Liquid Community Spotlight: Aeroins

Team Liquid has always had a hardcore focus on community — it’s one of the things that has set us apart from other orgs. The trophies are cool and all but what we’ve always considered our biggest win is cultivating such a positive, supportive, and passionate community. Recently, Team Liquid’s players and fans put together a Kudoboard in a show of love and appreciation for a diehard fan going through a tough time. 

“Sammy we are so grateful to have you as our fan. You are so brave and your battle inspires us all. We wish you the absolute best and are looking forward to seeing you at our events again. Best wishes, Nazgul,” Victor Goossens wrote. 

Another TL fan added: “I don't interact as much as I used to with the Discord or Twitter, but every so often I'll still see your messages to fellow fans, to the players, and to the staff and they are always such wholesome moments that make me glad to be a fan alongside someone so considerate who I can resonate with as a super fan.” 

So, who could be so deserving of Team Liquid’s outpouring of love and Blue-filled memes? None other than Sammy “Aeroins” Armani, of course. Aeroins is a longtime TL and Counter-Strike fan who truly exhibits the mentality and spirit we value in our entire community and beyond. In this month’s Community Spotlight, learn more about Aeroins, his history with the CS team, and how he’s found a support system in the Liquid community.

Let’s start with a brief intro. If there was something you’d want people to know about you, what would it be?

Oh, boy. I’m a huge Team Liquid fan. Next year, it will actually be 10 years of being a Team Liquid fan. It’s a huge part of my life and personality. I’m a pretty quiet person and usually keep to myself, chilling out and vibing. I may not be participating actively but I’m always listening.

‍You said that Team Liquid has become a part of your personality. How would you describe the Team Liquid personality?

Before, I was big with the Discord Team Liquid community. It helped me become more social and get more friends basically. I had friends before but talking with all the new people has been a lot of fun and I’ve made relationships I usually wouldn't have. Being able to have that interaction with the community is pretty unique honestly.

‍What has made the Team Liquid community so different?

It’s an actual community. Other communities don't feel like everyone is on the same team and wanting to get to know each other. It's really like a family. It’s more personal. Every single day, every match… We are familiar with each other. Most esports orgs don’t have that same level. 

‍What initially got you involved with Team Liquid?

I had been playing Counter-Strike for six months when I got my PC. I knew of esports but didn't do anything to be involved. Until I watched MLG Columbus… I saw a whole world of people and tournaments. 

When I saw Team Liquid compete, I thought, “This team looked pretty cool,” and EliGE looked cool to me — he stood out to me as a player. I started to get to know Team Liquid as an org through the Discord, reading articles… as I got to know everyone I just stuck around.

‍I think I saw you had a chance to meet the team, too!

It was DreamHack Dallas in 2022, I believe.. just watching, it was cool to see. It was a nice send off before Nitr0 retired again. It was already a good experience to have. I didn’t get a picture with EliGE, the one thing I wanted to do. But it was cool to meet them. They’re really nice guys. 

Steve is my favorite person I ever met. I was walking through the convention and I recognized him. We actually chatted for 10 to 15 min. Later on at the signing, I was waiting in line and saw him again and he recognized me. He even gave me a token from the CoinBase commercial — a unique token. It was the highlight of my entire experience.

‍I saw the Kudoboard that was made for you by the Team Liquid community during this hard time for you. How did it feel to see that?

I was floored — I  never had support or anything like that. And it was so out of the blue. It means a lot to me. I’m trying not to cry… It’s really a testament to the overall community and how much they care. It’s really the thing that means the most to me. I was reading it for 30 minutes, bawling my eyes out. 

‍The thought people put into all of these messages… 

There were so many more people than I thought. 

‍Oh, wow, yeah!

It just keeps going and going!

‍Do you feel it helped you while going through cancer treatment?

Definitely. All these relationships and support… There’s nowhere else I would have gotten it aside from my family. It’s unmatched support. Unreal. It makes me proud to be a Team Liquid fan. 

‍What got you into Counter-Strike?

My friends, mostly. I was not competitive at the time I started but it was getting a little popular. When Columbus came around, I watched it and wanted to play more, practice, learn more. Six months later, my friends were like, “What happened?!” I was absolutely dumpstering people. I just really liked the game. I have 10,000 hours into the game since then. There’s something about the game that makes you want to keep playing. There’s nothing similar — it’s its own game.  

‍Aside from watching esports, what has been keeping you positive during this time?

I’m a support type person. I like helping people play and become the best they can be. I like helping my teammates have fun at the game. I make sure they have fun and I have fun helping them win. 

We play a lot of different games. It’s nice to just enjoy life when you have the chance. Aside from CS2, I’m getting into MMOs like Ashes of Creation, which has an alpha test coming out. It’s a big MMO that’s been fun to try out. 

‍How are you feeling about CS2 after playing CS:GO?

Oh, boy… there’s so many different opinions going on. For what they advertised, it sounded great. Unfortunately, the implementation isn’t there. It’s not everything Valve promised. Eventually it'll come, hopefully. But it’s a letdown. I enjoyed CSGO. CS2 is enjoyable, but not the same level as before. Matchmaking, Premier… they feel like a cheater pass. It’s not fun. You almost have to play with a third party system, which isn’t great. But if that’s what it takes to play it… 

‍What’s one thing you hope Valve adds sooner rather than later?

Anti–cheat! Everyone is talking about the anti-cheat, so it’s the expected answer. But it should be the number one thing because it's the top thing it needs. Cheaters are absolutely crazy that they can get away with stuff like this. 

‍Yeah, dang, that can really ruin the experience. What do you play when you want to do something more casual?

I was a big Minecraft guy. I still am. I have a group of friends that get on a server with me whenever a big update comes out. It’s fun just being a resource bot, turning your brain off, listening to music, chilling out. 

‍What music do you listen to?

A lot of different music. Let’s see what my main playlist is right now... mostly piano, instrumental — that’s the vibe I got going on right now. I like the group Unlike Pluto, and I listen to drum and bass, electronic, metal to mix it up. I like a bit of variety. 

‍What else do you want fans to know about you?

I’m not a big social guy. But I’m always around, always reading chat. If you want someone to talk to or need someone that will listen to you, you know you can reach out to me and I’ll listen. I’ll give some advice. Maybe help you out. That mental health is so important these days. 

‍What’s your favorite Team Liquid moment?

Ooh… I’m pretty sure it’s the Grand Slam. That holds a place in our hearts, it’s one of the best ones. I also enjoyed watching their ESG Tour Mykonos 2017 event. The vlog was cool to watch — the vibe they got, and watching them talking with each other. The overall event was cool to watch although we didn’t win. We got second. It's a bit disappointing. But it was great to watch. JDM was still there, and Nitr0… I enjoyed that roster a lot.