Alliance drops Niqua

With International qualifiers just around the corner, Alliance is retooling after its hot March fizzled in April.

The Swedish squad, owners of a 93 percent win-rate across i-League, Starladder, and the ESL One qualifiers in March, announced the removal of Niclas “Niqua” Westergård this morning, no doubt a response to the team’s fading form. The rejuvenated squad will eye a return to the summit of competition after falling on hard times after a dismal showing at The International in 2014.

Westergård, who joined the squad in January, had several memorable performances with the unit, piloting Clockwerk and Batrider in the off-lane role. However, his inconsistency likely factored in the team’s decision to part with the competitive newcomer as International qualifiers approach.

Where Alliance goes from here is difficult to predict. With numerous sides already locked for the qualifier season, available personnel is in short supply. Despite the recruiting challenge before them, grizzled veteran Jonathan “Loda” Berg and co. look determined as ever to prove that the team’s dominant run in 2013 was more than just a fluke.