After a turbulent year with Team Vitality, VALORANT player Nikita “Trexx” Cherednichenko is now set to take on a new challenge. According to sources close to Sheep Esports, the Russian flex player has reached a verbal agreement with Team Liquid to join their roster for the second part of the VCT EMEA 2025 season.

Team Liquid has decided to go in a new direction, aiming to bring new energy and stability to its roster by replacing Maikls "Serial" Zdanovs, who recently completed his first VCT experience at the MASTERS Toronto 2025 with Team Liquid, a significant milestone for any professional player. Despite being a rookie, he managed to reach the international stage, which is a notable achievement for a first VCT team. However, after several weeks of trials and internal discussions, Several players were considered for the role, including Pontus "Zyppan" Eek and Bogdan "Sheydos" Naumov, but Trexx was ultimately chosen. This choice reflects Liquid's desire for a different player profile, as Trexx plays with a completely different set of agents. This strategic change probably played a key role in Serial's departure, despite its promising performances and potential.

A regular on the EMEA circuit since 2021, Trexx first gained recognition with Guild Esports and KOI before joining Team Vitality at the beginning of 2024. Renowned for his high-impact initiator plays and consistent mechanical execution, the 23 year old is frequently lauded for his composure and tactical adaptability.

With Team Liquid struggling to achieve consistent results in the first half of the year, the staff and players were keen to change the squad's dynamic.

Picked to reshape Liquid’s identity

This move is part of a wider shift within Team Liquid as they seek to regain their winning form following their disappointing early exit from VCT EMEA Stage 1 and VCT Masters 2025 Toronto. Despite their high-profile roster, the team has failed to reach the playoffs since 2023, so changes were anticipated during this mid-season window.

Liquid's staff also held trials with former FunPlus Phoenix star Zyppan and Russian veteran Sheydoss. However, the team ultimately chose Trexx because of his current form, impact on the game, and vocal leadership skills.