MiniBoo asked to be benched on Team Liquid ahead of VCT EMEA 2026 Stage 2

Team Liquid have confirmed that Dominykas "MiniBoo" Lukaševičius will not be part of their lineup heading into VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - EMEA Stage 2, marking a roster shift for an org desperate to turn around a turbulent season.

The organization broke the news via their official X account, revealing that the decision was player-initiated. "Domi requested to be moved to the bench as he takes time to reflect on and plan his future as a player," the statement read.

Liquid praised the Lithuainian duelist for his work ethic and contribution to the team's identity, noting he was "a key part of our fast-paced playstyle and a constant source of positive energy." The org also teased further roster updates to follow the next day.

A Season That Never Found Its Footing

MiniBoo arrived at Team Liquid ahead of the 2026 season as part of a broader roster overhaul, making the switch from Team Heretics—leaving behind his older brother Ričardas "Boo" Lukaševičius in the process—in pursuit of a fresh shot at success. The move showed early promise. Liquid secured a 3rd-place finish at VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - EMEA Kickoff, earning themselves a ticket to VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Masters Santiago 2026.

But the international stage exposed the team's cracks. They barely avoided the bottom of the standings, finishing a disappointing 9th-10th at Santiago. That sluggish form carried over into VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - EMEA Stage 1, where Liquid ended up 7th-8th—their worst domestic showing since a forgettable 2024 campaign. To make matters worse, they also missed out on qualification for the EWC - Esports World Cup 2026, stripping them of yet another shot at a global trophy.

Everything Riding on Stage 2

With the EWC door firmly shut, VCT EMEA 2026 Stage 2 represents Liquid's last lifeline of the year. A strong performance is the only path left to Champions 2026, and the pressure on the remaining roster, and whoever steps in for MiniBoo, couldn't be higher. The org says they have "full confidence" in their players and coaching staff. Now they'll have to prove it.

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Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games