After bowing out of IEM Cologne 2025 early, Workforce Liquid has registered a disappointing 1-2 loss to VP.Prodigy, the developmental department of Virtus.professional.
The match befell on August 1, 2025, at RES Showdown 2: BLAST Premier Rising Occasion. Liquid and VP.Prodigy matched up within the quarter-finals of the playoffs, and Liquid was solidly anticipated to advance. Nonetheless, after successful Mud 2 to make sure a map three, Prodigy narrowly took Nuke in extra time to earn the large upset. After the match, Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken posted an unusually heated social media publish that would sign roster modifications. Workforce Liquid is at the moment ranked 18th on the HLTV leaderboard. VP.Prodigy is ranked 83rd.
The underdog win featured an outstanding efficiency from VP.Prodigy AWPer Vladimir “b1st” Krasikov, who earned 55 kills within the collection with three clutches. Vadim “tO0RO” Arkov additionally carried out admirably as an entry fragger. Two clutches and a 86.7% KAST on T facet showcased his first-in, last-out playstyle. The coaching squad will go on to face FUT Esports within the semi-finals on August 2.
Twistzz scolds Liquid after loss to VP.Prodigy
After Workforce Liquid’s loss to VP.Prodigy, Twistzz launched a social media publish saying Workforce Liquid is “not a workforce.”
Twistzz performed nicely within the collection, incomes the workforce’s highest KAST charge at 72.3% with 75.1 injury per spherical. Nonetheless, Liquid’s man of the match was solidly Keith “NAF” Markovic, who went +19 for kills and deaths whereas matching Twistzz’s two clutches. Man “NertZ” Iluz and Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek lagged far behind, incomes .89 and .80 rankings respectively. Liquid collectively misplaced seven clutches all through a collection, which may point out poor workforce cohesion.
Shortly after the match, Twistzz posted an apology to followers for Liquid’s tough run this season.
“We’re not a workforce. No phrases for the way we play. 1 – 2 to VP academy… Sorry to the followers for the horrible efficiency previously weeks,” mentioned Twistzz.
Picture Credit score: Helena Kristiansson, ESL
Twistzz hardly ever scolds his workforce for poor performances, however his social media statements have grown harsher since Liquid’s loss to his former workforce FaZe Clan on the IEM Cologne play-in. Liquid has had a tumultuous 12 months for roster strikes, changing two gamers and its coach since January. With a 0-3 run on the Austin Main, a disappointment in Cologne, and now a loss to an academy workforce, the squad may make further modifications quickly.
