FalleN replaces Stewie2k as Team Liquid IGL in IEM Katowice 2021

Fariha Bhatti Published 18/02/2021

Team Liquid is putting Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo in the driver’s seat ahead of IEM Katowice 2021. 

It seems that role swaps in Team Liquid are far from over as Jake “Stewie2K” Yip is giving up the captain’s chair. After a series of disappointing results, FalleN will take over the in-game leader position in Team Liquid. 

When FalleN replaced Team Liquid’s trusted rifle Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken after IEM Global Challenge, he assured the fans that he’s entering as a dedicated AWPer. It seems like this will change in coming matches as a role switch has been confirmed by Keith “NAF” Markovic in a video interview with ESL. 

“The big holes in our team were that we never had a dedicated AWPer and a dedicated IGL. After our recent performances, we are trying to implement FalleN as our main IGL now,” said NAF. 

The recent performances NAF hinted at were indeed not up to par. The team didn’t have a great start to the new season as it finished fourth in BLAST Premier Global Final, losing to Team Vitality and Natus Vincere. The decline continued as the Stewie2K-led roster posted a mediocre performance in the BLAST Premier Spring groups, losing twice to FaZe Clan. Despite just recently adding ex-Liquid star Twistzz, FaZe Clan breezed past Team Liquid. NAF and Liquid are hoping that FalleN can plug the holes that have been sinking the Team Liquid ship. 

The player revealed that the lineup could really use FalleN’s in-game experience as he’s already playing a crucial role for Team Liquid outside of the server. 

“Outside of the game, he helps a lot with making sure we’re a unit, a team,” NAF said. 

Team Liquid qualifies for IEM Katowice 2021 under FalleN’s leadership

The first look at this retooled Team Liquid came in the IEM Katowice 2021 play-ins. Under their new IGL, the players bested MIBR and OG, clinching a spot on IEM Katowice 2021 group stage. Following the consecutive wins, the Brazillian veteran announced that Stewie2K is still calling some of the shots. 

Stewie2K took the reins for Team Liquid with zero previous experience as an IGL. The spot was freed up on Liquid following the release of Nicholas “nitr0” Cannella, who was dropped from the team and transferred to 100 Thieves’ Valorant squad. 

With FalleN at the wheel, Team Liquid might finally be ready to return to the top of the CSGO scene. It will be interesting to see if the team can replicate its IEM Katowice 2021 play-in performance in upcoming tournaments under FalleN’s guidance. Liquid’s first map will be a grudge match against FaZe Clan.

Fariha Bhatti

About Fariha Bhatti

Fariha Bhatti is a long-time gaming writer who loves competitive FPS games and slots with particularly fun themes. She got her start playing classic games developed by SNK, from legendary fighting game series The King of Fighters to challenging platform franchise Metal Slug. She now spends most of her time playing Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 while working her way through new slot releases to find her next favorite. Fariha has been published at PCGamesN, TalkEsport and ONE Esports.

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