As the dust begins to settle on another thrilling competitive season, the professional Dota 2 landscape is once again bracing for its annual, often chaotic, post-The International reshuffle. With teams reflecting on their performances at TI14 and eyeing the road to The International 2025, speculation is rife. Offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain, renowned Dota 2 coach Timur “Ahilles” Kulmukhambetov recently took to his personal stream to share what he`s heard about the significant roster changes on the horizon for some of the biggest names in the scene, including Team Spirit, Team Liquid, and Aurora.
- The Rumor Mill: A Whirlwind of Uncertainty
- Team Liquid: A Complete Overhaul?
- Team Spirit: The Double Trouble
- BetBoom Team and Tundra Esports: A Familiar Face Returns?
- Team Falcons: Cr1t-`s Pivotal Decision
- OG, PARIVISION, NAVI, Nigma, Aurora: Shifting Sands
- The Annual Reset: More Than Just Player Swaps
- What Lies Ahead?
The Rumor Mill: A Whirlwind of Uncertainty
Ahilles, known for his deep understanding of the game and its competitive ecosystem, provided a candid, if occasionally vague, outlook on the fate of several high-profile squads. His insights paint a picture of an unusually turbulent offseason, where even established powerhouses might not be immune to significant overhauls.
Team Liquid: A Complete Overhaul?
Perhaps the most striking revelation concerns Team Liquid. According to Ahilles, the European giant is slated for a “complete roster reshuffle.” This isn`t merely a tweak; it suggests a fundamental rebuilding effort. Further elaborating on the potential new blood, Ahilles reaffirmed earlier rumors that Kazakh prodigies Watson Islamov and Arman “Malady” Orazbayev are set to join the revamped Liquid lineup. This move, if it materializes, could signal a fresh, aggressive direction for the team.
Team Spirit: The Double Trouble
The situation at Team Spirit, one of Dota 2`s most dominant forces, appears surprisingly fluid. Ahilles admitted to hearing “many different things” regarding the squad. The most prominent rumor centers on captain Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov, who is reportedly taking a break for an “unspecified amount of time.” Uncertainty also shrouds mid-laner Denis “Larl” Sigitov`s future, with Ahilles noting that it`s “unclear what might happen.” For a team that has consistently been at the pinnacle, such widespread internal changes could be monumental.
BetBoom Team and Tundra Esports: A Familiar Face Returns?
The mid-season drama surrounding BetBoom Team and Ivan “Pure~” Moskalenko looks set to continue. Ahilles confirmed that Pure~ is expected to depart BetBoom. Intriguingly, this aligns with circulating rumors of his potential return to Tundra Esports. Tundra itself isn`t spared from changes, as Ahilles mentioned “two players out” from their current lineup, signaling a significant restructuring for the former TI champions.
Team Falcons: Cr1t-`s Pivotal Decision
In contrast to the widespread changes elsewhere, Team Falcons might maintain much of their current roster. However, Ahilles highlighted a crucial dependency: the decision of Andreas “Cr1t-” Nielsen. “If he wants to rest or retire,” Ahilles noted, the team would be left searching for a new position four player. This underscores the irreplaceable impact of key individuals even in seemingly stable rosters.
OG, PARIVISION, NAVI, Nigma, Aurora: Shifting Sands
The reshuffle extends across various other significant teams:
- OG: With 23savage already departed, the future of Crystallis and Saksa remains uncertain. Saksa is likely to take a break, while Crystallis` next move is unclear, though Ahilles pondered if OG might re-sign him.
- PARIVISION: A notable exception to the chaos, the “brothers all remain” in PARIVISION, thanks to a “pact between the guys,” suggesting a strong internal cohesion.
- NAVI: Having already parted ways with their coach, player changes for Natus Vincere might prove challenging at this juncture.
- Nigma Galaxy: Ahilles heard whispers of either Maroun “GH” Merhej or Omar “OmaR” Moughrabi being removed from the roster.
- Aurora: A reshuffle is reportedly underway, with Armel “kiyotaka” Tabios seemingly out. Ahilles also acknowledged chat rumors about Panto, though he stated he had no direct information on that specific detail.
“Miposhka is resting for some time. I think it`s hard to say for sure here because he doesn`t even know himself yet. I`ve also heard different things about Larl, it`s unclear what might happen.”
— Ahilles on Team Spirit`s future.
The Annual Reset: More Than Just Player Swaps
The period following The International is perennially the most volatile for Dota 2 rosters. This isn`t merely about dissatisfaction with performance; it`s a complex interplay of burnout, evolving team dynamics, strategic recalculations, and, inevitably, the allure of new opportunities. Teams seek better synergy, fresh perspectives, or simply a renewed drive after the immense pressure of the year`s biggest tournament.
Ahilles` insights highlight the opaque nature of these transitions. While fans eagerly await official announcements, the true decisions are made behind closed doors, often with a mix of calculated strategy and personal considerations. The coach`s stream served as a valuable, albeit speculative, early warning system for the seismic shifts that are likely to redefine the competitive landscape for the upcoming season.
What Lies Ahead?
As the professional Dota 2 world settles into its brief offseason, these rumors from a trusted voice like Ahilles underscore the immense changes on the horizon. The implications for the competitive balance of power, the regional scenes, and individual player careers are profound. Fans can expect an exciting, if sometimes melancholic, period of confirmations, surprises, and the unveiling of new dream teams. The next chapter of Dota 2 esports is being written now, one roster change at a time.
