Team Liquid and all of its Dota 2 players are parting ways, team co-CEO Victor Goossens announced Friday.
Maroun "GH" Merhej, Kuro "KuroKy" Takhasomi, Ivan Borislavov "MinD_ContRoL" Ivanov, Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi, and Aliwi "w33" Omar will try to build their own esports organization this year, according to Dot Esports. The players leave Liquid on a mutual agreement.
"Today we announce the departure of our TI winning Dota 2 roster," Team Liquid tweeted. "We are thankful for the titles and memories they made with us, and we wish them the best of luck in the creation of their new team."
Team Liquid won The International 7 title two years ago and came in second place at TI9 last month.
"While there is a feeling of sadness too, it has been an absolute honor and pleasure working with Kuro, Miracle, GH, w33, MC and Mo," Goossens posted on his personal Twitter feed.
After the announcement, Takhasomi posted a video on social media.
"Over the past four years, they've pretty much given me the unconditional support that I asked for and they've fulfilled all my wishes that I need to build a successful team," said KuroKy, who also thanked Goossens, the TL staff and the fans.
"We had a good run but it wasn't enough this time."
KuroKy said his and the other players' future plans were in their "baby steps" and he would "reveal more very soon."
Goossens said Team Liquid was committed to Dota and was eyeing a new project "for the long-run."
Goossens told Dot Esports that acquiring a world-class roster "is a very complicated process," leaving the question open whether Liquid will try to acquire top players from other teams or seek out rising stars in the scene.
--Field Level Media