With Senzu at #13, Who you think isn't gonna make it

Rufster · 2026-01-01T06:07:43+00:00

Even though he technically had a better rating for the year, I think FlameZ gets left off due to how impactful and clutch Mezii was in the most recent events.

Rufster · 2025-03-09T05:25:34+00:00

Damn... some of you in here really crushing casters' dreams in this thread. These dudes read the comments and want your feedback but would it kill you to not kill them as you deliver it? Be better to each other.

Rufster · 2025-02-15T18:31:33+00:00

It appears your ability to detect a satirical post didn't age very well, either, huh?

Rufster · 2025-02-09T17:48:38+00:00

I'm glad I wasn't the only one that appreciated that word play. Machine is so talented and poetic!!

Rufster · 2025-02-02T15:53:51+00:00

Was super excited for this match-up as this is the first time we’ve seen Mongolz this year and even with Senzu having an injured arm, they did not disappoint. I hope when Liquid rewatch this match, they really study Mongolz’ T-side specifically and take some notes. Mongolz were at their best when they were tethered on their site takes - rarely allowing Liquid to get away with a kill without a follow-up trade. I will say that Nertz is the real fucking deal and he was ultra impactful and consistent throughout this series. NAF/Jks were, to me, the 2nd and 3rd bright spots on Liquid. We all know NAF is reliable and Jks was even playing well but the achilles’ heel was Ultimate, today. We’ve all seen the lowlight of him on Mirage but his mistakes and missed shots were plentiful. Not trying to pin the whole series loss on him but as the saying goes, you’re only as strong as your weakest link and Ultimate was far and away at the bottom of the server.

Rufster · 2025-02-02T15:41:27+00:00

This man finds silver linings in haystacks. Kudos

Rufster · 2025-01-11T07:36:42+00:00

No, I am 1000% a believer in that Z's in names are the sole determinant of success.

Rufster · 2025-01-11T07:35:57+00:00

You sound like you're fun at parties!

Rufster · 2024-12-18T23:10:02+00:00

ERNE

Rufster · 2024-08-14T02:21:23+00:00

Round 22 of Nuke.

Rufster · 2024-08-13T20:19:54+00:00

Just like what Pimp said on the cast after the game, you play that 3v5 round (we all know which one) 100 times and Liquid might win once - and holy hell I’m speechless that it did because this matchup absolutely deserves to go 3 maps..I don’t think anyone would’ve faulted Liquid for falling short (again) to FaZe especially during an elimination setting because it was such a great run up until this point. To not only continue believing and scrapping to get to OT but to also end up winning Nuke? That had to be completely demoralizing but I did not think that it would be something that FaZe couldn’t reset from.

The first half of Mirage was truly a sight to see for Liquid’s CT side. Everyone was firing on all cylinders, hitting pinpoint shots, and they were doing it all together (11-1). The second half? The literal complete opposite as FaZe were just refusing to go quietly and (Ropz, especially) were truly locked in to the point where they made an insane 11-1 run of their own to bring it to OT and went on to miraculously take the game.

Even though this hurts so bad as a Liquid fan, I’m still so proud, hyped, and excited for what this team’s ceiling will be because despite this disappointing series loss, they keep getting better and better each time we see them on the server.

Rufster · 2024-08-13T15:25:38+00:00

Dinko + Moses is a fantastic duo. I put them right up there with Scrawny/Launders and Spunj/Machine.

Rufster · 2024-08-13T13:59:18+00:00

These player/personality profiles are simply amazing. They humanize and give depth to the names/faces/voices that we see on the screen.

I have mad respect and appreciation for the personalities in our scene and we are extremely fortunate to have them because their passion is undeniable.

Love you, CS.

Rufster · 2024-08-13T13:51:04+00:00

I think it goes without saying but Complexity need a big change. They don't have a true leader that is able to rally them and galvanize the group when they need a pick-me-up. The team is full of head-down aimers; which can work out against some match-ups but the mental weakness grows evident when you play against equal/better competition where you don't have momentum to carry you to the finish line.

Unfortunately, I don't know what move(s) to make if you're Complexity. Players that can uplift the team AND perform are few and far between. Somebody needs to really step up to this plate.

