Twist: Sweden making a comeback in Counter-Strike

Simon “twist” Eliasson spoke after Alliance’s semi-final defeat to 9z at the S-tier XSE Pro League in Guangzhou, calling for more match practice and tournament play to push the team higher in the rankings.

Alliance reached the last four in Guangzhou despite a short preparation window and a recent roster change. Eliasson identified Ancient’s CT side as the match area where the team did not execute its plan and said the squad failed some in-game protocols that cost them rounds.

The team entered the event after winning a single preparatory Glitch tournament and with new signing bobeksde recently added to the lineup. Eliasson described bobeksde’s performance in Guangzhou as strong, and he said the team tried to give the player space to make impact while providing support when needed.

Eliasson addressed the departure of Liam “MaiL09” Tügel and noted the changes are never ideal. He highlighted a core group that has remained together for about a year and a half and thanked Alliance co-owners Loda and Kelly for backing the roster. He said the organisation aims to keep the lineup stable.

On season goals, Eliasson listed qualification for the next Major as the top priority and named BLAST Bounty as the team’s next scheduled event. He called for more events against tier-one opponents to refine strategies and build consistency.

Eliasson reflected on his own career path after being benched from Ninjas in Pyjamas and spending several years in tier-two and tier-three competition. He said he continued forming lineups and handling commitments outside the game, and that competing at major events again feels rewarding. “This is by far one of the best teams I’ve ever had in my career,” he reflected.

On the national level, Eliasson pointed to Alliance and fellow Swedish squad EYEBALLERS and to a number of emerging Swedish players. He noted some talent is joining international rosters but expressed the belief that a fully Swedish team can once again contend with the game’s top teams. “We know we can go far as soon as we get the chance,” he added.