Cover-Credits:
In a pre-game interview at ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, the spotlight was on Jonáš "SabeRLight-" Volek, who is standing in for Neta "33" Shapira on Team Liquid due to visa issues. Team Liquid streamer and analyst Brian "BSJ" Canavan asked SabeRLight- to name a Team Liquid player who he is most excited to play with, ignoring the fact that the teammates were right behind him. SabeRLight- expressed his admiration for 33, but in a hushed tone, revealed his true excitement to play with Michał "Nisha" Jankowski.
SabeRLight-'s Excitement to Play with Nisha
During a pre-game Interview with BSJ asked SabeRLight-, "So I'm going to have you act like they [teammates] are right behind you. If you had to choose a player you're most excited to play with on this roster going into this tournament, who would it be?"
SabeRLight- revealed his excitement about playing alongside Nisha and 33 being the best Team Liquid player. Being put on the spot, SabeRLight- tried to coax 33 by naming him before mentioning Nisha.
He grinned and said, “I'm a huge fan of 33. I think that's like the best Liquid player.” He further added, “Uh ah you know they're all so good, they're all good! But (whispers) Nisha. It’s Nisha!”
Following this, BSJ played along, looked at the camera and said, "Nobody heard that!"
Nisha, who joined Team Liquid last year, has been a standout performer, earning the Esports Awards 2020: Esports PC Player of the Year title. With a commendable track record, including a runner-up finish at The International 2022 with Team Secret, Nisha has propelled Team Liquid to new heights since his arrival.
Meanwhile, 33 joined Team Liquid on 10th November in place of Ludwig "zai" Wåhlberg’s departure from the team after The Internationals 2023 (TI12) and only represented Team Liquid at the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 Closed Qualifiers. 33 has yet to showcase his synergy with the team on the big stage and showcase his prowess.
33's absence from the tournament prompted SabeRLight-'s inclusion as a stand-in for Team Liquid, adding a layer of curiosity to Team Liquid's dynamics. Despite the change, the team is geared up with enthusiasm and high expectations, evident from SabeRLight-'s excitement.
The current standings in the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 group stages depict a mixed bag for Team Liquid, with two series wins, two series losses, and a draw against LGD Gaming. Victories against 9Pandas and Tundra Esports showcased its strength, while defeats against Team Falcons and G2.iG underlined the challenges faced by the team.
Team Liquid's journey in the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 has undoubtedly been a rollercoaster ride so far. Team Liquid made it to the playoffs after a rigorous back and forth group stage. It will now take on Team Secret in the lower bracket round 1 on 15th December.
You can follow Team Liquid's progress on our ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 playoffs hub.
