Twistzz has called the Shanghai Major playoffs “one of the most memorable highlights” of his career with Team Liquid, marking it the defining moment of his nearly two-year run with the organization.
The Canadian CS2 star shared his reflections in an emotional farewell message, where he emphasized how reaching the playoff stage of the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 was both a personal triumph and a showcase of the team’s untapped potential under his leadership. For Twistzz, that playoff run validated the direction he had taken as captain during a time when many doubted Team Liquid’s long-term future.
Team Liquid’s journey to the Shanghai Major playoffs was no easy feat. Playing under Twistzz’s guidance as in-game leader, the roster successfully battled through the grueling Swiss system format to secure their berth among the tournament’s final eight teams.
Their 3-1 record in the Elimination Stage included hard-fought wins over MIBR, GamerLegion, and FURIA, results that demonstrated both tactical strength and resilience. Considering Liquid’s disappointing performances at previous Majors, such as group stage exit at BLAST Premier and enduring a 0-2 exit at IEM Rio, the breakthrough in Shanghai carried extra weight.
For both the team and its fanbase, the achievement signaled a much-needed turning point. The Counter-Strike community reacted with overwhelming positivity, celebrating Liquid’s return to Major playoff contention after a long absence from elite stages.
Many saw it as proof that Twistzz had adapted successfully to the pressures of leadership, despite entering the role with limited captaincy experience. His ability to guide the team into playoff territory restored belief in the roster’s potential at a time when doubts were growing.
What stood out most in Shanghai was Twistzz’s transformation from superstar rifler into a complete leader. The Major’s high-pressure demanded composure, adaptability, and vision. Video footage from the tournament captured Twistzz rallying his teammates during tense moments, offering both tactical adjustments and encouragement that kept morale steady.
His leadership approach emphasized maximizing the strengths of players like NAF, ultimate, and jks, ensuring that each member had the space and confidence to perform at their best when it mattered most. This leadership evolution didn’t come at the cost of his own performance either.
Twistzz continued delivering individually on the server, proving that he could balance the responsibilities of captaincy with the consistency expected of an elite player. That balance highlighted the complete skill set required of modern Counter-Strike leaders: someone who can execute strategy, maintain composure, and still deliver in clutch scenarios.
Reflecting on his time with Team Liquid, Twistzz made it clear that the Shanghai Major playoffs represented more than a strong tournament result. By specifically citing it as a career highlight in his farewell message, he placed it above countless trophies and individual accolades. That perspective shows how deeply he values collective success and the validation that comes from leading a team to new heights rather than personal recognition alone.
The emotional tone of his departure suggests that Shanghai was a defining moment of growth. It symbolized his evolution from a mechanically gifted star into a true all-around professional, capable of inspiring, guiding, and lifting those around him. While his journey with Liquid has ended, the achievement at Shanghai will remain a cornerstone of his legacy with the organization.
As Twistzz moves forward in his career, the Shanghai Major playoffs stand as proof of what he can accomplish as both a player and a leader. For Team Liquid, the run represented their strongest Major showing under his captaincy, a reminder that the roster possessed elite potential with the right guidance.
Published: Sep 25, 2025 05:03 am