Cover-Credits:
A Twitter post from Evil Geniuses has confirmed rumors about the release of its Dota 2 roster that have been circulating for the past few weeks. As a team that has competed in the game for many years, Evil Geniuses announced that it did not come easy to bid farewell to the entire roster. The organization has released its players following a middling season which culminated in a 9th-12th finish at The International 11 (TI11).
Evil Geniuses parts ways with its roster and intends to move to South America
Evil Geniuses expressed gratitude to the five players and the coach for everything they had accomplished during their time at the organization.
Evil Geniuses’ released Dota 2 roster:
Artour "Arteezy" Babaev
Abed "Abed" Yusop
Egor "Nightfall" Grigorenko
Andreas "Cr1t-" Nielsen
Tal "Fly" Aizik
Kanishka 'Sam' "BuLba" Sosale (coach)
Evil Geniuses also released a video in which totheLapointe explained the roster change. She thanked all of the members, especially Cr1t- and Arteezy, and emphasized the Dota 2 team's legacy as the anchor of the entire organization in general over the previous seven years.
As she highlighted the significance that Dota 2 has for the company, she stated that it was now time to move on. TotheLapointe went on to discuss the grit and passion of SA Dota 2, suggesting the organization’s relocation to that region.
While it was a bittersweet moment for them, totheLapointe expressed excitement about working with this new region and pursuing the Aegis of the Champions.
In the post-TI11 roster shuffle, this will be among the most dramatic changes the Dota 2 community will get to see. After six years of playing more than 1000 games at the organization, Arteezy and Cr1t- are leaving. Coach BuLba, who had been at the helm for five years, is another key departing member.
In the eyes of the community, these three members, particularly Arteezy with the fanbase he boasts, had come to symbolize Evil Geniuses, and it remains to be seen where they will go for the next season. However, since all six members are among the best in their fields, it shouldn't come as a surprise if they make the top teams around the world.
Overall, this Evil Geniuses’ roster release comes as a major blow to the NA Dota 2 competitive scene, as its flagship organization, which has almost single-handedly represented the region for the past few years, has opted to leave, at least for the time being.
TSM is the only well-known organization now when it comes to the region, followed by nouns and Wildcard Gaming whose future is uncertain given the roster change they are going through.
At TI11, SA Dota 2 had its best finish at TIs. With the region's talent pool growing and a leading esports organization planning to relocate, the region may be experiencing the dawn of a new era.
