Team Liquid sweeps Falcons to claim 1 win in Essence II

On the eve of the 2026 Dota 2 International (TI 2026) starting next week, Western European powerhouse Team Liquid displayed amazing form in the 1win Essence II Grand Finals, sweeping their regional rivals, the newly crowned TI champions Team Falcons, 3-0 to win the championship and a $100,000 jackpot.

This is Liquid's second tournament victory this season, following their win at BLAST Slam VI in February. As the most valuable online training ground before TI 2026, this tournament attracted nine TI-participating teams, including Liquid, Falcons, BetBoom, and LGD.

Liquid started strong in the group stage, advancing to the upper bracket with an overwhelming 7-1 record. Although they were defeated by Falcons in the upper bracket finals and fell into the lower bracket, Liquid quickly adjusted, eliminating Team 1w in the lower bracket finals and returning to the grand finals, where they achieved a perfect revenge against Falcons.

In the finals, Liquid completely dominated Falcons with their superior lineup flexibility and late-game teamfight control. In the first game, mid-laner Nisha, playing Puck, racked up 13 kills and 22 assists, leading his team to a hard-fought victory after a grueling 68-minute battle, destroying the opponent's super minions.

In the second game, Liquid swiftly won with a dominant 27-9 score in just 26 minutes, with their star player miCKe delivering a perfect Windranger performance with 13 kills, 0 deaths, and 9 assists. In the decisive game, Nisha's Storm Spirit once again controlled the late game, racking up 19 kills and leading the team to secure the victory in the 63rd minute, sweeping their opponents 3-0 to claim the championship.

With their 1-win Essence II championship, Team Liquid is gearing up for the upcoming TI 2026. The team is not only aiming for their third Aegis of Champions in club history, but their core players miCKe, Nisha, and Boxi are also poised to win their second TI trophy.

Image source: Internet