nAts announces Free Agency for 2027 while in talks with Team Liquid
In a major development for the competitive VALORANT scene, Team Liquid IGL Ayaz "nAts" Akhmetshin has officially announced that he is looking for a team ahead of the 2027 VCT season.
The former Gambit star revealed that while he remains in ongoing discussions with Team Liquid, the organization has granted him permission to explore his options for the upcoming year.
The veteran player, who joined Team Liquid in November 2022, expressed that he is open to roster opportunities across all VCT regions globally, signaling a potential move away from EMEA if the right offer presents itself.
A Lasting Legacy in VALORANT and Team Liquid
nAts stands as one of the most iconic figures in competitive VALORANT history, defining the anchor role through his mastery of Sentinel agents and in-game leadership.
Joining Team Liquid in November 2022, nAts became the cornerstone of the organization's international presence. Under his guidance, Team Liquid secured major regional victories, including the inaugural title of the franchising era at VCT 2023 - EMEA League, VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - EMEA Stage 2, and VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - EMEA Kickoff.
He consistently steered the squad to premier international stages, representing Liquid at VCT 2023 - Masters Tokyo, VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Bangkok 2025, VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Masters Santiago 2026, and multiple Champions tournaments, including VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Champions Shanghai.
Whether executing lurking setups or delivering clutch site holds, nAts built a legacy defined by remarkable consistency, clutch capability, and elite leadership. However, he was never able to take Team Liquid to the top of the international events in all these tries.
What Lies Ahead
Most recently, nAts competed with Team Liquid at Champions Shanghai, where the squad finished in 9th–12th place following tough matches against Paper Rex and G2 Esports. While the real craziness of the VCT offseason is yet to unfold, all eyes will be on whether nAts ultimately re-signs with Team Liquid or embarks on a new chapter with another elite roster.
For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.
Featured Image Source: Yicun Liu/Riot Games
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