Liquid open Bucharest campaign with rebound win over Legacy

Liquid open Bucharest campaign with rebound win over Legacy

In their first match of the Swiss-stage at the PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, Team Liquid clinched a 2–1 victory over Legacy on October 26 2025. Liquid fell on the opening map but responded decisively in the next two maps to secure their place in the 1–0 bracket, avoiding an early upset. The map scores were 11–13, 13–7 and 13–9 in favour of Liquid. 

Map by map breakdown

Mirage (Liquid pick): Liquid opened their campaign with Mirage under their control early, but Legacy’s attacking T-half paid off as the Brazilians edged out a 13–11 win. Liquid had managed to push the half to 6–6, but a late string of rounds tilted in Legacy’s favour. 
Inferno (Legacy pick): Liquid adjusted well. Under Legacy’s map choice, Liquid dominated the CT half 10–2 and closed out 13–7, turning momentum in their favour. 
Nuke (Decider): On Nuke, Liquid carried their momentum, took a 7–5 first-half lead and closed 13–9 to claim the series. Legacy mounted a fight back but couldn’t destabilise Liquid’s rhythm. 

Key performer: NertZ shines in debut

Israeli rifler Guy “NertZ” Iluz stood out with a 1.30 rating, several clutch rounds and overall impact plays that swung the series. Liquid’s supporting cast also delivered, but NertZ’s breakout performance under pressure cemented his value in the new roster.

For Liquid, NertZ has been part of a major roster shift in early 2025—his addition, along with other changes, was designed to refresh Liquid’s performance after a period of inconsistency. His early impact in Bucharest suggests he is settling into the lineup.

Context: Why this win matters

• Momentum reset: Liquid’s opening match at a major-tier event has implications for VRS (Valve Regional Standings) invites and overall trajectory. A first win reduces pressure in the Swiss stage.

• Roster validation: Liquid’s roster changes this year—including NertZ—are under scrutiny. This victory provides validation at a live LAN event.

• Legacy’s stumble: For Legacy, a strong start to Bucharest would have boosted their region’s representation, but they now face a tougher bracket with an 0-1 start.

What this signals for the tournament

Liquid’s ability to recover after a map loss shows adaptability and mental resilience. Many teams at large events trip up early when facing an unexpected pick or loss; Liquid’s bounce gives them breathing room as the Swiss rounds progress.
Moreover, the performance of NertZ and his integration into the team bodes well for Liquid’s ability to challenge higher-seeded opponents—his contributions may give Liquid a competitive edge in best-of-three scenarios.

Looking ahead

• Consistency required: One strong match isn’t enough. Liquid now need to replicate this performance across more rounds to secure a top finish.

• Map pool breadth: With Mirage compromised, Liquid will need to show they can hold up on other maps and against different styles.

• Regional comparison: NA teams often face extra scrutiny in global LANs; this win helps Liquid stay in line with expectations and pressures from their region.

• Legacy’s response: Legacy must regroup quickly. Their offensive strength showed potential, but closing out the series proved difficult. Their next opponent will be important in defining their path forward.

Final thoughts

Liquid’s 2–1 win over Legacy at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 is more than just a match in the books—it represents the start of a critical campaign for a team rebuilding and seeking major success. With NertZ making his mark and the roster showing early composure under pressure, Liquid have given themselves a platform to build on. The road ahead is still long, but the first step has been taken.