We sat down with veteran Counter-Strike player NAF to discuss the team’s current state following the addition of suihy and the impressive work that DeMars DeRover is doing for the team. We also delved into the full-circle nature of his career with this new iteration of Team Liquid.
While Team Liquid may have been eliminated from IEM Melbourne 2025, they demonstrated significant potential after competing in only two tournaments with suihy. NAF provided us with some insight into the team’s feelings about their performance and how suihy is integrating into the lineup.
“Just a couple of weeks ago in Bucharest (PGL Bucharest 2025), we ended up 0-3 and didn’t end up getting any maps at all. So we’ve surpassed our expectations somewhat, just in the x amount of time we’ve had. In the group stage, the only team we lost to was Vitality, while we beat good teams like NAVI and Virtus.Pro. In the quarterfinal, just some small mistakes didn’t go our way. We ended up in the quarterfinals and we had a massive potential to end up in top four, that’s a lot of progress made in a short amount of time.”
“So far, [siuhy] hasn’t really been a dictator, super micromanaging, or always forcing players to play a certain way or how he wants to play. He gives his teammates a lot of freedom in terms of their roles and I’m sure a lot of those players on this team fit that kind of code of playing. So far it’s been pretty good having him here he’s a great guy, he’s a great personality, he’s good at the game, and leading a team.”
In late March, the team parted ways with their coach, mithR, and brought in DeMars DeRover as an interim coach. Observing Team Liquid between matches, I personally witnessed DeMars‘ dedication as he meticulously placed strategy sheets next to each PC before every map.
“It hasn’t been too different, we were already working with Jay, DeMars DeRover is the crazy name he has, he was working with us a lot before. Even though he was an analyst, he did come up with a lot of the ideas and statistics on what the best ways of playing the best eco rounds, the best positions and all that.”
“He is honestly a freak of nature, I wish one day more teams can see the type of work that he does, ’cause he is one of the most craziest working people I’ve ever seen in my entire life. He’s so smart, he’s so intelligent and it’s insane. Maybe the energy has changed, he’s more of a quiet guy and more reserved, he doesn’t wanna be up there shouting, while mithR was more of a vocal coach. We love to have him.”
“It’s good when you have so many strategies and ideas, it’s super hard to remember 10 different strategies and stuff like that. He gives us our extra page with the player positions and what the best ante is versus that specific player. He makes sure that we’re prepared for the games and it makes our lives easier.”
What’s a cardinal sin before competing in an Australian event? Benching your Australian player. The passionate crowd made Team Liquid acutely aware of their displeasure, showering them with constant chants and effectively casting them as the villains of the tournament.
“It is super funny, that’s the best way to describe the Australian crowd. They’re very funny in terms of the way they chant stuff and the way they say things. I know they show up and just wanna watch good Counter-Strike, drink a lot of beers or whatever, it’s a good time.”
“I know the crowd was somewhat against us at this event, but I thought it was super funny hearing the “Fuck you Liquid” chants. I remember hearing it a little bit in my inner ears, and wondering “Is that what they’re saying right now?” (laughs) The crowd, no matter what, is always really fun to play in front of and I had a good time.”
“It’s fun to play both sides, when you’re watching movies or TV shows, you see the villains and I always thought of them as the cooler side than the good guys. It’s super fun to be able to play both sides, being the villain and the supportive crowd. Being on Liquid back in the day, we had those events in Chicago and the US, seeing all the Liquid fans, all the liquid jerseys all over the place, and people shouting your name and cheering you on every kill. I’ve lived on both sides and I think both sides are super fun.”
Finally, given NAF’s extensive and high-level career in Counter-Strike, we asked him to trace his professional journey, from his early beginnings through his time with Renegades, and up to his current role with this Team Liquid squad.
“When I initially started out, I was a selfless player, willing to take any role, and then it got to a point where I joined Renegades and I wanted to be that star player. I wanted to be that player that makes the games life or death – if we win, it’s because of me and if we lose, it’s because of me as well.”
“Coming to Liquid in 2018/2019, it was very similar for me. playing my T-side lurk roles, but also on CT-side playing more of the star roles and rotation roles, being able to call on CT-sides and make the game about yourself.”
“Now, ever since we had YEKINDER join in 2023, I had to be the guy that plays the anchor roles and just do what the team needs me to do. It kind of feels like my career came full circle; being a selfless player, then telling myself I don’t wanna do that again, and then now I’m kind of back in that boat again. It’s just the way life goes.”
Check out more of our IEM Melbourne 2025 content or one of our previous interviews with Team Liquid:
