA FC banner and adding expertise in academy development for emerging talents. The organization now employs over 250 staff members globally, spanning content creation, analytics, and player support roles to sustain its multi-title presence.[39][51] Team Liquid's leadership philosophy prioritizes player welfare through inclusive initiatives, such as ongoing support for LGBTQ+ causes and mental health resources, alongside data-driven coaching enabled by AI partnerships like SAP for performance analysis and strategy optimization. This approach fosters cross-game knowledge sharing, with analytics teams aiding coaches in adapting tactics across titles like League of Legends and Counter-Strike 2.[52][51][53]Global facilities and operations
Team Liquid's headquarters is located in Utrecht, Netherlands, serving as the primary hub for its European operations. The Alienware Training Facility in Utrecht, opened in 2020, spans 10,000 square feet and includes high-end Alienware-supplied PCs, dedicated streaming studios, player dormitories, and recreational spaces designed to replicate competitive tournament environments. This facility supports in-person training sessions and content production for the organization's esports teams.[54][55] As of 2025, Team Liquid maintains three core global facilities, with a fourth added through strategic expansion. The Los Angeles facility handles North American operations, providing training and logistical support for regional teams. In May 2025, the acquisition of Team Gullit integrated its headquarters in Alkmaar, Netherlands, as a new hub for bootcamps and player development, particularly in EA Sports FC esports. These sites, alongside the São Paulo facility in Brazil, enable worldwide coordination for competitive activities.[56][39] The organization's operations involve over 250 employees who manage content creation—generating more than 2 billion views annually across platforms—and logistics for more than 150 players across over 15 esports titles. Training emphasizes a hybrid model, combining remote coaching with in-person sessions at facilities to accommodate global rosters. In 2025, enhancements included AI-driven analytics powered by SAP's Joule platform for performance insights, integrated into facility workflows, alongside sustainability efforts such as the Green Gaming Initiative to reduce carbon footprints through energy-efficient equipment and practices.[43][24][57][58]Rosters
Current rosters by discipline
Team Liquid fields competitive rosters across more than 15 esports disciplines as of November 2025, supporting over 150 players worldwide through its main teams and regional academies.[59][5]League of Legends
The League of Legends roster, competing in the LCS under the LTA banner, consists of the following active players as of November 17, 2025: Yuuji (jungle), Yeon (bot), and CoreJJ (support), with the mid laner position vacant following APA's departure on November 12, 2025; substitutes include Haitham and Spawn.[60][61][62]| Player ID | Role | Real Name |
|---|---|---|
| Yuuji | Jungle | Ganbat Ulziidelger |
| Yeon | Bot | Sean Sung |
| CoreJJ | Support | Jo Yong-in |
| Haitham | Substitute | Haitham |
| Spawn | Substitute | Jake Tiberi |
Counter-Strike 2
Team Liquid's Counter-Strike 2 roster as of November 2025 features EliGE, oSee, NAF, siuhy (joined June 2025), and YEKINDAR as its core lineup.[18][63]| Player ID | Role | Real Name | Join Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EliGE | Rifler | Jonathan Jablonowski | Pre-2025 |
| oSee | Rifler | Joshua Ohm | 2021-12-27 |
| NAF | Rifler | Keith Markovic | Pre-2025 |
| siuhy | Rifler | Kamil Szkaradek | 2025-06-11 |
| YEKINDAR | IGL | Mareks Gaļinskis | Pre-2025 |
Dota 2
The Dota 2 team includes miCKe (position 1), Nisha (position 2), Ace (position 3, joined October 2025), Boxi (position 4), and tOfu (position 5, joined October 2025).[16][50]| Player ID | Position | Real Name | Join Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| miCKe | 1 | Michael Vu | 2019-10-02 |
| Nisha | 2 | Michał Jankowski | 2022-12-09 |
| Ace | 3 | Marcus Hoelgaard | 2025-10-09 |
| Boxi | 4 | Samuel Svahn | 2019-10-02 |
| tOfu | 5 | Erik Engel | 2025-10-09 |
Valorant
Team Liquid's Valorant roster as of November 2025 comprises MiniBoo, nAts (IGL/Sentinel), kamo (Duelist), and wayne, with one position TBD following a rebuild.[64][65]| Player ID | Role | Real Name |
|---|---|---|
| MiniBoo | TBD | Dominykas Lukaševičius |
| nAts | IGL/Sentinel | Ayaz Akhmetshin |
| kamo | Duelist | Kamil Frąckowiak |
| wayne | TBD | Wayne Chang |
| TBD | - | - |
Apex Legends
The newly announced Apex Legends roster in November 2025 includes Zer0, Sikezz, and Fuhhnq.[66]| Player ID | Real Name |
|---|---|
| Zer0 | Rhys Perry |
| Sikezz | Nochilas Odom |
| Fuhhnq | Nicholas Wall |
Mobile Legends Bang Bang (PH)
Team Liquid PH's Mobile Legends roster as of November 2025 features Sanford (EXP), KarlTzy (Gold), OHEB (Jungle), Sanji (Mid), and Perkz (Roam), with Jaypee as flex. Ar Sy has transitioned to head coach.[67][68]| Player ID | Role | Real Name |
|---|---|---|
| Sanford | EXP | Sanford Vinuya |
| KarlTzy | Gold | Karl Gabiel Nepomuceno |
| OHEB | Jungle | Kiel Calvin Q. Soriano |
| Sanji | Mid | Alston Pabico |
| Perkz | Roam | John Sumawan |
| Jaypee | Flex | Jaypee Gonzales Dela Cruz |
Chess
Team Liquid's chess team includes Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana (joined February 2025), and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (joined July 2025).[69][70][71]| Player Name | FIDE ID | Join Date |
|---|---|---|
| Magnus Carlsen | Norway | Pre-2025 |
| Fabiano Caruana | USA | 2025-02-13 |
| Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa | India | 2025-07-09 |
StarCraft II
The StarCraft II roster consists of Clem (Terran), Cure (Terran, joined October 2023), MaNa (Protoss), and SKillous (Protoss, joined January 2023).[72][73]| Player ID | Race | Real Name | Join Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clem | Terran | Clément Desplanches | 2020-02-21 |
| Cure | Terran | Kim Doh-wook | 2023-10-21 |
| MaNa | Protoss | Grzegorz Komincz | 2014-02-21 |
| SKillous | Protoss | Nikita Gurevich | 2023-01-06 |