EliGE: “We had a really strong bootcamp — now we’re ready to show our best at the Major”

EliGE: “We had a really strong bootcamp — now we’re ready to show our best at the Major”

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Context & Return to Liquid

• Earlier this season, Liquid reacquired EliGE, bringing the 28-year-old veteran back to the roster after his stint with FaZe.

• 2025 has been a rebuilding year for Liquid — the team showed flashes of potential, but lacked consistency in their results.

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What EliGE Says — Confidence Restored

On media day ahead of the Major, EliGE explained that this time leading into the tournament was different:

• The team finally had “some time … to get the practice that we wanted in.” Previous events — namely CAC and Bucharest — didn’t offer enough time for deep preparation.

• During a recent bootcamp, Liquid revamped their internal systems, structure, and tactical approach. The result, according to EliGE: “a really strong bootcamp that we're all feeling really good about.”

• He emphasized that the players now “see CS the same way,” and that shared understanding in tactics, ideas, and round-by-round decision-making is one of the biggest positives of the new Liquid setup.

As a result, EliGE says he’s feeling stronger individually and more comfortable with his role in team tactics — something he hopes will finally reflect in official matches. 

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Strategic Improvements: Leadership, Roles and Synergy

EliGE also touched on the impact of a more stable leadership and defined roles:

• Since his arrival, synergy on the team has improved. Former instability meant players didn’t always know what teammates were doing — complicating micro-adjustments or subtle coordination mid-round. Now, role clarity and shared methodology have helped smooth that out.

• He pointed out that part of the improvement is visible through better performances from teammates such as Keith "NAF" Markovic, whose form has reportedly risen since the roster stabilization.

• In his view, the current bootcamp helped the entire group find a rhythm: defined macros, confident micro-plays, and more trust across the board.

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Outlook: Can Liquid Be the Dark Horse?

EliGE didn’t shy away from bold predictions — if Liquid can execute what they practiced, he thinks they could “definitely do some damage.” 

• He emphasized that if each player stays confident individually and the team plays with the same cohesion and tactics they trained with, Liquid could be a “dark horse” at the Major.

• Still, he acknowledged the danger of best-of-ones (BO1s) — anything can happen if a pistol round goes wrong or the economy spirals. For now, their goal is modest: “don’t go 0-2” and avoid getting backed into a corner.

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Why This Bootcamp Matters (in Broader CS Context)

The emphasis on bootcamp and structured practice reflects a broader trend among top teams in 2025 — recognizing that raw firepower isn’t enough; synergy, tactical cohesion and mental comfort are equally crucial. Similar sentiments were voiced by other teams this year, highlighting the renewed focus on preparation ahead of marquee events. 

For Liquid — especially with a veteran like EliGE now back in the fold — this bootcamp could be the turning point that shifts them from “what-if” to “we-deliver.”