Team Liquid’s Identity: A Tale of Choking under Pressure
An identity is the culmination of our experiences and accomplishments. In the world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it represents a team’s entire career and achievements. For Team Liquid, their identity is tied to one specific moment in time – a moment that has haunted and characterized them.
In a match against Luminosity Gaming at MLG Columbus, Liquid had a chance to secure victory in the first game. However, one incredible play by Marcelo “Coldzera” David turned the tables. Liquid refused to regroup and lost, leading to their defeat.
The same scenario unfolded in another match against Luminosity Gaming, as well as against Ninjas in Pyjamas. Liquid held strong leads but failed to close out the games. This pattern has become the focal point of Team Liquid’s identity, with every match reaching the 15-round mark becoming a test of their nerves.
There are two possible solutions for Liquid. They can bring in a clutch force to stabilize their gameplay or hire a psychologist to address their nerve issues. Both options have been successful in the past for other teams and players.
However, if Liquid fails to address this problem, it could be fatal for their competitive future. The pressure and expectations will only increase, and their reputation as chokers will become their identity.