Team Liquid are shaking things up for the upcoming Dota 2 season, welcoming two familiar faces from one of their fiercest rivals. Former Gaimin Gladiators duo Marcus “Ace” Hoelgaard and Erik “tOfu” Engel have officially joined the two-time TI champions, stepping into the offlane and position 5 support roles respectively.
The signing, announced on 9 October, follows a turbulent post-TI 2025 period for the organisation. After parting ways with offlaner Jonáš “SabeRLighT-” Volek and bidding farewell to long-time captain Aydin “iNsania” Sarkohi, who retired from professional play after a decade, Liquid were in urgent need of new recruits.
Two players always on the same wavelength, now flowing as Liquid.
Welcome @AceDota & @tOfuDota2 🌊 pic.twitter.com/GpTSWi44xI
— Team Liquid Dota (@teamliquiddota) October 9, 2025
Their revamped roster now features:
- Micke “miCKe” Vu
- Michał “Nisha” Jankowski
- Marcus “Ace” Hoelgaard
- Samuel “Boxi” Svahn
- Erik “tOfu” Engel
From Rivals to Teammates
Ace and tOfu were key members of the Gaimin Gladiators lineup that clashed repeatedly with Team Liquid across multiple major events from 2022 to 2024. The two teams shared one of Dota 2’s most intense modern rivalries, with Gladiators coming out on top in six major finals, including three in 2023, before Liquid finally claimed their long-awaited TI victory in 2024.
Now, that rivalry has transformed into an alliance. “It’s somewhat intimidating for me because I’ve been with some of my other players for four years now, especially tOfu,” Ace said in Team Liquid’s announcement. “But it’s very interesting and cool to try something new like this.”
tOfu echoed the sentiment, recalling how often the teams crossed paths. “I think I’ve played against Team Liquid more than any other esports team. Because we clashed so many times, it became like having a rivalry with your best friends,” he said. “I’ve always liked them and had a great deal of respect for them.”
The End of an Era for Gaimin Gladiators
Their move to Team Liquid marks the official end of Gaimin Gladiators’ celebrated Dota 2 run. Once a powerhouse of the competitive scene, the team’s downfall came swiftly in 2025. Despite earning a direct invite to TI, the organisation withdrew before the event due to a public dispute with its players.
The fallout has since escalated into a lawsuit, with Gaimin Gladiators reportedly taking legal action against several former members, including Ace and tOfu. The dissolution of their roster effectively closes the book on one of Dota 2’s most dominant eras.
What’s Next for Liquid
Team Liquid are wasting no time putting their new lineup to the test. The squad has already debuted at FISSURE Universe: Episode 7 and will soon compete at BLAST Slam IV, PGL Wallachia Season 6, BLAST Slam V, and DreamLeague Season 27.
The organisation is also searching for a new coach following the departure of Damien “kpii” Chok, who played a key role in Liquid’s TI 2024 triumph. Head coach William “BlitZ” Lee hinted that iNsania could step into a coaching position, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
After a disappointing 9th–13th place finish at TI 2025, the revamped Liquid roster is looking to reclaim its former glory. With the addition of Ace and tOfu, two proven veterans with championship experience, the team is poised for another strong run in the 2025/2026 Dota 2 season.