Team Liquid scouting Jorko and sl3nd for AWPer role

Team Liquid is still hunting for a long-term AWPer, even after a public statement that Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak would remain on the roster. Sources tell the organization is actively evaluating two young prospects—Georgi “Jorko” Mitev and Henrich “sl3nd” Hevesi—as possible upgrades. The scouting activity undercuts the idea that the sniper position is settled.

Liquid’s struggles with the AWP role go back years. After Josh “oSee” Ohm was moved to the bench in early 2024 due to inconsistent output, the team used YEKINDAR as a temporary solution before signing ultimate in August 2024. The Polish player has shown glimpses of ability but has not delivered the dominant performances expected from a tier-one AWPer. The front office clearly sees room to improve, which is why they’re looking at outside options.

Why Liquid keeps exploring sniper options

From a competitive standpoint, having a reliable AWPer is crucial in CS2. The weapon’s economy role and map control implications mean that a weak sniper can hold back an otherwise strong lineup. Liquid’s recent results—including missing playoffs at IEM Dallas 2026 after close losses to FaZe and MOUZ—have highlighted the gap. Ultimate posted a 0.96 rating over that event, a number that the coaching staff likely wants to improve if the team is to challenge for trophies.

Keeping ultimate provides stability and avoids the disruption of integrating a new player mid-season. He knows the system, built chemistry with core members like Twistzz and NAF, and still has room to develop at age 20. But the fact that Liquid is still scouting suggests the organization is not fully comfortable with the current ceiling. A mid-season swap, if it happens, would carry risks but could also raise the team’s potential before the next cycle of big tournaments.

Meet the candidates: Jorko and sl3nd

Both snipers are relatively untested at the tier-one level. sl3nd, a 21-year-old with Hungarian and Romanian roots, is considered the likelier signing; his recent performances in the European third-party scene have drawn attention. Jorko’s background is less documented—he has primarily competed in Balkan regional leagues. A third player, known only as cmtry, was previously on Liquid’s radar but has since fallen out of consideration. No formal deal has been announced as of early July 2026.

• Liquid confirmed ultimate would stay on June 25, 2026.
• The two players being evaluated are Jorko and sl3nd.
• A previously scouted AWPer, cmtry, is no longer a candidate.
• No roster change has been made public so far in July 2026.

What’s at stake for Liquid’s 2026 campaign

The decision carries weight because of the upcoming schedule. The BLAST Premier Fall Final in August and IEM Cologne later this year will test any roster configuration. If Liquid sticks with ultimate and he performs well, the outside search may end. But if results falter, the team could regret not making a move earlier. The market for proven elite AWPers is thin—ZywOo, sh1ro, and sunPayus are locked in elsewhere—so Liquid is forced to gamble on raw talent.

Going with sl3nd or Jorko would be a development play. Both players have mechanics that could flourish under top-level coaching, but there is no guarantee they can handle the pressure of playing for a major brand. For now, ultimate remains the starter, and the scouting push signals that Liquid is keeping its options open rather than fully committing to the current path.

As of early July, no lineup change has been announced — ultimate remains the starter for the immediate future, but Liquid’s front office is clearly preparing for a potential switch before the 2026 season enters its decisive phase.