One of Dota 2’s most popular teams has lost a “great strategist” and captain, Clement ‘Puppey’ Ivanov. Puppey has led his team to the finals of Dota 2’s International on three occasions, but will now continue his career in competitive Dota elsewhere.
Na’Vi announced yesterday that the team had “lost its leader”, and that Puppey was now a “free agent”. Ivanov appears to be on good terms with his former squadmates, who write that he will “stay forever in the Hall of Fame of our eSports club”.
“Today, I announce that I am leaving the Na’Vi squad,” said Puppey in a statement. “It has been a great road of success and I have no regrets looking back. Though, things have to change and stories have an end, my career in competitive Dota will not.
“I thank Na’Vi for the time we shared and hope them the best. Also, I would like to thank all of my fans and Na`Vi supporters who have kept us going.”
Na’vi’s current squad now consists of Gleb ‘Funn1k’ Lipatnikov, Daniil ‘Dendi’ Ishutin and Alexander ‘XBOCT’ Dashkevich. Negotiations for Puppey’s replacement are ongoing.
“In the name of the e-sports club and Na’Vi fans I would like to express gratitude to Clement for the time he spent in our club,” said Natus Vincere COO Igor ‘Caff’ Sidorenko. “We wish him success in new teams or any activities he will choose for himself. We will never forget his contribution to the success history of our club.”
The team has also parted ways with its manager, Eugene ‘Razzoc’ Dubravin, who is yet to be replaced.
Puppey will continue to have a hand in Dota2Navigation, the online guide to the game he works on with Na’Vi’s Dendi. He clearly has no intention of leaving the game behind. Where do you think he might wind up?
Thanks, Liquid Dota.