UK-Based Esports Organization Into The Breach (ITB) Disbands Its Dota 2 Roster

The UK-based esports organization “Into The Breach” (ITB) has made the difficult decision to disband its Dota 2 roster. This decision comes after the conclusion of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) season, in which ITB managed to secure a respectable 5th-place finish in DPC WEU 2023 Tour 2: Division 2. While this decision may come as a disappointment to fans and players alike, it sheds light on the challenges faced by tier 2 and tier 3 teams in the ever-competitive world of Dota 2.

ITB’s Dota 2 Roster at the Time of Disbandment:

• Tamás “lowskill” Kaszás
• Ondřej “Supream^” Štarha
• Andreas “Xibbe” Ragnemalm
• Yurii “Merlin” Belkin
• Egor “RESPECT” Procurat

In an official statement released on their website, ITB’s CEO, Sam Macedonio, provided insights into the reasoning behind this decision, citing several key factors that contributed to the disbandment.

Navigating the DPC Transition:

One significant factor that influenced ITB’s exit from Dota 2 is Valve’s choice to discontinue the DPC after the 2022/2023 season. This decision left tier 2 and tier 3 teams in a precarious position, grappling with the loss of a stable and predictable source of income and competitive opportunities.

Challenges in Talent Acquisition:

Macedonio addressed the organization’s struggle to identify and nurture emerging talent within the European Dota 2 scene, especially when compared to regions like North America and South America. He highlighted that this struggle was particularly challenging for smaller European organizations.

Fan-Building Hurdles in Dota:

Furthermore, Macedonio emphasized the intricate task of building a dedicated fan base within Dota 2, especially for tier 2 and tier 3 teams. This challenge stems from the game’s domination by a select few elite teams, such as OG and Secret. Consequently, fans often hesitate to support teams they perceive as having limited prospects for victory.

Financial Demands for Success:

Macedonio also underscored the financial pressures placed on teams seeking success in the European Dota 2 ecosystem. Top-tier teams command substantial budgets, which smaller organizations like ITB find challenging to match.

While Macedonio hinted at the possibility of ITB returning to the Dota scene in the future, he affirmed that the current landscape did not align with the organization’s European objectives. In the meantime, ITB will concentrate on strengthening its presence in other esports divisions, including CS:GO and Rainbow Six.

Despite the challenges encountered, ITB managed to secure commendable placements in DPC tournaments and played a pivotal role in nurturing talented players such as Xibbe, Supream^, Kidaro, and Ari.

ITB’s disbandment, following Hydra Esports’ dissolution earlier this month, underscores the obstacles faced by tier 2 and tier 3 teams in the esports arena. As the esports landscape continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to observe whether more organizations opt for a similar course of action in the coming year.