Team Secret Captain Clement “Puppey” Ivanov Discusses His Plans To Retire From Professional Dota 2

Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, the captain of Team Secret, one of the most prominent and successful Dota 2 teams in the world, recently opened up about the possibility of retiring from competitive Dota 2. His comments came during the BetBoom Dacha event, where he provided insights into his career, leadership style, and future plans.

A Storied Career

Puppey is a veteran in the world of Dota 2, having been an integral part of the competitive scene for over a decade. He is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest captains and has achieved numerous milestones throughout his career. Puppey is perhaps best known for his leadership of Team Secret, a team that has consistently been a top contender in major tournaments.

One of Puppey’s most remarkable accomplishments is his record of attending every edition of The International (TI) since the inaugural event in 2011. This streak of 11 consecutive TIs is a testament to his skill, dedication, and longevity in the highly competitive world of professional Dota 2.

Thoughts on Retirement

During the interview with cybersport.ru, Puppey shared that while he has contemplated retirement recently, these thoughts are not consuming him, and he currently has no immediate plans to step away from the game. He expressed his belief that when the time is right, retirement will come naturally.

“Yes. I can’t say anything, I don’t think about it, but if it happens, it will happen in a natural way. When I know for sure that the time is right. Right now I don’t know that.”

The possibility of retirement became more pronounced this year when Puppey and Team Secret failed to qualify for The International 2023 (TI12). This marked the first time he would miss the prestigious tournament, ending his remarkable streak. Despite this setback, Puppey’s comments suggest that he is not ready to close the chapter on his illustrious career just yet.

Evolution of Leadership

In addition to discussing his future in the competitive scene, Puppey also touched on the evolution of his leadership style over the years. He acknowledged that with age, he has become less concerned with proving himself and showcasing his importance. The ego that often drives younger players has waned, making room for a more mature and measured approach to the game.

“Yes, absolutely yes. It’s age, it’s simple. As you get older, you stop caring about a lot of things that you used to think were very important. There’s no longer that urge to show how great and important you are. The ego becomes very small. When you are young, your ego is very big, but as you get older, it ceases to mean anything.

Now all that’s left of my ego is the desire to prove that I still know Dota. That my word still means a lot. And all these reasons for pride like ‘I’ve won so many tournaments’ – come on, I don’t care anymore.”

Puppey’s evolution as a leader reflects his maturity and depth of experience in the game. While his competitive fire still burns, it now ignites from a place of passion for Dota 2 rather than a need for validation.

The Future of Puppey

As fans eagerly await Puppey’s next move, whether it involves continuing his storied career or transitioning to a different role within the Dota 2 community, one thing remains clear: his impact on the game is indelible. Whether as a player, captain, or mentor, Clement “Puppey” Ivanov’s legacy in Dota 2 is secure, and his contributions to the esports world will be celebrated for years to come.

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