Team Liquid Co-CEO, Steve Arhancet, has announced the release of Rupal ‘Rupal’ Zaman from the organisation’s Overwatch team following the use of a racial slur while Liquid were scrimming against Spacestation Gaming (SSG).
Overwatch scrim incident prompts a response from Liquid Co-CEO
The player was streaming his point of view of the scrims when he sent “SHUT THE F*** UP N****” in the text chat of the game. Screenshots of the incident were quickly shared across Social Media, prompting a statement from Arhancet.
Arhancet announced the release on X, stating that he was “unequivocal in condemning the language he [Rupal] used.” Arhancet added, “After a thorough review, we have decided to release Rupal and remove him from our Overwatch roster.”
“When we bring a player into Team Liquid, our expectation is that they represent themselves and us at the highest levels of professionalism,” said the Co-CEO, detailing the media training Liquid players are given before adding, “We believe in that process and hold everyone who represents Team Liquid to that same standard. But today it was not enough, and we take that seriously.”
The Liquid Co-Owner added, “We hope this becomes a moment of genuine reflection and growth for him. Not the end of his story, but a turning point in it.”
Rupal responds to Liquid release
Following the announcement, the player posted the following statement on X:
“No excuses from me. I was raised in a Bengali household in America. I myself have experienced racism myself not only in America but in other countries as well. Therefore, I should know that using such offensive language is terrible and not something that should be said so casually. It’s a horrendous mistake on my part.”
Adding, “I don’t consider myself a hateful person, and always enjoy meeting new people regardless of their background. Sorry to all who supported me. I take responsibility for my mistakes and will go on a break to reflect and work on myself.”
Rupal joined Liquid in January 2026, claiming an Overwatch Champions Series 2025 NA Stage 3 victory over Spacestation Gaming in October before a 7th-8th place finish in the OWCS World Finals in November.
You can discuss the incident and more on Insider Gaming’s Discord.
For more Overwatch news, see the February player peak here.
Darragh is an Esports Journalist for Insider Gaming specialising in Counter-Strike. He loves to explore how esports teams work, or why they very often do not.
More from Darragh Harbinson
