Nisha joining Team Liquid has set in motion one of the most dominant runs in European Dota history. Was he the missing piece of the TL formula?
Michal “Nisha” Jankowski’s rise to prominence is a story every player dreams of, but only a few can ever achieve. He first came to the limelight with Team Kinguin, an all-Polish roster that stormed onto the European Dota 2 scene.
Nisha’s ability to hold his ground, and at times, outsmart formidable foes didn’t go unnoticed for too long. He was summoned by Clement “Puppey” Ivanov to be part of Team Secret’s iteration in 2018 – his home for the next four years.
Under Puppey’s tutelage, and being surrounded by the best players, Nisha’s reputation only grew with time. Nisha won multiple Majors and has a top-four finish in all his TI appearances. However, nothing lasts forever, and Nisha’s time at Team Secret was no exception.
A new journey begins at Team Liquid
After a second-place finish at The International 2022, Nisha parted ways with Team Secret to join Team Liquid, the second runners-up at The International 2022.
Nisha replaced the legendary Lasse “Matumbaman” Urpalanein, The International 2017 champion, who decided to retire from competitive Dota 2.
While Nisha’s departure from Secret was a definite shocker to the fans, the move made a lot of sense when Team Liquid announced his joining. With an established core already set in place, Team Liquid required an enabler, and Nisha fit the puzzle perfectly. They required a player who would allow Michael “Micke” Vu to play in an element he thrives the most – the carry role.
They required a player who would add versatility to the lineup by assuming the mantle of a mid-laner. Nisha is a natural mid-lane, given the vast repertoire of heroes he plays, and also understands the carry role – a position he has often switched to during his time at Team Secret.
What Nisha brings to Team Liquid
The vital understanding and experience in both roles have enabled Nisha to enable Team Liquid’s carry to live up to his full potential.
Nisha is known for being a dominating laner – establishing dominance through aggressive gameplay – and taking calculated risks.
Constantly roaming around the map, securing kills, creating space and getting involved in team fights, etc. – makes him an asset. An asset that gives the supports at Team Liquid room to breathe. To flex their muscles and allowing them to move around the map more flexibly, without them feeling constricted.
The existing camaraderie between Ludwig “Zai” Wahlberg and Nisha is nothing new. They have played together at Team Secret and know each other inside-out (not literally). Together, they play the role of giving Team Liquid the edge in team fights with Zai being the protector and Nisha being the destroyer.
Long story short: effective utilization of resources.
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Playstyle-wise Nisha and Team Liquid are a perfect match
“Playstyle-wise we all match nicely, everyone just wants to play good Dota, Nisha’s favorite,” said Boxi in an exclusive interview with Esports.gg shortly before The Lima Major.
He went on to add that the transition to acclimatize themselves with Nisha’s way of thinking and taking micro-decisions has been smooth.
The results speak for themselves – Team Liquid won the DPC WEU 2023 Tour 1: Division I with ease. Nisha’s addition has also sparked a new life into the Team Liquid camp.
"People wake up way later and occasionally make jokes with a Polish accent. Either a lack of Matumbaman or a Nisha influence, hard to tell,” said Boxi.
Team Liquid secures an upper-bracket berth in the Lima Major Playoffs
All components joined together to paint a beautiful picture – Team Liquid securing their playoff berth at The Lima Major 2023.
They are poised to start The Lima Major playoffs from the upper bracket. And TL are the hot favorites to win the first-ever Dota 2 Major to be held in South America.
Stay tuned to Esports.gg for more Lima Major news!
