Two of America’s top Counter-Strike: Global Offensive teams are about to field new-look sides thanks to linked roster swaps.
The first news to come down the pipeline was that of Team Liquid swiping young talent Jonathan “Elige” Jablonowski from domestic rival Elevate.
Jablonowski had been a key part of Elevate’s resurgence this year in the North American region. He joined the team in January along with Daniel “Roca” Degiovanni, giving the team an infusion of youth and skill that powered it to new heights. Unfortunately for the squad, this success was enough to draw the attention of the Team Liquid esports organization.
Jablonowski will be replacing Keith “Naf” Markovic in the starting lineup, marking the departure of yet another core player from the roster that first brought the group to prominence.
While Team Liquid has thus far struggled to take its game to the international stage, Jablonowski did not aim small in an official statement released by the team.
“My goal with Team Liquid is to, ultimately, win a major, but the starting goal for now is to be North America’s best and advance through the qualifier to the major itself,” Jablonowski said.
To compensate for the untimely departure, Elevate on Tuesday announced the recruitment of Derek “Desi” Branchen.
Branchen has for some time been a prominent player in North America, having spent time with such notable teams as Manajuma, iBUYPOWER, and Torqued. He was also featured on the Elevate roster in late 2014, and now makes his return with the team riding a fresh wave of momentum.
Branchen made note of the team’s recent play in his own statement on the move.
“After seeing Elevate really hit their stride in the second half of the season, it was great to know that I am teaming up with an already solid team,” Branchen said.
Branchen’s goal now will be to help Elevate maintain that brisk stride even after the squad has lost one of its exciting young guns.
Photo via Team Liquid
