The highly competitive and often turbulent world of Dota 2 esports has once again witnessed the dissolution of a promising roster. AVULUS, a team that carved out a niche for itself in the Tier 1-2 circuit, has officially disbanded. This development, while not entirely unprecedented in an ecosystem known for its volatility, has drawn commentary from seasoned Dota 2 coach Timur “Ahilles” Kulmukhambetov, who attributes the team`s demise directly to the departure of their captain, Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev.
The Ascent and Inevitable Descent of AVULUS
Formed with a blend of talent and ambition, AVULUS initially faced skepticism. As Ahilles himself noted, “At the start of the roster, few believed in the success of this team.” Yet, against expectations, they managed to navigate the treacherous qualifiers and establish a presence in significant Tier 1 and Tier 2 tournaments. Their journey was marked by moments of brilliance, where they “even sometimes surprised,” hinting at an untapped potential that captured the attention of the community.
This period of unexpected success, however, proved to be a fragile equilibrium. Esports, at its core, is a delicate dance of individual skill harmonized into collective strategy. The slightest disruption can send ripples through a roster, and for AVULUS, that disruption appears to have been the “SoNNeikO factor.”
The SoNNeikO Enigma: A Double-Edged Sword
Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev joined AVULUS in August 2024, assuming the pivotal role of captain. His tenure lasted until April 2025, a period during which the team achieved its notable, albeit fleeting, successes. SoNNeikO is a player with a well-established reputation, known for his strategic depth and often strong personality. It is this unique blend that Ahilles succinctly captured in his assessment:
“But the SoNNeikO factor happened. It`s hard with him — without him it`s even worse.”
This statement encapsulates a perennial challenge in team-based esports: managing brilliant, yet sometimes demanding, personalities. A player of SoNNeikO`s caliber can elevate a team through sheer strategic prowess and leadership. His calls in-game, his understanding of the meta, and his experience can be invaluable. However, such strong personalities often come with an inherent intensity that can test team dynamics and organizational patience.
The “hard with him” aspect likely alludes to the potential for disagreements, high-pressure environments, or the sheer intensity of working with a dominant figure. Yet, the “without him it`s even worse” segment paints a stark picture of the void he left. His departure didn`t just remove a player; it removed the strategic linchpin, the primary shot-caller, and perhaps the very identity of the team.
The Inevitable Outcome
SoNNeikO`s decision to go inactive came shortly after AVULUS`s 7-8th place finish at ESL One Raleigh 2025. While a top-eight finish at a significant tournament is respectable, it often falls short of the aspirations of competitive organizations aiming for tier-one glory. His move into inactivity was, for AVULUS, the critical turning point. Without their captain and primary strategist, the team faced an immediate and profound leadership vacuum.
Ahilles` concluding remarks hint at the organizational fatigue that often accompanies such volatile situations: “Most likely the org got tired and decided to give up on all this.” This is a stark reminder that esports organizations, much like any business, operate on resource allocation and sustainable models. When the core structure of a team breaks down, and a replacement cannot easily fill the void, the rational decision is often to cut losses and explore new ventures.
The Unpredictable Future
The disbandment of AVULUS leaves its former players, including SoNNeikO, at a crossroads. While SoNNeikO`s next career move remains unknown, the other members of the AVULUS roster will now embark on the familiar, albeit arduous, journey of finding new teams, trialing with different rosters, and attempting to forge new synergies. This cycle of formation, competition, and dissolution is an inherent, if sometimes brutal, characteristic of professional esports.
Ahilles` parting wish, “Good luck to the players in the next season,” serves as a poignant epilogue to the AVULUS story. It`s a recognition of the individual talent caught in the organizational shifts and the ever-present hope that new opportunities will arise from the ashes of former teams.
