Team Liquid Team Liquid Europe Rank #5 nAts Ayaz Akhmetshin GSR Ognjen Bondžić kamo Kamil Frąckowiak trexx Nikita Cherednichenko Kicks Kimmie Laasner has benched Semyon "purp0" Borchev in place of 18-year-old prospect and Team Liquid Academy Team Liquid Academy Europe Rank #13 rexxtoned Roman Zhuravlev Prti Ivan Erak WanZeru product Ognjen "GSR" Bondžić.

"GSR has been extremely impressive, and we're confident this move gives us the best opportunity for success at Champions Shanghai," Liquid said. "At the same time, we want to recognize what purp0 has meant to this team. He's been a rock for us throughout the year. Consistently putting the team first, embracing whatever role was needed, and giving us the flexibility to compete at our best. We're incredibly grateful for everything he's brought to Team Liquid this year."

purp0 walking onto the stage at the Stage 2 grand final in Barcelona. purp0 walking onto the stage at the Stage 2 grand final in Barcelona. (Daniel Cruz/Riot Games)

"Sh*t happens, I deserve to play at Champions Shanghai but it is what it is," purp0 said after the announcement.

Last month, GSR was added to Team Liquid's main roster with a 2029 contract, as noted on Riot's Global Contract Database, though there was no formal announcement made by Liquid.

Long hailed as one of EMEA's brightest up-and-comers, GSR joined TLA at the beginning of 2025, playing with current PCIFIC Esports PCIFIC Esports Europe Rank #321 al0rante Felix Brandl qpert Mateja Mijovic NINJA Patryk Koczyba seven Johann Hernandez waddle Wadir Taraki players qpert and NINJA while also playing with current TL player Kicks . In two full seasons, he has helped the team reach Challengers EMEA five times as a top-two team in Challengers NORTH//EAST.

The budding Serbian has played several roles throughout his career, but should have a set role by taking purp0's spot in the lineup. With kamo making strides in his development as a Controller, GSR may be thrust into the primary Duelist role. This year, purp0's best performances have been on Jett, which may restrict the team comps that Liquid wants to play.

The announcement has not come without criticism.

"I understand many people might not agree with this direction and that's fair to be angry. This was the hardest decision I ever had to make as coach," head coach LohaN said. "I understand it was an unfair decision and, at the end of the day, Semyon deserved to be in Champs... It's my responsibility and only mine. I would like to point out that Semyon is an extremely talented player with amazing work ethics. Always professional and always ready to help the team."

After carrying a streak of four straight international appearances, a Stage 1 to forget saw Liquid fail to qualify for Masters London. Liquid, no stranger to making mid-season changes, saw MiniBoo and wayne move to the bench, both by their own volition, resulting in trexx returning to play for Liquid and Kicks' promotion from TLA.

As of today, no indication has been made on whether or not purp0 will be making the trip with Liquid to Shanghai.

Team Liquid Team Liquid Europe Rank #5 nAts Ayaz Akhmetshin GSR Ognjen Bondžić kamo Kamil Frąckowiak trexx Nikita Cherednichenko Kicks Kimmie Laasner 's active roster is now:

  • Ayaz "nAts" Akhmetshin
  • Ognjen "GSR" Bondžić
  • Kamil "kamo" Frąckowiak
  • Nikita "trexx" Cherednichenko
  • Kimmie "Kicks" Laasner
  • Eamon "cauzed" Drea (Manager)
  • Berke "Mol" Mol (Manager)
  • Ivo "LohaN" Albino (Head coach)
  • Daniel "yaotziN." Roczniak (Assistant coach)
  • Jake "Bacon9" Lloyd (Analyst)