Discussion around Team Liquid’s future flared up once again after a cryptic post from insider Vladislav Gromov, which featured just two words — Liquid and NAF. That alone was enough to spark a widespread debate about a potential departure of one of the team’s key players. The rumor emerged amid a string of disappointing results, but this time the reaction was especially sharp. For many fans, Keith “NAF” Markovic remains a symbol of stability during what has been a turbulent period for Liquid.
Why NAF — and why did it cause such a strong reaction?
NAF has represented Liquid since February 2018 and has lived through several different eras with the organization. Crucially, unlike some other roles, his individual form has not collapsed even during the team’s overall downturn.
Over the last 35 maps, the Canadian rifler holds a 1.09 rating (Rating 3.0), a 1.11 CT-side rating, 76.2 ADR, and 75.3% KAST — among the most consistent numbers on the roster. Against the backdrop of Liquid’s AWP struggles and role confusion, these stats read more like an argument for NAF rather than against him. That is precisely why the idea of his possible departure struck many as illogical.
Community reaction: from shock to open backlash
Social media erupted almost instantly. The majority of reactions were strongly negative, with fans openly calling NAF Liquid’s best or most reliable player at the moment. A recurring question echoed throughout the discussion: why consider changes like this while the team’s biggest issue — the AWP role — remains unresolved?
Some users viewed the rumor as a sign of a deeper internal crisis, while others dismissed it as blatant ragebait lacking context. Even among those willing to entertain the idea of a transfer, the dominant view was clear: such a move would only make sense as part of a full-scale rebuild, not a minor adjustment.
Context: a chain of Liquid rumors from the same source
It is important to note that the NAF speculation did not appear in isolation. The cryptic post from Vladislav Gromov followed his earlier report linking Liquid to a potential move for Krimbo, a rumor that already sparked heavy debate around roles, the AWP situation, and the team’s long-term direction.
Taken together, these reports have shaped a broader narrative: Liquid may be exploring deeper roster changes rather than isolated fixes. As a result, the NAF post was widely interpreted not as a standalone hint, but as a continuation of an ongoing discussion about restructuring the core — which explains the scale and intensity of the community reaction.
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What this means for Liquid
At this stage, there is no confirmation that Liquid are actually planning to part ways with NAF. Still, the reaction alone shows just how tense the situation around the team has become. Any hint of change is no longer seen as renewal, but as a potential misstep.
The NAF situation is more than just a transfer rumor. It serves as an indicator that trust in Liquid’s strategic direction has noticeably eroded. And until the organization provides clear answers about its priorities and role structure, similar rumors are likely to continue provoking explosive reactions.
