Team Liquid have confirmed the return of NAF to their CS2 starting lineup. The organization shared a photo from its training facility in Utrecht, Netherlands, showing the Canadian veteran back with the team. This confirms that Liquid are once again operating at full strength.
NAF returns after missing IEM Kraków
The 28-year-old sat out IEM Kraków due to urgent family matters. His absence came at a difficult time for Liquid, who struggled to find consistency during the event. NAF has now returned and is expected to rejoin official matches immediately. His comeback comes as Liquid face mounting pressure in the Valve Regional Standings race.
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ESL Pro League and a crucial opening match
Liquid’s next appearance will be at ESL Pro League Season 23, where the team will start from Stage 1. The opening phase features two online Swiss stages. Their first match is scheduled for Sunday against Passion UA. NAF’s presence is vital for the lineup. He provides late-round stability, strong positioning, and reliable decision-making. Many analysts viewed his absence in Kraków as a key factor behind Liquid’s uneven performances.
VRS pressure ahead of the Cologne Major cut-off
Liquid currently sit in a dangerous position in the VRS rankings. Projections show the team around 180 points outside the invite zone for IEM Cologne. Every match in Pro League now carries significant weight. Before the April 6 cut-off, Liquid will also compete at BLAST Open Rotterdam. That event is widely seen as Liquid’s last realistic chance to close the gap. Without strong results, the team may need to rely on late open LAN events across Europe.
Community reaction to NAF’s return
NAF’s return sparked immediate discussion across social media. Liquid’s post captioned “look who is back at the facility” quickly gained traction among fans. Many joked about his famously relaxed sitting posture, referencing “posture check” memes. Others teased that he was reading comments or enjoying the attention. Despite the humor, the overall reaction remained positive. Fans welcomed him back with messages such as “The legend has returned” and “We love the GOAT.”
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What comes next for Liquid
NAF’s return does not guarantee instant success. However, it significantly improves Liquid’s chances of staying alive in the Cologne Major race. With little room for error, the coming weeks will define Liquid’s 2026 season. Whether this marks a true turnaround will be decided on the server.
