According to a statement from the organization, the Kuro Salehi “KuroKy” Takhasomi-led team is set to split off and will look to start their own esports brand. This marks the end of the squad’s time with Liquid, which dates back to 2015.
During almost that entire stretch, Liquid has been regarded as an elite Dota 2 team. Since 2016, the team has ranked among the favorites for every event they’ve attended. Their first-place finish at The International 2017 stands as the high point for the team, and goes down as one of the most dominant displays of competitive Dota 2.
The team leaves on a high note as well, departing after a second-place finish at The International 2019. They were defeated in the grand finals by OG.
Now, with countless triumphs and an International title to their names, KuroKy and his squad will be going their separate ways from the organization they’ve worked with for so long.
Team Liquid released video statements from both the team’s CEO Victor “Nazgul” Goossens and Kuroky. Nazgul suggests that the team, which also consists of Maroun “GH” Merhej, Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” Borislavov, Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi, and Aliwi “w33” Omar, will be staying together.
“While parting with friends is always a sadness, I am genuinely happy our players and the new adventure they are about to take. It isn’t every day that world class players take the leap to become team owners,” Goossens said in a statement. “They deserve this more than anyone, and I am glad that we were able to share the road to greatness together. It is my hope that during their time on Team Liquid, that we have helped prepare them for the path they are embarking on.”
KuroKy thanked both fans and the organization for their support, and announced that his project is still in its early phase.
In the announcement, Nazgul also mentioned that Team Liquid will be looking to acquire another Dota 2 roster for the 2019-20 DPC Season. It is unclear what their approach will be. They have a long history in both North America and Europe and there will be no shortage of formidable players and sponsorless teams from both regions for Liquid to choose from.