Team Liquid signs TI 2025 winner Malr1ne to replace Nisha

Team Liquid signed Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak as its new Dota 2 midlaner on Oct. 15, completing its roster rebuild for the 2026-27 season. Malr1ne replaces Michał “Nisha” Jankowski, who has stepped away from competitive play.

The 22-year-old joined Liquid as a free agent after Team Falcons announced its departure from competitive Dota 2 in September. Liquid announced the signing in a video featuring Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf, Malr1ne’s former Falcons teammate, and coach William “Blitz” Lee calling Malr1ne during his honeymoon. The organization described Malr1ne as “the final piece to the puzzle.”

Malr1ne spent nearly three years with Falcons and helped the team win The International 2025 by defeating Xtreme Gaming in the grand final. Falcons won nine Tier 1 tournaments during that period. Malr1ne became known for playing heroes such as Timbersaw, Pangolier, Sand King and Puck.

Falcons’ roster was dissolved after The International 2026, where the team finished seventh-eighth. It lost to Nigma Galaxy before falling 2-1 to Team Liquid in the lower bracket. Falcons later said its decision to leave competitive Dota 2 followed a strategic review of its esports operations. The decision allowed its players to seek new teams.

Nisha joined Liquid in late 2022 and helped the organization win The International 2024. He was part of Liquid’s 2026 victories at BLAST Slam VI and 1win Essence II. Liquid finished fifth-sixth at The International 2026 after losing to Team Spirit in the playoffs.

Liquid had already changed its offlane position by signing Adrián “Wisper” Céspedes Dobles from Bolivia to replace Marcus “Ace” Hoelgaard. The team’s new roster has Michael “miCKe” Vu at carry, Malr1ne in the midlane, Wisper in the offlane, and Samuel “Boxi” Svahn and Erik “tOfu” Engel as supports. Blitz remains the coach.

Liquid is scheduled to debut its new lineup at PARI Universe, an online tournament running from Oct. 22 to Nov. 1. Team Spirit, Team Yandex and PARIVISION are among the other participants. Malr1ne could face ATF, who now represents Team Yandex.

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