Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski’s return to Liquid became the main storyline of Birch Cup 2025 in Gdańsk. After an unsuccessful period with FaZe, the American has opened a new chapter in his career, and already in his first match he made it clear: he is ready not only to return to his former level but also to help the team chase Major ambitions.
THE BACKGROUND OF THE COMEBACK: WHY NOW
In August, a high-profile trade took place: Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken moved to FaZe, while EliGE returned to Liquid. Now, in his first official matches at Birch Cup 2025, he is working on integrating quickly into the roster.
The American admits the team had minimal practice:
We’ve had practically no practice, we’ve had three days of practice overall. This is the shortest amount of praccs that I’ve ever had before starting actual matches.
Despite this, Liquid opened with a victory against 500, and EliGE emphasized that he sees this tournament primarily as a chance to build the system ahead of the Major.
ELIGE ON DIFFERENCES IN FAZE
After two years away from Liquid, EliGE tried his luck in FaZe, but the experiment was short-lived. Initially, his ideas were welcomed, but soon they were abandoned:
Before I joined, they actually wanted a new perspective of how they wanted to play… and then I felt like after a month, it wasn’t pretty much wanted anymore.
They wanted to try something new and then kinda didn’t after a short while, that’s completely fine. Now I’m here at Liquid and I’m pretty happy.
Despite the differences, the American called his cooperation with karrigan a valuable experience:
He’s a good mid-round IGL, really creative… that talent is pretty unique to karrigan, for sure.
FAST INTEGRATION INTO A FAMILIAR SYSTEM
Returning to Liquid was a logical step for EliGE. He emphasizes that the team’s structure aligns with his vision of CS, and the adaptation has been surprisingly smooth:
We’re on the same page of how we talk about CS… It’s just me having to learn whatever I need to in terms of the names of callouts or the protocols.
The team’s atmosphere also helps with fast progress:
Everyone feels open to ideas and how things are being called and how we wanna work on things.
THE MAJOR AS THE MAIN GOAL
Ahead for Liquid is the main task: finding stability and preparing for the Major. EliGE remains ambitious:
The goal for the Major, for me it would be great if we could get to the semi-finals or higher.
He stressed that the main focus is on the process rather than just results, as the team has “two months to be ready.”
LIQUID GAIN A SECOND WIND
EliGE’s return to Liquid is more than a symbolic reunion. The organization regained a player who knows the system inside out and can bring leadership qualities after working alongside one of the best IGLs in the world.
For EliGE himself, this is a chance to solidify his place in the team he has been associated with for nearly a decade and elevate it to a new level.
A COMEBACK THAT COULD CHANGE THE SEASON
EliGE has begun a new chapter in familiar surroundings, while Liquid have bet on stability and long-term perspective. With Birch Cup and Major preparation ahead, it remains to be seen whether this comeback becomes the turning point for both sides.
