One of 9Pandas’ key players, RAMZES666, has departed the lineup ahead of the 2024 season.
The pre-2024 season roster shuffle is still rolling as more teams make changes to their Dota 2 rosters. One of the teams that have been making the shuffle include Eastern Europe's powerhouse, 9Pandas, who just announced the departure of its carry player, Roman "RAMZES666" Kushnarev. This announcement came a week after the departure of its offlaner, Matvey "MieRo`" Vasyunin.
RAMZES666's ends his journey with 9Pandas
(Photo via 9Pandas)
RAMZES666 is one of the most decorated CIS players, having won five Majors and delivered two top-six The International finishes. The 24-year-old Russian experienced his glorious days with Virtus.pro (2016-2019), though following the team's disbandment, RAMZES666 faced a period of struggle.
In early 2023, RAMZES666 found his footing again and this time with 9Pandas (formerly HellRaisers). The team fields a solid mix of experienced veterans such as Alexey "Solo" Berezin and new blood like Gleb "kiyotaka" Zyryanov.
At first, 9Pandas didn't have too many expectations on their shoulders. However, the team showcased an explosive debut at the ESL One Berlin Major, securing a third place podium finish. Fans started to believe that they were witnessing the rise of a new EEU juggernaut, but things didn't really work out too well by the end of the year.
(Image via Liquipedia)
9Pandas had consistent achievements throughout 2023 with many of its run ending in the top 6. But the team wasn't too stable - they could be incredibly strong or they could be fumbling the bag hard. And the team's latest performance at the ESL One Kuala Lumpur seems to be the final straw before drastic changes to the roster occur.
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What's next for both parties?
(Photo via 9Pandas)
At the time of writing, 9Pandas is left with three players. The team's roster now comprises midlaner kiyotaka, position four Vladislav "Antares" Kertman, and captain Solo. On the other hand, RAMZES666 has yet to disclose his plans for the 2024 season and which lineup he'll partake in.
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