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With the signing of Lasse ‘Kongen’ Bækkelund Thursday, Team Liquid have plunged themselves into competitive FIFA.
It’s a big step for the endemic organisation, as most football esports contenders are fielded by real teams, or play solo. Team Liquid’s deal is unusual but not totally unheard of, and will see Bækkelund represent Liquid at all future FIFA tournaments, potentially including the FIFA Interactive World Cup, taking place in August.
Bækkelund is currently on track to qualify for one of the 32 slots for the international event, and will be working both in Denmark, where the player will continue to be based, but also with staff based in the United States and the Netherlands.
It’s also expected that he’ll stream under the Team Liquid banner, and be working on partnerships and content with Liquid’s vast network of partners and sponsors.
In a press release Bækkelund said: “It’s an amazing feeling to be the first FIFA player to compete for Team Liquid, particularly at such an exciting time as I head into the FIWC Europe Regional Final. Joining Team Liquid will give me new opportunities, plus knowledge and support to help me grow and improve as a player. I can’t wait to compete for a team that has a storied history in esports, and hope to add the first ever FIFA trophy to Team Liquid’s list of achievements.”
“Lasse is a fantastic talent, with incredible work ethic and I’m looking forward to him competing as a Team Liquid player at FIWC,” Victor Goossens, Team Liquid’s co-CEO, added in the press release.
“The competitive FIFA landscape, until now, has been dominated by players backed by traditional soccer teams. We’re one of the first global esports franchises to enter this arena. I’m excited by the opportunity FIFA and the FIWC presents to engage both traditional soccer and esport communities and can’t wait to see Team Liquid make its mark in the space.”
