XinQ Joins Xtreme Gaming, Paparazi Might Retire After Riyadh Masters 2023

Xtreme Gaming has officially announced changes to its Dota 2 roster after speculations and soft confirmations from the players in the past few days. A post on Weibo from the Chinese organization announced the departure of Hu "Kaka" Liangzhi, who joined Team Aster less than a week ago, and the arrival of former PSG.LGD position four player Zhao "XinQ" Zixing. Furthermore, according to Xtreme, Zhang "Paparazi" Chengjun presented the organization with the desire to leave and retire but decided to stay on for the Riyadh Masters 2023 at the organization’s request since competing teams are allowed a maximum of one roster change.

Xtreme Gaming announces the addition of XinQ to its Dota 2 roster

After thanking Kaka for his support over the past few months and expressing pity for being unable to continue, Xtreme welcomed XinQ to position four in the Weibo post.

After the recent announcement that Kaka joined Aster as he replaced Ye "BoBoKa" Zhibiao, XinQ had suggested joining Xtreme but also remarked that a contract was not yet signed. Furthermore, he said that he was not in the best of shape right now because he was just coming out of retirement, but other Xtreme Gaming members were quite confident in him.

While on PSG.LGD from 2020 to 2022, XinQ gained massive popularity before taking a break from the game. He emerged as one of the most stable and impactful position four players, winning the WePlay AniMajor 2022, the Riyadh Masters 2022, and placing second at both the PGL Arlington Major 2021 and The International 2021.

Another roster change that appeared to be in the making previously was Paparazi's departure, who had suggested taking a long rest, which would be equivalent to retiring. Now, he has agreed to play for Xtreme Gaming at the Riyadh Masters 2023, though it remains uncertain whether he will stay with this team or any other afterward.

The following players will be on Xtreme Gaming's roster for at least the Riyadh Masters 2023:

1. Daniel "Ghost" Chan

2. Zhang "Paparazi" Chengjun

3. Thiay "JT-" Jun Wen

4. Zhao "XinQ" Zixing

5. Ding "Dy" Cong

After a lackluster Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) Tour 3 season, this lineup shuffle at Xtreme Gaming could help the team bounce back at the Riyadh Masters and get its hand on a substantial amount of prize money. This tournament would also be useful for gaining match practice for The International 12 (TI12) regional qualifier, which has only one slot for China.