The majority of the top teams around the world are still contemplating their options, but Team Aster has made the necessary adjustments and unveiled its finalized roster for the upcoming Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2022-23. Zhang "LaNm" Zhicheng has stepped down as the team's coach to make way for Bai "rOtK" Fan, one of the most respected coaches in Chinese Dota 2. Additionally, Zhai "Xyw" Jingkai joins from Aster's secondary team Aster.Aries as the new midlaner. Xyw replaces Zeng "Ori" Jiaoyang, who recently retired from competitive Dota 2. Other than that, the roster remains unchanged from The International 11 (TI11).
Aster announces rOtK as the new coach and Xyw as the new midlaner
On Weibo, Aster announced the resignation of LaNm, the addition of rOtK, and the inclusion of Xyw, as well as the complete roster for DPC 2022-23:
Du "Monet" Peng
Zhai "Xyw" Jingkai
Lin "Xxs" Jing
Ye "BoBoKa" Zhibiao
Yu "Siamese.C" Yajun
Having spent more than two years with Aster, LaNm is leaving the organization. The squad performed consistently well under his supervision during this period, with a greater performance bump in the DPC 2021-22. A farewell post from the organization acknowledged his dedication, experience, and understanding.
In LaNm's stead, rOtK will be returning to competitive Dota 2 after a hiatus since November 2021. In his coaching career, he made his mark with Vici Gaming, which won DreamLeague Season 11, the EPICENTER Major 2019, and the ONE Esports Dota 2 World Pro Invitational Singapore from 2018-20. As well as being a star coach, rOtK has had great results in competitive Dota 2 and appeared in multiple TIs during the early years of the game.
The final change is the addition of Xyw as the new midlaner. Over the past five years, Xyw has played in various Chinese teams, including Keen Gaming, which finished 13th-16th at TI9. In light of Ori's recent retirement announcement, the player has big shoes to fill.
Overall, following the fruitful season that Aster had in 2022, the roster remains largely unchanged. When it came to LAN events, where it had previously failed to meet the same level of performance it presented in Chinese events, the team rose to the challenge. As a result, Aster finished third at PGL Arlington Major 2022, second at ESL One Malaysia, and fourth at TI11.
As rOtK now brings his coaching knowledge and pushes the team to the next level in the DPC 2022-23, both he and Aster will be hoping that this will be the season when they finally get their hands on the coveted Aegis of the Champions.
