Team Liquid’s Dota 2 squad, which just weeks ago placed second in this year’s International world championship in Shanghai, is striking out on their own. The team is parting ways with Team Liquid on amicable terms to pursue plans for establishing their own esports organization.
Team captain Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi posted a video announcing the team’s intention to separate from Team Liquid, thanking the organization and its leadership – specifically founder and co-owner Victor “Nazgul” Goossens – for its support since the Dota 2 squad began playing for Liquid in 2015.
“The organization and the staff have always backed us up, in the good times and the bad times,” KuroKy said. “Without you guys, none of this could be possible.”
In a video posted to the Team Liquid Twitter account, Goossens says he spoke with the Dota 2 team leadership, KuroKy and manager Mohamed “almany-” Morad, after their second-place finish in Shanghai in August. That’s when they explained their goal of launching their own organization.
“Of course, that definitely saddens us, but we do really respect and admire the ambition, and we hope they do well,” Goossens says.
Goossens expanded on those thoughts in a post titled ‘The End of an Era‘ on Team Liquid’s official site.
Thank you, good luck, and farewell #TLFam pic.twitter.com/SPmPAmLSMF
— Team Liquid (@TeamLiquid) September 13, 2019
“It isn’t every day that world class players take the leap to become team owners,” he wrote. “They deserve this more than anyone, and I am glad that we were able to share the road to greatness together. It is my hope that during their time on Team Liquid, that we have helped prepare them for the path they are embarking on.”
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KuroKy hasn’t shared more specific details on their plans for the new organization, but Goossens says Team Liquid will remain involved in the Dota 2 pro scene.
“It is hard to predict the future and it is by no means a given that we find the right fit immediately when we look for a roster, but I can definitely say that we love this game and want to be a part of it,” he said. “We are on the lookout for individuals or teams who can continue the winning legacy that the five boys leave behind, and we will let you know as soon as we have an update.”