Following the departure of Neta “33” Shapira from Team Liquid, Jonáš “SabeRLighT” Volek was picked up on Sept. 27 to replace him on the TI-winning Dota 2 roster. SabeRLighT is looking to bring his outgoing charisma and playmaking ability to help Team Liquid win another Aegis.
Liquid coach William “Blitz” Lee shed light on the roster situation, revealing that 33 had requested to leave the team before TI13 as he wanted to build his own roster back at Tundra Esports. With familiar face SabeRLighT being a free agent, the choice for TI-winners Liquid became quite simple.
SabeRLighT spent his 2024 season playing for Shopify Rebellion. However, he was removed from the team by mutual agreement, claiming that he and a player on the team had different visions on the game. The clashing perspectives damaged the team’s ability to perform well and it was best for both parties to part ways.
Since departing Shopify Rebellion in May 2024, SabeRLighT has taken a calming break from competitive Dota to rejuvenate for the next season. He has been streaming on Twitch, grinding pubs, and climbing the European leaderboard, where he currently sits at number 32. Being left without a home before the biggest tournament of the year, SabeRLighT joined Gorgc’s stack, Team Bald, to play in the TI13 Western European qualifiers alongside Martin “Saksa” Sazdov. Though the run ended short, SabeRLighT still looked like he was in top shape despite rustiness from taking time off.
This isn’t SabeRLighT’s first rodeo with the Liquid guys. He acted as a last-minute stand-in for Liquid at ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, where he assisted the Western European squad in achieving third place.
Liquid captain Aydin “Insania” Sarkohi was delighted by SabeRLighT’s presence on the team, and even fired shots at Shopify Rebellion’s coach, Kanishka “BuLba” Sosale, saying “BuLba, how do you lose with this man on your team?”
Despite a lack of preparation for Kuala Lumpur, it seemed like the chemistry on Liquid with SabeRLighT was immaculate, and everyone on the team was happy to have him on board.
Blitz mentioned in a tweet that carry player Michael “miCKe” Vu will shoulder the captaining and drafting responsibilities that 33 left on the team. He also claimed the team is fully motivated and the ultimate goal is to secure another TI.
Fortunately for Liquid fans, they won’t have to wait long to see the exciting iteration featuring SabeRLighT play. Liquid is scheduled to debut its roster at PGL Wallachia Season 2, a $1 million tournament taking place from Oct. 4 to 13.
