TL;DR
- Team Liquid has failed VCT qualification twice despite having star player ScreaM
- Single-elimination format magnifies team’s strategic weaknesses in critical matches
- Over-dependence on ScreaM as primary carry creates predictable play patterns
- European competitive landscape features rising teams that exploit tactical vulnerabilities
- Roster adjustments and diversified strategies essential for breaking qualification streak
The European competitive Valorant scene has experienced dramatic shifts and intense volatility throughout 2021. Following the inaugural major tournament First Strike, established professional squads have faced unprecedented challenges from emerging organizations hungry to prove their competitive worth.
Among the most prominent teams experiencing consistent setbacks is Team Liquid. This primarily British roster has now encountered two consecutive Valorant Champions Tour qualification failures, with current performance indicators suggesting a troubling pattern may continue.This raises critical questions about why a lineup featuring legendary marksman Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom alongside substantial British talent continues to fall short at crucial competitive moments.
Lost 2-1 vs @theAllianceGG, Good showing from them, owned us with the Jett OP on icebox and we couldn’t get it running on split.
— Liquid L1NK (@L1NKVAL) February 17, 2021
Valorant Champions Tour Format Challenges and Team Liquid’s Struggles
Many dedicated Valorant enthusiasts have expressed frustration with the European VCT structural design. Issues ranging from selective match broadcasting to the high-stakes best-of-one elimination framework have created obstacles for the regional competitive ecosystem.
No organization has felt the tournament format’s impact more acutely than Team Liquid. The squad consistently advanced to round of 16 and quarterfinal stages during initial open qualifiers, only to face elimination against top-tier opposition. In these critical encounters, Team Liquid demonstrated competitive competence and appeared deserving of main event inclusion.
However, the unforgiving single-elimination structure meant ScreaM and his teammates received premature exits. While Riot Games’ competitive decisions certainly influence outcomes, other elite teams have navigated these identical challenges to secure main tournament positions.
We lost 0-2 in a tough way man ????
GG’s @FPX_Esports not our night
— Liquid ScreaM (@ScreaM_) February 7, 2021
The fundamental distinction separating Team Liquid from successful counterparts like G2 Esports and FunPlus Phoenix involves carry depth distribution. During decisive moments, ScreaM consistently shoulders the frag burden and attempts to secure victories through individual brilliance. This approach proves unsustainable compared to G2’s roster where every player possesses independent carry capability and can assume primary roles when required.
Team Liquid’s organization appears cognizant of this structural weakness, with roster speculation circulating before VCT commenced. Despite these discussions, no substantive changes materialized, and competitive results continue reflecting this strategic gap.
As the Valorant Champions Tour competitive circuit progresses, ScreaM and his British teammates must develop comprehensive solutions to these persistent challenges. Strategic diversification becomes paramount—developing secondary playmakers who can alleviate pressure from ScreaM during critical rounds. Teams studying Liquid’s matches quickly identify their predictable reliance on their star player during high-pressure situations.
Practical adjustments include implementing structured agent composition changes that distribute impact across multiple players. Common mistakes involve over-committing resources to protect ScreaM’s positioning rather than developing autonomous playmaking capability throughout the roster. Advanced optimization requires developing flexible mid-round calling that doesn’t default to ‘play through ScreaM’ during disadvantageous situations.
For teams facing similar challenges, dedicating 15-20 hours weekly to structured scrims focusing on distributed responsibility can yield measurable improvements within 4-6 weeks. In-depth analysis of map-specific agent assignments reveals where secondary players can develop specialized roles that complement rather than support the primary carry.
Action Checklist
- Develop secondary playmakers through targeted role assignments and specialized training
- Implement diversified agent compositions that distribute impact across multiple players
- Analyze VCT match replays to identify predictable patterns opponents exploit
- Create flexible mid-round calling structures that don’t default to primary carry reliance
- Establish structured scrim regimens focusing on distributed responsibility (15-20 hours weekly)
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