Liquid opened PGL Masters Bucharest 2026 with an upset win over MOUZ. Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski told HLTV the result was big for the team, especially in terms of VRS points, coming after Liquid left 1win Private Club without winning a map.
Liquid revamped their roster three months ago, adding Johnny "JT" Theodosiou and Georgi "Jorko" Mitev. They started with wins over Vitality and G2 and a second-place finish at Stake Pulse Beat I, but results have been inconsistent since.
According to EliGE, the team made many mistakes in Serbia, with weak communication and teamwork breaking down. Those losses gave Liquid a clear focus for the Bucharest event, and after good scrims and a team talk they played much better.
Liquid lost the opening map, Ancient, in overtime, despite a 1v5 clutch from Keith "NAF" Markovic. EliGE said the team was prepared for every map played and was pleased with the number of rounds taken against a side that regularly plays Ancient.
He believes Liquid's floor this season is still not high enough and that the goal is to make this level the norm. Invites will be handed out after this tournament, so every point matters. EliGE expects at least a playoff spot, with the Beijing event and the Major coming next.