Everything You Need To Know About Roster Shuffle Of Dota 2’s Team Secret

10 months ago By AI Smith

Team Secret has once again sent shockwaves through the esports community with their recent roster shuffle announcement. As the competitive landscape gears up for the upcoming season, let’s delve into the intricacies of this bold move by one of the most storied teams in the Dota 2 realm.

The Return of Familiar Faces

Team Secret’s revamped roster features the return of two familiar players: Malaysian midlaner Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng and Czech offlaner Miroslav “BOOM” Bičan. MidOne, who previously donned Secret’s colors from 2016 to 2019, embarked on a brief stint with OG from 2020 to 2021 before rekindling his association with Southeast Asia through Team SMG. BOOM, on the other hand, joined Secret in December, left in June, and has now made a triumphant comeback.

The Coaching Carousel

The coaching dynamics have undergone a significant transformation as well. Secret’s longtime South Korean coach, Lee “Heen” Seung Gon, has decided to take a break, paving the way for Malaysian coach Tue “ah fu” Soon Chuan to step into the coaching role. This shift not only brings a fresh perspective but also underscores the team’s commitment to adaptability in the face of challenges.

A Shift in Strategy

The decision not to undergo an expected rebuilding phase, despite what could be deemed the worst year in terms of results for the organization, speaks volumes about Team Secret’s strategic approach. The departure of superstar midlaner Michał “Nisha” Jankowski after The International (TI) 2022 was a significant blow, and the subsequent introduction of BOOM as his replacement brought its own set of challenges.

A Tumultuous Season

Secret’s rollercoaster ride in the past season began with a second-place finish at TI 2022. However, the departure of Nisha saw the team struggle to find its footing, culminating in a relegation to Division II after a dismal 1-6 record in the Winter Tour regional league. Roster changes followed, with Roman “Resolut1on” Fominok and Bakyt “Zayac” Emilzhanov bidding farewell, making way for Armel “Armel” Tabios and yamich in the midlaner and position 4 support roles, respectively.

Despite a resurgence that saw Secret reclaim their spot in Division I, the team’s woes continued with another last-place finish in the Division I Summer Tour regional league. The final blow came during the TI 2023 regional qualifiers when they were eliminated by Quest Esports, marking the end of Puppey’s legendary streak of participating in every TI since the inception of Dota 2 esports.

The Road to Redemption

In a last-ditch effort to fortify their roster, Secret parted ways with BOOM and brought in Saieful “Fbz” Ilham on loan from Southeast Asia’s BOOM Esports. However, the gamble did not pay off as Secret fell short in the qualifiers, ending a disappointing season that left fans and the organization alike grappling with unmet expectations.

Unveiling the New Look

As Team Secret gears up for the Western European qualifier for ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, the spotlight is now on their revamped roster:

Remco “Crystallis” Arets
Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng
Miroslav “BOOM” Bičan
Daniyal “yamich” Lazebnyy
Clement “Puppey” Ivanov
Tue “ah fu” Soon Chuan (coach)

This lineup, characterized by a blend of experienced stalwarts and emerging talent, seeks to redefine Secret’s competitive narrative. The upcoming tournament in Kuala Lumpur, boasting a formidable US$1 million prize pool, will serve as the proving ground for this recalibrated squad.

Team Secret’s roster shuffle signifies a strategic pivot in the face of adversity. The retention of key players, the return of seasoned individuals, and the appointment of a new coach underscore the organization’s commitment to weathering storms and emerging stronger. As the Dota 2 community eagerly anticipates the debut of this new-look Secret squad, the narrative of redemption and resurgence takes center stage, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in the team’s illustrious history.