Cover-Credits:
A couple of days ago, Virtus.pro underwent a roster change, with Illias "Illias" Ganeev (also known as "Kingslayer") moving to the inactive roster to make way for Egor "Xakoda" Lipartiya. While Virtus.pro had noted in its statement that Illias will be focusing on private matters and health, the team's offlaner, Dmitry "DM" Dorokhin, described the change in detail after the team's win over Team Empire earlier today. According to DM, it was really Illias' health issues and burnout that had caused him to take this break from competitive Dota 2. There was mutual respect between the players and Illias had not been kicked from the roster, DM added.
DM clarifies Illias' move to Virtus.pro's inactive roster
After Virtus.pro’s crushing victory over Team Empire in the DPC Eastern Europe 2021-22 Tour 1: Division 1 in Xakoda's debut series, DM came for the post-match winner's interview. When asked about Illias’ move to the inactive roster, DM replied that he had been burnt out from competitive Dota 2 after The International 10 (TI10), but the squad had persuaded him to continue on. Now, however, it became too difficult for Illias to continue, so he decided to take a break.
“The real reason is true. Illias is having like - some health injuries and he was really burned out after TI. He wanted to chill, stop competitive (Dota 2) for some time after TI but we, let’s say, convinced him that he shouldn’t stop. And then he just felt worse and he said - Sorry, I am not able to play. I need to chill from Dota a bit. So, now he is just recovering, fixing his health issues, and chilling. There is nothing like a kick, this guy is our friend and we totally respect him. So, it’s all about his fissures in real life.”
Despite Virtus.pro explicitly stating that Illias's focus would be on his personal matters and health, there was speculation whether the player had been kicked from the roster since the change came in the middle of the season. Moreover, Virtus.pro had not looked nearly as good as it had in the past season. But as per DM, no bad blood appears to exist between the players.
In its statement, Virtus.pro had also stated it would decide on its final roster once the season is over.
For now, Virtus.pro, with three wins and two losses, will be aiming to qualify for a Major. HellRaisers, Team Spirit, and PuckChampion are quite far ahead in the race, and Virtus.pro will need to win both of its remaining series to have a good chance of qualifying. The team's next series is scheduled for 16th Jan 2022 against arch-rivals Natus Vincere.
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