Team Liquid Signs Ultimate as AWPer, Completes Roster with JKS

In a significant roster move, Team Liquid has signed the 20-year-old Polish AWPer Roland “⁠ultimate⁠” Tomkowiak, marking his debut in a tier-one CS2 team. The organization announced this addition on July 12, signaling a new era for their lineup.

Ultimate steps in to fill the shoes of the star sniper Casper “⁠cadiaN⁠” Møller, who departed the active lineup in June. While ultimate will take on AWPing duties, he won’t be a direct replacement for cadiaN, who also served as the team’s captain. Team Liquid has yet to announce their new in-game leader, but rumors suggest that Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken might take up the mantle.

Thanks @TeamLiquidCS for this great opportunity. I will do my best to meet the expectations 🫡 https://t.co/S7XTJLhPyp

— Roland "ultimate" Tomkowiak (@ultimatecs_go) July 12, 2024

This announcement follows the addition of head coach Torbjørn “mithR” Nyborg on July 11. Known for his track record of developing in-game leaders, mithR’s appointment hints at Twistzz potentially becoming the new captain. However, the spotlight now turns to ultimate and his journey to Team Liquid.

Ultimate, a young Polish talent, has never played for a tier-one team before joining Team Liquid. His last stint was with Illuminar between March and June 2024, and he first made waves with AGO in 2022, participating in ESL Pro League Season 15. Team Liquid’s choice to sign ultimate over a more established AWPer likely stems from a limited pool of available talent during the off-season, with many top AWPers already under contract with other major CS2 organizations.

In another intriguing move, Justin “JKS” Savage has joined Team Liquid, marking the team’s third rebuild in as many years. The Australian rifler’s addition finalizes the roster just in time for the BLAST Premier Fall Groups.

JKS‘ signing stands out as a particularly strategic move amidst a series of roster changes that left many analysts puzzled. Despite his departure from G2 Esports, the community’s response underscored his skill and value as a player. G2’s subsequent performances have only highlighted the void left by his absence.

Welcome @jks_CS to Team Liquid 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/MYo5RB3tPA

— Team Liquid CS (@TeamLiquidCS) July 12, 2024

JKS‘ arrival at Team Liquid brings not only his positive attitude but also his exceptional ability as an anchor. Seen as a direct upgrade over Felipe “skullz” Medeiros, JKS provides stability to the NA roster. In a period of uncertainty, with Twistzz potentially stepping up as the in-game leader, JKS’ reliable performance is a significant asset.

With the major in sight, JKS‘ addition also offers Team Liquid a clear path to the North American RMR, positioning them well to secure one of the seven spots at the major. However, while this represents a financial boost for the organization, the team still faces several questions. Can Twistzz successfully transition to an IGL role? Will Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis return to form after a challenging year? Can Torbjørn “mithR” Nyborg and Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak prove their worth?

Regardless of the outcomes in Shanghai and beyond, JKS is poised to become a key player for Team Liquid. While YEKINDAR hasn’t quite lived up to superstar expectations, the stability offered by JKS, along with the consistent performances of Twistzz and Keith “NAF” Markovic, is expected to elevate Team Liquid to new heights.