Former CS2 Major champion returns to Team Liquid to replace Twistzz

EliGE is back in Team Liquid, closing a two-year chapter away from the roster that defined his career.

His return comes at the expense of Twistzz’s departure, marking a dramatic homecoming for one of North America’s most celebrated Counter-Strike players. For fans, it feels like a full-circle moment, bringing the American rifler back to the team where he reached his greatest heights, including the unforgettable Intel Grand Slam victory in 2019.

At 28, EliGE is no longer the wide-eyed teenager who first joined Liquid in 2015. Back then, he was a relatively unknown player who quickly developed into a franchise cornerstone and one of the most consistent riflers the region has ever produced. Over the course of eight years, he became the face of Liquid’s Counter-Strike project, carrying them through highs and lows, and leaving an indelible mark as a North American esports icon.

His departure in mid-2023 came as Liquid sought an international rebuild, a gamble that failed to restore the dominance of their golden era. Without him, the team stumbled through inconsistent results, and community discussions often circled back to what many described as an “EliGE-shaped hole” in the lineup.

EliGE’s own journey since leaving Liquid has been turbulent. A stint with Complexity Gaming showed flashes of his brilliance but lacked the stability needed to translate into trophies. His move to FaZe Clan in early 2025 looked promising, placing him back in contention at tier-one events.

Strong individual performances reminded everyone of his caliber, but the team fell short of titles, finishing fourth at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 and third at PGL Bucharest 2025. By August, FaZe decided to bench him, leaving the veteran looking for a new chapter just as Liquid needed a replacement.

The return to Liquid is an opportunity for redemption. EliGE’s crowning achievement remains the 2019 Intel Grand Slam, when he helped Liquid cement their place in Counter-Strike history. That version of EliGE became synonymous with discipline, mechanical precision, and adaptability, all qualities that defined Liquid’s tactical edge.

Now, the challenge is different. At his age, the competitive window is getting narrow, and this return could be his last chance to add more championships to an already legendary portfolio. For Team Liquid, the decision to bring him back signals a desire to reconnect with their winning DNA. Their struggles in the post-EliGE era made it clear that the formula that once worked best might still hold the key to future success.

Whether this reunion restores Liquid to championship form or fades into nostalgia will depend on how quickly the roster can mesh around their returning star. For EliGE, the stakes are deeply personal. This is about proving that the player who once lifted Liquid to the pinnacle of Counter-Strike still has more to offer. And for fans, it sets the stage for one of the game’s most intriguing comeback arcs.