Group Liquid benches YEKINDAR after quite a few subpar performances in 2024

Group Liquid has benched the entry-fragger Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis, the group introduced on Friday, Dec. 27.

The Latvian entry-fragger was beneath strain for many of 2024 as he repeatedly had unhealthy particular person performances throughout numerous CS2 tournaments. YEKINDAR put up good numbers for Group Liquid firstly of his stint in 2022 and 2023 however by no means acquired out of the droop in 2024.

Whereas YEKINDAR stays beneath contract with Group Liquid, he’s already open to gives on this CS2 low season.

“This street was not simple however I’ll use them as a information in my future,” YEKINDAR wrote. “I’m able to bounce again as a person and a participant.”

Group Liquid, however, wished YEKINDAR good luck in his subsequent steps.

As of at present, I’m formally benched and open to gives. (Contact @samsonem)These two and a half years went previous so quick and I can actually say that I’ve had an opportunity to play at the very best esports group. I’m insanely grateful for all of my teammates, the workers, and… pic.twitter.com/caYaIVNpbl

— YEKINDAR (@yek1ndar) December 27, 2024

By two years you may have been an excellent chief on and off the server. Wherever you land we’re positive you’ll make the crew higher. Mareks, better of luck within the subsequent part of your profession. pic.twitter.com/u9tVXruGsx

— Group Liquid CS (@TeamLiquidCS) December 27, 2024

YEKINDAR, who began enjoying Counter-Strike professionally in 2017, had the worst yr of his profession in 2024. He averaged a mere 1.02 ranking throughout the yr, in accordance with HLTV.org, which is much away from the numbers he beforehand delivered.

The Latvian additionally leaves the beginning lineup with out successful a single trophy beneath Group Liquid’s banner. They got here shut in 2022, however misplaced to Vitality and G2, respectively, within the grand finals o ESL Professional League Season 16 and BLAST Premier World Closing.

Who may Liquid signal to interchange YEKINDAR?

Think about Group Liquid and EliGE reunited (Picture by way of ESL FACEIT Group)

With the elimination of YEKINDAR, Group Liquid will probably be on the hunt for a brand new aggressive participant who could be the entry-fragger. It doesn’t make sense for Liquid to search for anything until they put Russel “Twistzz” Van Dunkel in additional aggressive spots.

Fortunately, the group can exchange YEKINDAR with one other European import so long as they preserve their remaining gamers. The one NA gamers that might fill this position in the mean time are Complexity’s Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski and M80’s Mason “Lake” Sanderson, whereas the Previous Continent gives a myriad of choices.

Group Liquid might want to discover a substitute quickly as they’re set to play at BLAST Bounty 2025 Season 1, which runs from January 13 to 18.

That’s all for now. Keep tuned to esports.gg for extra CS2 information.

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