What happened to Quas after Team Liquid?

TL;DR

  • Former LCS players are increasingly joining collegiate and amateur teams for competitive opportunities
  • Diego ‘Quas’ Ruiz exemplifies this trend through his journey from professional retirement to collegiate competition
  • LCS introduced Proving Grounds tournament replacing Academy playoffs for 2021 season
  • Amateur circuits provide scouting exposure despite lower financial compensation
  • 2021 LCS Spring Split begins February 5 with specific broadcast times

The landscape of competitive League of Legends is undergoing a significant transformation as North American collegiate programs and amateur circuits create unprecedented opportunities for former LCS competitors. These emerging pathways offer professional players who’ve stepped away from the main stage a viable route back into competitive play while developing new talent pipelines for the ecosystem.

One prominent example of this shift is Diego “Quas” Ruiz, the former Team Liquid top laner who has emerged from retirement to compete at the collegiate level. His journey illustrates how experienced players can leverage their skills in new competitive environments while maintaining relevance in the evolving esports scene.

Quas initiated his professional gaming career in 2013 with New World Eclipse, competing in the North American Challenger League during its formative years. His early performance demonstrated the mechanical skill and game knowledge that would later define his professional trajectory.

Later that same competitive season, Quas transitioned to Team Curse, an organization that underwent a significant merger with Team Liquid preceding the 2015 competitive year. During his tenure with Team Liquid, Quas competed at the highest level for nearly twelve months before facing suspension from team management related to behavioral concerns that impacted team dynamics.

Following his suspension, Quas declared his retirement from professional competition. However, his competitive drive remained intact, leading to a return just three months later when he signed with NRG Esports. In November 2017, Quas made his second retirement announcement, stepping away from organized competitive play entirely.

In 2020, Quas joined Bay State College’s esports program, located in Boston, Massachusetts. The team recently participated in the Risen Champions League, a tier-two amateur tournament where Bay State College achieved a ninth-place finish. SolaFide Esports, a roster composed entirely of five former LCS competitors, secured first place in the same competition, highlighting the growing presence of experienced players in amateur circuits.

Now 29 years old, Quas maintains his connection to the gaming community through regular streaming on Twitch, balancing content creation with his collegiate competitive commitments.

LCS Pros Finding New Opportunities in Amateur Scene

Leading into the 2021 competitive season, the LCS unveiled comprehensive restructuring plans for its amateur competitive ecosystem. The traditional LCS Academy playoffs format was replaced by Proving Grounds, an inclusive tournament accessible to both Academy squads and amateur teams seeking to prove their competitive worth.

To qualify for Proving Grounds, amateur organizations must compete across a structured series of tier-one and tier-two competitive events that award qualification points based on performance. This points-based system creates consistent competitive opportunities throughout the season rather than relying solely on playoff performance.

Professional players are increasingly discovering routes back into competitive environments through collegiate programs and amateur teams aiming to reach Proving Grounds competition. Industry observers anticipate continued migration of former Academy and LCS competitors to organizations competing at this level, drawn by the structured competitive framework.

While competitors at this level don’t command salaries equivalent to LCS starting positions, maintaining active competitive status provides crucial visibility for potential scouting opportunities. For those looking to master competitive strategies, our Complete Guide offers comprehensive tactical insights that can benefit players at any competitive tier.

The financial considerations for amateur competitors represent a significant adjustment from LCS compensation structures. However, the trade-off includes sustained competitive relevance, potential discovery by professional organizations, and participation in a structured competitive environment that mirrors professional play conditions.

2021 LCS Spring Split Competition Details

The 2021 LCS Spring Split commences on Friday, February 5, with broadcast coverage beginning at 3 p.m. Pacific Time, 6 p.m. Eastern Time. The schedule maintains consistency with previous seasons while incorporating lessons learned from remote broadcast experiences during the pandemic period.

For players transitioning between competitive levels, understanding professional scheduling and preparation requirements becomes crucial. Those interested in optimizing their gameplay should consult our Weapons Unlock guide for strategic weapon selection insights that translate across competitive gaming titles.

The Spring Split represents the initial competitive phase of the 2021 season, setting the stage for Mid-Season Invitational qualification and establishing early momentum for championship aspirations. The format continues the double round-robin structure followed by playoff brackets to determine the seasonal champion.

Successful adaptation to different competitive environments often requires mastering diverse playstyles and strategic approaches. Our Class Guide provides valuable frameworks for understanding role specialization and team composition principles applicable across esports disciplines.

Action Checklist

  • Research collegiate and amateur tournament schedules and qualification requirements
  • Analyze financial requirements and compensation expectations for amateur competition
  • Develop streaming and content creation strategy to maintain visibility
  • Network with amateur team organizations and collegiate programs
  • Create structured practice regimen balancing team play and individual skill development

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