Liquid Target JT as New IGL – Report Suggests Major Leadership Change

Team Liquid could be preparing for another significant roster shake-up after reports emerged that the organization is moving toward signing Johnny "JT" Theodosiou as its next in-game leader.

While the deal has not been officially announced, multiple reports indicate that negotiations are at an advanced stage, potentially ending Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek's stint as the team's captain.

 

Quick Summary

Item	Status
Player targeted	Johnny "JT" Theodosiou
Role	IGL
Current team	Passion UA
Expected replacement	Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek
Official announcement	No
Report source	Dust2.us, HLTV
Additional roster changes	Reportedly being explored

 

Liquid Reportedly Close to Signing JT as New IGL

 

Liquid failed to reach the playoffs of any S-tier event in 2026 and exited the IEM Cologne Major during Stage 1.

 

According to a report from Dust2.us, later highlighted by HLTV, Liquid are in the final stages of discussions to acquire JT from Passion UA.

Should the move be completed, JT would assume in-game leadership duties, while siuhy is expected to move to the bench after serving as Liquid's captain since April 2025.

The reported decision follows one of the organization's most disappointing seasons in recent memory.

Liquid failed to reach playoffs at any S-tier tournament in 2026 and suffered an early elimination at the IEM Cologne Major 2026, finishing Stage 1 with a 2-3 record. Analysts and observers have repeatedly pointed to the team's struggles on the T side, where HLTV noted Liquid averaged among the weakest attacking-side win rates in elite Counter-Strike this season.

JT's arrival would also reunite him with EliGE, his longtime teammate during Complexity's most successful CS2 period. The pair reportedly remain close and were recently seen playing FACEIT together following Liquid's Major exit.

Dust2.us additionally reported that Liquid are exploring a replacement for Roland "ultimate" Tomkowiak, although discussions regarding the AWPer position appear to be less advanced than the JT negotiations.

 

Background: Why Liquid Are Considering Another Leadership Change

 

JT previously spent several seasons leading Complexity, developing a reputation as a structured caller capable of maximizing roster potential.

 

Liquid entered 2025 with hopes that siuhy's arrival would stabilize the roster and provide long-term direction.

However, results never materialized.

The organization endured:

No S-tier playoff appearances in 2026;

An early exit from the Cologne Major;

Persistent issues converting advantages on T sides;

Ongoing roster instability.

JT became available after Passion UA announced in May that its lineup was open for transfer offers.

The South African captain spent several years leading Complexity, helping the team reach multiple premier events and earning praise for maximizing limited resources.

Although JT's individual statistics are rarely headline-grabbing, his reputation largely stems from structured mid-round calling, strong utility usage and roster management.

 

Potential Liquid Lineup (Reported)

 

JT's reported arrival could reunite him with EliGE and potentially signal the beginning of a broader rebuild within Liquid.

 

Player	Role	Status
JT	IGL	Reported target
EliGE	Rifler	Active
NAF	Rifler	Active
malbsMd	Rifler	Active
ultimate	AWPer	Active (reportedly under evaluation)
flashie	Coach	Active
siuhy	IGL	Expected benching (reported)

 

 

Why This Matters

Leadership changes often define a team's trajectory in modern Counter-Strike.

For Liquid, JT could represent a philosophical shift.

Under siuhy, Liquid attempted to implement a highly structured European-style system. Results were inconsistent, and the team struggled to develop a clear identity.

JT offers a different profile:

Tactical Impact (Expected)

More experience managing international rosters.

Proven chemistry with EliGE.

Strong emphasis on utility protocols.

Historically capable of overperforming relative to roster expectations.

There are no guarantees that a JT-led Liquid would immediately return to title contention, but the move suggests management is prioritizing stability and established leadership over continued experimentation.

 

Timeline of Events

Date	Event
April 2025	siuhy becomes Liquid IGL
May 2026	Passion UA make roster available for transfer
June 2026	Liquid eliminated from IEM Cologne Major Stage 1
23 June 2026	Reports emerge linking JT with Liquid
TBD	Potential official announcement

 

Impact Analysis

The reported acquisition may have several consequences.

Short-Term

Liquid likely enter the post-Major player break with a revised leadership structure.

siuhy's future becomes uncertain.

Medium-Term

Liquid could continue roster changes, particularly at AWPer.

JT would need to integrate quickly ahead of autumn events.

Long-Term

Success or failure of this move may determine whether Liquid remain a contender for invitations to premier tournaments heading into the second half of 2026.

 

What Changes Now?

At present, nothing changes officially.

Liquid have not announced any roster moves.

JT remains contracted to Passion UA, while siuhy is still listed as an active member of Liquid.

However, reports from both Dust2.us and HLTV suggest the organization is actively pursuing changes following its disappointing Major campaign.

 

What to Watch Next

Several developments could occur over the coming days:

Official confirmation from Liquid.

Clarification regarding siuhy's status.

Progress on a possible replacement for ultimate.

Potential coaching staff adjustments.

The team's first tournament after the player break will likely provide the clearest indication of Liquid's direction for the remainder of the 2026 season.

 

FAQ

Has Liquid officially signed JT?

No. The move has only been reported by Dust2.us and referenced by HLTV. Liquid have not announced the transfer.

Who would JT replace?

JT is reportedly expected to replace Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek as the team's in-game leader.

Is Liquid making other roster changes?

Reports indicate the organization is exploring options to replace Roland "ultimate" Tomkowiak, but discussions are said to be at an earlier stage.

Why is JT considered a strong IGL option?

JT has extensive experience leading Complexity and Passion UA and previously developed strong on-server synergy with EliGE.