Team Liquid, the former four-time LCS champions, have finalized their 2022 LCS roster in the most spectacular of ways. Their plans had leaked long before any contracts were signed, so it’s not like there’s any big surprise here.

Be that as it may, getting official confirmation is always important, and that is especially true for this particular Team Liquid roster, as it seemed a bit too good to be true for a good while. This, in short, is one of the best and most stacked rosters in North American history. If this team, as layered and talented and experienced as it is, doesn’t leave a mark internationally, it might be time to sound the alarms. 

There’s no weak link to speak of, no player that could easily be exploited or punished — “just” five spectacular veterans who are at the peak of their powers. And we can’t wait to see them step foot on stage and throw down with the rest of the LCS!

These are all familiar faces and, if things pan out “as expected,” they’ll hoist the LCS trophy at least once next year. That’s a bold prediction seeing how they’ve yet to play a single game of League as a five-man unit, but it is by no means outlandish or unrealistic. They’ll face some stiff opposition. There’s no doubt about it, but one has to give them the edge after their many years of dominance; they have all the right tools to overcome any possible obstacle, no matter how dangerous or seemingly impossible. 

It’s never that simple, of course, and there are many intangibles and factors at play. Still, these five individuals have been through it all: the biggest of triumphs and the most crushing of defeats. And, well, they have more trophies than they know what to do with them!

Top Lane: Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau [Fnatic > TL]

Jungle: Lucas Tao Kilmer “Santorin” Larsen

Mid Lane: Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg [TSM FTX > TL]

AD Carry: Steven “Hans Sama” Liv [Rogue > TL]

Support: Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in

Head Coach: André Guilhoto [Immortals > TL]

Assistant Coach: Jonas “Kold” Andersen

If you’re watering at the mouth, know that you’re not the only one. What a truly mind-blowing roster, one that will no doubt leave a mark. How could it not, after all? 100 Thieves, Cloud9, TSM FTX, and Evil Geniuses will no doubt give them a run for their money, but veterancy and poise under pressure — the kind that can only be attained through years upon years of playing at the highest of levels — often trump all else. 

Most of these players are walking encyclopedias. Even if they were coachless, there’s still a very good chance they’d end up ascending the LCS throne — they’re that good. Team Liquid should no doubt be considered as the biggest frontrunners to win the whole thing. Well, at least if no one’s ego gets in the way and if everyone does their job. You can never be too certain with so many seasoned veterans. 

They get a bit less malleable as time goes on and are less receptive to new ideas and feedback. That probably won’t happen with this particular roster, but it’s not unheard of. After all, there’s a good reason why most Western superteams had failed in the past. It’s not as simple as getting five phenoms under one roof and giving them more money than they can count.

Fortunately, Team Liquid’s choice of players seems very deliberate, which means they’ve thought this through. They know what they’re getting themselves into and are surely well equipped for the task at hand. 

By the looks of it, the 2022 competitive season will deliver in every way, shape, and form! The LCS returns to action on January 14, so mark your calendars!