Many viewers noticed it on their screens —
Team Liquid faced an unusual situation during
First Stand 2025. The coach assisting the five players during the draft changed halfway through a Bo3 series, raising questions and concerns about the team’s internal situation.
Fortunately, the team later clarified on Reddit that the situation had been anticipated — though abnormal, the head coach and TL assured fans that there was nothing to be concerned about. Jake "Spawn" Tiberi, TL's renowned head coach, had an unmovable commitment on March 14 and would have to leave his team on stage at that moment. However, it was explained that, anticipating this, the organization and the coach had put a system in place allowing Spawn to continue coaching his players remotely for the remainder of the tournament.
He was able to support his team on-site during their first two series against Karmine Corp and Top Esports before transitioning to remote coaching for the
crucial matches against CTBC Flying Oyster and
Hanwha Life Esports. Spawn also coached remotely during the LA stage of the LTA North conference this year. On stage, he was replaced by assistant coach Simon "
Swiffer" Papamarkos, who was still supported by strategic coach Kim "
Reignover" Yeu-jin.
