Taiga And Masaros Join Bleed Esports Dota 2 Team
In a strategic move aimed at fortifying its position in the competitive world of Dota 2, Singapore-based Bleed Esports recently announced significant additions to its roster.
The organization revealed the inclusion of Norwegian support player Tommy “Taiga” Le and the return of Thai offlaner Natthaphon “Masaros” Ouanphakdee.
As the team undergoes a transformative phase, this article delves into the details of these acquisitions, exploring their impact on Bleed Esports and the broader Southeast Asian (SEA) Dota 2 landscape.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Taiga, renowned for his prowess as a support player, assumes the position 5 roles in Bleed Esports, stepping into the shoes of Kim “DuBu” Doo-young.
Meanwhile, Masaros, a seasoned offlaner, makes a triumphant return to Bleed Esports, reclaiming the offlaner position previously held by Daryl “iceiceice” Koh.
DuBu recently parted ways with Bleed Esports, while iceiceice transitions to a content creator role within the organization.
The infusion of Taiga and Masaros introduces a fresh dynamic to Bleed Esports’ lineup, with their expertise set to play pivotal roles in shaping the team’s strategies and performances.
Continuity in Core Lineup:
Amidst these changes, Bleed Esports retains the core of its roster, ensuring stability in key positions. Souliya “JaCkky” Khoomphetsavong remains the Lao carry player, while Teng “Kordan” Tjin Yao holds the midlane for the team. Additionally, Filipino star support Djardel “DJ” Mampusti continues in his role.
Danish coach Rasmus “MISERY” Filipsen, a seasoned figure in the Dota 2 scene, remains a crucial part of the coaching staff. This continuity provides a solid foundation for the new additions to integrate seamlessly and contribute to the team’s overall synergy.
Tommy “Taiga” Le’s Journey:
Taiga, a seasoned veteran in the Dota 2 scene, brings a wealth of experience to Bleed Esports. Notably, he clinched victory at the ESL One Stockholm Major in 2022 as a part of the OG roster. However, his journey in the 2023 season has been marked by challenges.
Following OG’s mixed results in the Winter and Spring Tours of the Dota Pro Circuit, Taiga faced personal struggles, missing the initial matches of the Summer Tour regional league due to battles with anxiety and depression.
Despite these setbacks, Taiga showcased resilience by participating in the North American regional qualifiers for The International (TI) 2023 with Wildcard Gaming in August. After officially parting ways with OG in mid-October, Taiga now looks forward to a fresh start with Bleed Esports.
Natthaphon “Masaros” Ouanphakdee’s Homecoming:
Masaros makes a triumphant return to Bleed Esports, having been part of the organization’s initial Dota 2 roster in December of the previous year. After leaving Bleed in May, Masaros joined Team SMG and played a crucial role in helping them qualify for TI 2023 by winning the Southeast Asian regional qualifier.
Unfortunately, visa issues prevented him from participating in the tournament, and SMG faced challenges with stand-ins, resulting in an early exit from TI 2023. Masaros announced his departure from SMG in late October, leaving his status in Dota 2 uncertain.
His return to Bleed Esports signifies a reunion with familiar faces and a strategic move for both the player and the organization.
Bleed Esports’ 2023 Season and Road to TI:
Bleed Esports entered the 2023 season with high expectations, boasting a promising initial roster that included Masaros and DuBu, among others.
However, the team faced challenges and changed to a sixth-place finish in the Winter Tour regional league. Despite these adjustments, Bleed placed sixth again in the Spring Tour.
The team demonstrated resilience in the Summer Tour, securing first place in the Southeast Asian regional league to qualify for the Bali Major.
Unfortunately, their journey in the Bali Major concluded in disappointment, finishing 13th-14th and necessitating qualification through regional qualifiers for TI 2023.
However, Bleed’s path to TI 2023 faced further obstacles, ultimately resulting in a fifth-sixth place exit in the Southeast Asian qualifier.
Looking Ahead and Debut in ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023:
With Taiga and Masaros joining the fold, Bleed Esports is poised to bounce back from its challenging 2023 season. The revamped roster is set to make its debut in the ongoing Southeast Asian qualifier for ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023.
This tournament, scheduled for December, represents the last significant Dota 2 event of the year and features a substantial US$1 million prize pool. Bleed Esports aims to make a statement with its new lineup, showcasing the synergy and strategic prowess of its reinvigorated roster.
The addition of Taiga and the return of Masaros mark a significant chapter in Bleed Esports’ Dota 2 journey. As the team embraces change, the organization and its fans are eager to witness the impact of these skilled players on the competitive landscape.
With ambitious goals, a mix of experience and resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Bleed Esports is set to navigate the challenges of the SEA Dota 2 scene with a renewed sense of determination and purpose.
