Dota 2 Roster Shake-up for Team Secret: MidOne Exits, Kordan and Ekki Step In
In a surprising turn of events, Team Secret’s Dota 2 roster is undergoing a significant overhaul for the 2024 season, after the team failed to qualify for Dota 2’s The International 2023 and faced a disappointing seventh-place finish at ESL One Kuala Lumpur. The most startling change comes in the form of veteran core player Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng’s exit, despite rejoining Team Secret only in late 2023 after a three-year stint with OG and Team SMG.
MidOne’s Departure: A Shocking Farewell
MidOne’s departure has left both fans and analysts speculating on the reasons behind this sudden decision. Although no official statement has been made, many suspect that a desire for a more significant shift in team dynamic and the need to incorporate fresh talent may have led to the mutual agreement for MidOne to step aside.
Kordan: The Rising Singaporean Star
Replacing MidOne in the mid lane is the relatively unknown 21-year-old Singaporean talent, Teng “Kordan” Tjin Yao. Kordan has made waves in SEA Dota, leading Bleed Esports to victory in the Dota Pro Circuit’s Tour Three title in June, over established contenders like Blacklist International and Execration. Though missing out on a playoff appearance at the “home” Major in Bali, Kordan’s stellar mid lane performance and skill in pub games have caught the eye of Team Secret management.
Ekki Returns, Filling the Support Role
Alongside Kordan, Marcel “Ekki” Hołowienko returns to Team Secret after a brief departure to Wisla Krakow and TSM. However, in this instance, the Polish player switches roles, assuming the support mantle and replacing Daniyal “yamich” Lazebnyy, who moves to the bench after almost a year with the squad.
The Future of Team Secret: Underdogs or Unprepared?
With these new changes, expectations for Team Secret’s performance in the 2024 season remain low. However, roster shake-ups have historically been unpredictable, and it isn’t unimaginable for a Puppey-led underdog lineup to make waves with these changes. Familiarity with team strategies and adapting to each other’s playstyles will be critical for Kordan and Ekki, who will undoubtedly face challenges along the way.
Related
Dota 2’s Best Player of 2023, Watson, Reveals Patch 7.35b Tier List
Shifting Dynamics in the Dota 2 Scene
Team Secret’s decision to retool their Dota 2 team for the 2024 season might result in a ripple effect across the entire esports scene, as other organizations may reevaluate their rosters and strategies in the coming months. The community will keep a keen eye on MidOne’s next move, as the experienced player’s future decisions might significantly impact the wider Dota 2 esports landscape.
Another significant roster change is the addition of Marcel “Ekki” Hołowienko, who previously worked as an assistant coach at Team Secret. After spending some time at Wisla Krakow and TSM, Ekki returns to Team Secret, this time taking up the support role. Ekki’s arrival led to the benching of Daniyal “yamich” Lazebnyy, who had spent nearly a year with the squad.
Implications on the Dota 2 Esports Scene
These roster changes can potentially shake up the Dota 2 esports landscape. With other major teams like OG and Team SMG also going through roster changes, Team Secret’s refreshed lineup could benefit from the uncertainty surrounding their rivals. A resurgence from Puppey’s side could ensure a competitive and exciting 2024 season, keeping both fans and opponents on their toes.
As the Dota 2 community awaits further developments on MidOne’s future, the esports world needs to accept that changes are inevitable. The arrival of talents like Kordan only affirms the growing pool of skilled players around the globe, promising a continued evolution of Dota 2’s professional scene. With the commencement of the ESL Pro Tour 2024 drawing closer, the stage is set for Team Secret to either flourish or flounder under their new roster. Only time will tell how these decisions shape the destiny of this seasoned team.
