Team Liquid failed to qualify for ESL Pro League Season 22 after a loss to the relatively unknown team Sashi — another disappointing blow during an already difficult period for the roster.
Shocking Defeat: Liquid Fall to a Top-50 HLTV Team
Liquid crashed out of the closed European qualifier for ESL Pro League, losing their opening match 1-2 to Sashi. The Danish team currently ranks just 48th in the HLTV standings, far from being considered a top contender. In contrast, Liquid remains one of the most recognized names in Counter-Strike, with recent ambitions for top finishes.
Led by siuhy, they entered the qualifier as the highest-ranked squad, but failed to live up to expectations. The decisive map — Inferno — was dominated by Sashi, with Lucky putting on a strong performance to seal the upset.
What’s Going Wrong with Liquid?
Following a winless 0-3 run at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, many expected major changes. Instead, Liquid only brought in former NAVI analyst flashie as head coach, while the player lineup remained untouched — despite rumors of NAF potentially leaving. That stability seems to be working against them: the team lacks a consistent fragger, cohesive gameplay, and the firepower needed to compete at the highest level.
Skipping FISSURE Playground to focus on this qualifier — which ended in failure — cost them valuable VRS points and added to their rankings slump. As they head into IEM Cologne, things are looking grim. If results don’t improve soon, roster changes may be inevitable.
