The drop of Liquid in the Valve world rankings by nine spots is already a worrying signal for the team's fans. However, what makes the situation particularly interesting is the fact that in 25th place, just one position higher, is FlyQuest, featuring jks — a former Liquid player.

Yesterday's Favorites — Today's Chasers
Team Liquid is one of the oldest and most recognizable brands in the CS scene. Over the past few years, the team has repeatedly changed its roster, trying to reclaim its status as a top contender. After parting ways with several key players, including jks , the team has struggled to find stability.

Meanwhile, jks , after a series of unsuccessful transitions, found new motivation with FlyQuest — a team previously not considered a serious contender for the top 30.

Valve Rankings
According to the latest update of the world rankings by Valve, published on August 4th, Team Liquid has fallen to 26th place, losing nine positions at once. This rapid decline resulted from poor performances in recent tournaments, including a flop at IEM Cologne 2025, the European Qualifier for ESL Pro League Season 22, and the Austin Major.

Although FlyQuest did not rise in the rankings, merely maintaining their position, the fact that a team with a former Liquid player now surpasses them is a symbolic twist of fate and a reason to ponder the current state of a once top-tier team.

Liquid's decline could mark the beginning of radical changes: the organization might face another roster overhaul. If the team fails to stabilize its results by the end of the fall, its chances of participating in major tournaments — including qualifiers for the next major — will sharply decrease. Conversely, FlyQuest has the opportunity to secure a spot in the top 20. The irony is that it's thanks to a player Liquid couldn't fully utilize.