JT: EliGE needs space to speak up

Johnny “JT” Theodosiou, Team Liquid’s in-game leader, said Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski needs space to have his own voice and that he provides that support. Liquid advanced to the BLAST Bounty LAN finals after opening wins over Vitality and G2 in Malta, and the team will likely face MOUZ or Spirit in the quarter-finals.

JT described the roster as balanced, with experienced players and young talent. He highlighted two strong lurkers and anchors, an aggressive presence in EliGE, and Georgi “Jorko” Mitev as a young AWPer. “With Liquid I again have strong pieces, plus veterans who know how to win,” he said, adding that the lineup has come together quickly in practice.

The IGL emphasized clear roles and player autonomy as part of his system. “As long as he knows exactly what his role is and what he needs to do, it’s very easy for him to play,” JT explained about EliGE. He added that giving players space to express themselves helps them feel comfortable in matches.

Liquid credited fast progress in practice for the early results. JT pointed to two weeks of intensive work before the event. He warned that keeping up the same level of connection will be a test over the coming matches.

JT praised Jorko’s energy and mechanical skill, saying the young AWPer is eager to learn and contributes a fresh dynamic to daily practice. The team also made changes to its staff: JT confirmed he parted ways with longtime coach T.c and has been working with a new analyst and collaborator. He called T.c “an amazing coach” and acknowledged his impact on JT’s career, while saying new input has already affected his calls and preparation.

On scheduling, JT said the team prioritized BLAST Bounty because of its ranking updates and their effect on invites later in the season. He noted Liquid also registered for a Stockholm event to ensure additional LAN opportunities and to secure ranking points if results at Bounty were not sufficient.

Background details: Theodosiou, 27, returned to play alongside EliGE after about 18 months apart. The current Liquid roster includes veterans such as Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski and other established players, with Jorko newly installed as the AWPer. The team’s next objective is to reproduce early event form at the LAN finals and in subsequent events.