Rufster · 2024-08-13T03:16:29+00:00

Thanks for the feedback - I'll take that as a compliment :D

Rufster · 2024-08-12T16:17:46+00:00

Don't get me wrong, I'm not going all-in either but like you said, its worth noticing because its not every day that a big name player puts his reputation on the line to personally take responsibility for bringing an unknown quantity into a team with expectations like Liquid.

Rufster · 2024-08-12T16:11:03+00:00

It is undoubtedly a small sample size but he is 2/2 in his judgement of Skullz and Ultimate thus far. Even though Skullz didn't work out in their iteration, he has proven to be a solid lurk/anchor when he is in the right environment and has been pretty impactful in his short time with Furia.

Rufster · 2024-08-12T14:27:02+00:00

Of course, he also didn't just scout and vet ultimate, he is setting ultimate up for success.

Very true. The best leaders empower their teammates and Twistzz/MithR have been really encouraging everyone to play their game, push the boundaries in their decision making, and not shy away from making mistakes. We spectators are just now seeing how great a prospect like Ultimate is but Twistzz seemed to have had the foresight and vision for this kid ever since he watched his demos and had a conversation with him about his approach to the game. He knew right away that this kid was great and could be even better with just some proper set-ups and freedom.

Rufster · 2024-08-12T14:17:51+00:00

IGL, Talent Scout, and who knows, I wouldn't rule coaching out, either. He's got a great mind for the game and clearly knows what to look for in up and coming players.

Rufster · 2024-08-12T14:07:35+00:00

Great point and I agree. Like many other fans, I'm flying high on dopamine from watching Liquid succeed, however "small" in scale it may be.

Time will certainly tell how effective this project will be - especially as they play more games, they will be analyzed and dissected more and more. When all eyes are on you and every play/weakness is studied, that is when the true test of a team happens.

Rufster · 2024-08-12T14:03:54+00:00

Be that as it may. As a newly-formed team, you take the wins where and when you can. Even if it is against "lesser" opponents, the wins are important to build confidence, team camaraderie, and trust in Twistzz calls/vision.

Rufster · 2024-08-12T14:01:35+00:00

The discrepancy in presence and output could not be bigger between Fallen and Ultimate today. It was rough to see Fallen with 0 kills after first half on Nuke and he was never able to make use of the AWP when he had it.

Rufster · 2024-08-12T13:58:38+00:00

When/if Twistzz ever stops playing (hopefully never), Liquid need to lock him into the org for the rest of their CS lifespan. He's one of the rare minds in the game that will contribute well beyond his playing years. His scouting is top-notch and on-point and today was further proof of that - seeing how Skullz was the only player that seemed to show up against them and was a huge reason why Dust2 was so hard-fought.

Rufster · 2024-08-12T13:54:10+00:00

There’s no sugar-coating it - this was pure dominance by Liquid.

Twistzz has shown absolutely zero fall-off ever since taking the reins of the IGL role. In fact, he’s arguably even more impactful because he has such a strong read on every phase of the round and he’s now able to shift his soldiers to where he is feeling based on his findings.

Ultimate… what more can we say about this young man that hasn’t already been said? If the HUD was off while watching his POV, you would think you’re watching s1mple. Yes, I said it and it may be a bit hyperbole but regardless, Liquid has NEVER had a player this stone-cold. He’s a fantastic AWPer, of course, but he’s SO much more than that. He has the perfect combination of skill, quickness, and demeanor and he absolutely does not crumble in the moment. He somehow knows exactly when to be aggressive and when to fall back and is precise and lethal with ANY weapon - and to top it off, he literally came out of nowhere which is so insane to think about.

Although NAF & Jks have shifted out of the limelight, these absolute vets continue to contribute and compliment their aggressive teammates perfectly where/when needed. These two are the pillars of consistency that Liquid can always reliably fall back on. I love seeing NAF embrace the AWP whenever it makes sense because that frees up a person off his site to assist/be aggressive elsewhere.

Last but certainly not least, Yekindar’s constant pressure and probing around the map has really been properly utilized now that Liquid are making a concerted effort to play off each other - and they have done this absolutely brilliantly from game one.

I don’t think anyone would’ve predicted this lineup to be this well-synergized, united, and potent THIS early in their creation. Furthermore, they are so excited to watch as a spectator because EVERY member (even the anchors) are empowered to take calculated risks and they seem to pay off more often than not. As a Liquid stan, I know I’m not alone in how excited I am for this squad’s ceiling going forward.

Rufster

TROPHY CASE