Russian player purp0 has been moved to Team Liquid’s VALORANT bench—he has been replaced by GSR from the academy
Team Liquid has moved Russian player Semyon “purp0” Borchev to the VALORANT bench. His spot on the main roster has been taken by 18-year-old Serbian player Ognjen “GSR” Bondžić. Club representatives explained the reasons for the substitution on X.
We decided to promote GSR to the starting lineup in place of purp0. GSR has really impressed us, and we’re confident this change gives us a better chance of success at VALORANT Champions 2026 in Shanghai.
At the same time, we want to acknowledge what purp0 has meant to this team. He has been our rock throughout the year. He always put the team first, took on whatever role was needed, and gave us the flexibility to perform at our best. We are incredibly grateful to him for everything he has brought to Team Liquid this year.
Ahead of Champions 2026 and beyond, we ask that you support all players during this transition period.
Team Liquid Roster
- Ayaz “nAts” Akhmetushin
- Kamil “kamo” Fronckowiak
- Kimmy “Kicks” Laasner
- Nikita “trexx” Cherednichenko
- Ognen “GSR” Bonjić
- Ivo Renato da Silva Santos “LohaN” Albino (head coach)
- Daniel “yaotziN” Rochniak (assistant coach)
Semyon “purp0” Borchev joined Team Liquid in December 2025. With the team, the Russian player finished in 9th–10th place at VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 and reached the grand final of VCT 2026: EMEA Stage 2, where his team lost to Karmine Corp with a score of 1–3.
Ognjen “GSR” Bonjić is an 18-year-old Serbian player who has been playing for Team Liquid’s academy roster since January 2025. Throughout his career, the Serbian player has most frequently played as Yoru (38 times), KAY/O (30 times), as well as Breach and Sage (21 times each).
Photo by Wojciech Wandzel, Riot Games.