Team Liquid debuts MidOne at BLAST Slam 8

Team Liquid will debut its new lineup featuring Yeik Nai 'MidOne' Zheng at BLAST Slam 8 on September 29. The Malaysian mid-laner replaces Michał 'Nisha' Jankowski for the tournament. The swap surfaced not through a Team Liquid statement but on BLAST's full participant list for the tournament.

Team Liquid's starting five for the event will be Michael 'm1CKe' Vu, MidOne, Adrian Cespedes 'Wisper' Dobles, Samuel 'Boxi' Svahn, and Erik 'tOfu' Engel. Coach William 'Blitz' Lee will guide the squad. The team enters the 16-team tournament fresh off MidOne's victory at the PGL Wallachia Season 6 grand final, where he defeated Team Spirit.

Background

MidOne brings extensive experience to the Liquid roster. The 30-year-old player has previously competed for top organizations like Fnatic and Team Secret. His career includes two Major titles and appearances at multiple editions of The International. Reported career earnings for the Malaysian star exceed $2 million.

His most recent stint was with MOUZ, a team with which he failed to qualify for The International 2026 via the closed qualifiers. This move to Liquid represents a swift return to the tier-one stage following that setback.

Context

The change is part of a broader post-International overhaul for Team Liquid. The organization previously confirmed the addition of offlaner Wisper, replacing Ace, after The International 2026 concluded. This roster shuffle occurs amid a wider reset across the Dota 2 competitive scene. Other elite teams, including OG with adjustments involving Topson, have also made changes following the season's climax.

BLAST Slam 8 is the eighth edition of the tournament and part of the BLAST Slam series, which itself underwent structural evolution starting in 2024. No member of Team Liquid has publicly commented on the roster change as of the time of writing.

Uncertainty

Team Liquid has provided no public explanation for Nisha's absence. It remains unconfirmed whether this is a short break, a longer absence, or a permanent exit from the starting lineup. Only an official statement from the organization is likely to clarify the status of the Polish star, who is widely considered one of the best Dota 2 players in the world.

The team's debut with the revised lineup is scheduled for September 29 at BLAST Slam 8.