TF Blade may sub for Team Liquid in light of visa issues

On January 1, Team Liquid owner Steve “Liquid112” Arhancet disclosed ongoing visa issues for the League of Legends team’s new jungler Mads “Broxah” Brock-Pedersen, coach Jang “Cain” Nu-ri, and academy jungler Shern “Shernfire” Cherng Tai. 

In the team’s search to fill holes in their main lineup, they may result to unexpected measures. Popular streamer and former rank one player Ashkan “TF Blade” Homayouni revealed the possibility of him playing on stage as a substitute on his stream.

TF Blade mentioned that because he streams under the team’s brand and is listed as a substitute, it’s possible he may end up playing in the LCS if the visa issue remains unresolved. 

“There’s a good chance,” he said when asked by a viewer about the situation. “That’s one of the reasons why I’m going to LA.” 

TF Blade has been a part of the Liquid organization since June 11, 2018, but has yet to make his professional debut in LCS or academy. He recently earned rank one on the EUW server during his “Rank 1 Global” series.

It’s currently uncertain whether or not TF Blade would play on stage in the jungle or the top lane. Eugene “Pobelter” Park, who recently joined Liquid as a mid lane positional coach, has been playing jungle games in solo queue recently, leading fans to believe that he’s preparing to stand in for Broxah should the need arise.

The four-time LCS champions made the decision to shake up their roster by replacing veteran jungler Jake “Xmithie “Puchero with Broxah after a poor showing at the 2019 World Championship. Xmithie’s history of success and current status as a North American veteran made him a valuable pickup for any team. Liquid Steve stated that the team has been practicing as normal despite encountering these problems. 

Team Liquid spent their offseason differently than most other teams. Instead of going forward with a boot camp like TSM, C9, and Evil Geniuses, each player focused on self-improvement in specific areas hoping to reconvene and apply what they’ve learned once practice for the season began. Broxah had been focusing on developing synergy with mid laner Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen in Copenhagen, Denmark during this time.

The LCS makes its return on Saturday, January 25. Academy games will begin on Friday, January 24.

 

Image via TF Blade | Instagram