Team Liquid and their Danish CS2 in-game leader Casper “cadiaN” Møller might be parting ways soon following a string of disappointing results in the first half of 2024.
Despite signing cadiaN ahead of the 2024 season to lead a star-studded roster, Liquid is already considering benching him, according to a report by HLTV on May 16.
The decision, however, is not expected to be made until after the conclusion of IEM Dallas. This news follows shortly after Astralis eliminated Liquid in the ESL Pro League Season 19 quarterfinals.
Team Liquid’s Performance in CS2 in 2024
Liquid revamped its CS2 roster with the additions of cadiaN, Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken, Felipe “skullz” Medeiros, and head coach Wilton “zews” Prado with high hopes for top championship contention. However, the team’s performance has fallen short of expectations.
The team notably failed to qualify for the PGL Copenhagen Major, a significant setback given the roster changes aimed at improving their competitive edge. Although they managed to secure back-to-back playoff appearances at IEM Chengdu and ESL Pro League in April and May, these results are still below the targets set by the organization and the players.
Community Reaction to Potential CadiaN Departure
The CS2 community was taken by surprise by the news of Liquid considering cadiaN’s benching. Despite the underwhelming results, few expected Liquid to consider such a drastic move so early in the season. Fans and analysts alike have expressed shock and speculation about the potential reasons behind this decision.
In an interview with HLTV in April, cadiaN explained that his system relies heavily on players sharing information and embracing freedom within their roles, indicating that the team was still adjusting to this new approach. This adjustment period might have contributed to the subpar results.
Future Prospects for CadiaN
If cadiaN does leave Liquid, he is likely to attract offers from numerous organizations. Talented in-game leaders are a rare commodity, and teams like Fnatic, G2, and FURIA, who have also struggled this year, might be interested in acquiring his services. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of both cadiaN and Team Liquid.
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Conclusion
The potential departure of cadiaN from Team Liquid highlights the challenges of integrating new strategies and leadership styles into an established team.
While Liquid’s experiment with a revamped roster has not yet yielded the desired results, the situation underscores the competitive and often unpredictable nature of professional esports. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how both Liquid and cadiaN navigate the next steps in their respective journeys.