Team Liquid confirms Bwipo as top laner for 2022 LCS season

The League of Legends competitive scene witnesses a major roster shift as Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau officially transitions from Fnatic to join Team Liquid’s starting lineup.

Team Liquid confirmed the acquisition mere hours after Fnatic announced Bwipo’s release, demonstrating strategic timing in the offseason market. The versatile player returns to his primary top lane position following an unexpected but successful jungle role during the 2021 Summer Split. His performance in the jungle position exceeded initial community expectations, showcasing remarkable adaptability.

This landmark signing positions Bwipo for his North American competitive debut when the 2022 LCS season commences. After four consecutive seasons representing Fnatic in the LEC, this transfer represents his first significant organizational change since establishing himself as an elite professional. His addition brings international experience and championship pedigree to the LCS landscape.

Bwipo arrives at Team Liquid following a turbulent final season with Fnatic characterized by both individual adaptation and team-wide challenges. The accomplished top laner began 2021 with disappointing results, finishing fifth in the LEC Spring Split which prompted dramatic mid-season roster adjustments.

The underwhelming spring performance forced Fnatic into unconventional solutions, transitioning Bwipo to jungle while recruiting rookie talent Adam “Adam” Maanane for the top lane position. This strategic pivot initially faced widespread skepticism from analysts and fans alike regarding its viability.

Contrary to initial doubts, Bwipo demonstrated exceptional proficiency in his new jungle role, contributing significantly to Fnatic’s resurgence during summer competition. The team secured second place in the 2021 LEC Summer Split, narrowly falling to MAD Lions in the championship finals.

The summer success earned Fnatic direct qualification for the 2021 World Championship, but the tournament unfolded disastrously despite preseason expectations. Internal team conflicts surfaced during the event, resulting in elimination during group stages with a disappointing 1-5 record that overshadowed their domestic achievements.

Team Liquid LCS roster in 2022

Team Liquid’s League of Legends competitive squad currently features these confirmed players for the upcoming season:

• Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau – Top Lane
• Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in – Support
• Lucas “Santorin” Larsen – Jungle

The organization’s strategic approach emphasizes veteran presence and international experience, creating what analysts project as a leadership-heavy roster. Bwipo’s championship background from his Class Guide demonstrates how role specialization and flexibility can coexist at elite levels.

The separation between Fnatic and Bwipo during offseason appeared inevitable given the team’s international performance and internal challenges. Team Liquid emerged as the predicted destination based on circulating rumors and strategic fit assessments over recent weeks.

Bwipo fills the top lane vacancy created by Barney “Alphari” Morris’s anticipated return to European competition. This transaction exemplifies the growing trend of inter-regional player movement between LCS and LEC organizations seeking competitive advantages.

The veteran player now aims to reclaim his top lane dominance while elevating Team Liquid to LCS championship contention. With multiple trophies and extensive playoff experience, Bwipo brings proven winning mentality to complement existing veterans Santorin and CoreJJ. His integration follows strategic patterns similar to those discussed in our Complete Guide for building championship-caliber rosters.

Current roster uncertainties include the mid lane position, where Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen remains under contract but has indicated potential competitive hiatus for 2022.

As Bwipo’s signing finalizes, Team Liquid management indicates remaining roster announcements will follow in upcoming weeks. The organization’s methodical approach to Weapons Unlock strategy emphasizes acquiring established talent rather than developing rookies, contrasting with many LCS competitors.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Team Liquid confirms Bwipo as top laner for 2022 LCS season Bwipo's strategic move to Team Liquid brings veteran leadership and role flexibility to LCS 2022 season