Here’s a list of SEA’s most significant roster changes so far.
Last Updated - 07:00AM EST, 31st August 2021
As is tradition, the time around The International is one with roster shuffles aplenty. Due to the unprecedented delay of Dota 2's most important tournament though, these roster changes are coming in quite a bit earlier than expected.
With only a single direct qualification in T1, the rest of the region had to fight it out in the qualifiers. After a brutal bloodbath of a circuit, it was Fnatic that came out on top to claim the final slot. Of course, with many of the teams not attending TI this year, roster shuffles are more or less inevitable.
We've compiled a list of the most significant ones here. This article will continue to be updated with each new announcement.
Big Changes to the BOOM Esports Roster
In a video released on 28th August, BOOM Esports Founder Gary "Natshuba" Ongko Putra announced major changes to the org's Dota 2 roster.
It was revealed that after four years in the team, captain Alfi "Khezcute" Nelphyana would be retiring from the scene. Alongside him, Randy "Dreamocel" Muhammade Sapoetra and Brizio "Hyde" Adi Putra were set to leave as well.
The tweet was followed up by another only a few days later, teasing three new members of the roster.
Since its inception in 2017, BOOM Esports has only signed Indonesian players. If they are to stick to that philosophy, it's likely that carry player Andrew "Drew" Halim may make a return. Drew, who was last part of 496 Gaming, had a previous stint with BOOM earlier this year. As for the other two mystery members, it remains to be seen who they will be.
OB Neon Esports Loses Their Shining Stars
When it comes to changes, no team has had more of a rollercoaster of a year than OB Neon Esports. Between roster swaps, stand-ins and more, Neon have still managed to put up decent results all things considered. Most notably, they finished 5th/6th at the Singapore Major, only narrowly losing to Team Secret.
Unfortunately, the team missed out on the AniMajor, and were not able to qualify for TI10. The first to leave was carry player John "Natsumi-" Anthony Vargas, on July 27th. Following his departure, captain Rolen Andrei "ctm" Ong moved to Position 1, with Timothy "Tims" John Randrup subbing in for some minor tournaments.
It was revealed earlier this week that Mongolian player Ravdan "Hustla" Narmandakh would join the team as Position 4. However, it would be the ensuing announcements that really shocked fans.
Through all of Neon's ups and downs, ctm was the glue holding it all together. Throughout the tumultuous season, he had flexed seamlessly between carry, offlane and support. The magnitude of this change was one comparable to OG losing Johan "N0tail" Sundstein.
As if that wasn't enough, Neon would follow up by announcing the release of Erin "Yopaj" Jasper Ferrer as well. The superstar mid of Neon had made a name for himself after standout performances at Singapore. His play even led fans to surmise a potential "OG.Yopaj" or "Secret.Yopaj" for the next season.
As it stands, the team's remaining members are:
- Michael "Enryu" Roi Ladines - 3
- Ravdan "Hustla" Narmandakh - 4
- Jaunuel "Jaunuel" Arcilla - 5
The two incoming replacements will no doubt have huge shoes to fill.
This Is Only The Beginning
In this intermediary period before TI10, we're already seeing players showing up and substituting on different rosters. As for whether these shifts will be permanent, we'll have to wait for official news.
With The International drawing closer, we can definitely expect more announcements of this nature in the coming weeks.
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