The tides are turning for Valve’s acclaimed MOBA, Dota 2, following the cancellation of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) for 2024. It’s now up to the various tournament organizers to fill in the scheduling gap and teams to decide how they will proceed.
We’ve also seen a ton of roster shuffles in the wake of The International 2023. Let’s take a look at the seven most notable Dota 2 team transfers of 2023 and their impact on the competitive scene in 2024.
You can also check out all the latest Dota 2 betting odds to see how these newly formed teams are doing in the DreamLeague and beyond.
Please note: The most notable Dota 2 player transfers are subjective. The opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect those of all Thunderpick staff.
Ame To Xtreme Gaming
After more than three years at LGD, Chinese Dota 2 superstar Wang “Ame” Chunyu (萧瑟) transferred to Xtreme Gaming on Dec. 11, 2023. It’s worth noting that Xtreme then bolstered its roster again on Dec. 27 by adding Xxs, Xm, and XinQ—all of whom previously played for Azure Ray, who won ESL Kuala Lumpur.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Ame is right up there with the best carry players from China and is widely considered one of the most intimidating PO1s in the world. With the Chinese superteam complete, Xtreme Gaming is setting its sights on multiple trophies in 2024. If any carry player can deliver just that, it’s Ame.
SumaiL To Nigma Galaxy
After playing for Nigma Galaxy for roughly a year, Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan was loaned to Team Aster in May 2023. On Dec. 21, 2023, Nigma Galaxy announced SumaiL’s return to its lineup as the mid laner ahead of the 2024 DPC season.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
SumaiL is one of the greatest mid-players ever to grace Dota 2’s virtual battlefield. He was the youngest player to lift the Aegis of Champions, winning The International 2015 with Evil Geniuses when he was just 16 years old. SumaiL’s return to Nigma Galaxy is an exciting prospect, and we can’t wait to see the impact his time on loan to Team Aster had on his gameplay.
33 To Team Liquid
After Ludwig “zai” Wåhlberg announced plans to retire, Team Liquid was looking to fill the offlane—and they were able to land one of the best in the business. On Nov. 10, 2023, Team Liquid announced their new PO3 as Neta “33” Shapira, previously from Tundra Esports.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
A Dota 2 star, 33 has proven himself time and time again as a force in the offlane. Most notably, he won The International 2022 with his former team. The transfer was easily one of the biggest of 2023, and it made Liquid’s new roster one of the most lethal going into the 2024 season.
NothingToSay To G2.iG
A towering figure in the middle role, Malaysian star Cheng “NothingToSay” Jin Xiang transferred from LGD Gaming to Invictus Gaming on Nov. 11, 2023.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
A partnership between Invictus Gaming and G2 Esports saw the team change to G2.iG on Dec. 8, 2023. NothingToSay is one of the biggest stars on G2.iG, alongside Monet. After years with LGD Gaming (previously known as PSG.LGD), the flashy mid laner can and likely will drive G2.iG to the upper end of the rankings.
Topson To Tundra Esports
Tundra Esports claimed the Aegis of Champions at The International 2022 and was looking to defend their title in 2023. But after Artin “Saksa” Sazdov was forced into an extended break due to health reasons, the team needed a replacement. Luckily for them, Tundra signed Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen to the roster.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Topson is a two-time world champion, winning TI2018 and TI2019 back-to-back with OG and decimating his opponents in both grand finals. The legendary Finnish player has become one of the most recognizable Dota 2 pros in the world. And even though Tundra Esports saw an early exit at The International 2023 (13th to 16th place), Topson remains on the team and should have a major impact in 2024.
fy To Azure Ray
On May 9, 2023, Xu “fy” Linsen (徐林森) transferred from Vici Gaming to a new Chinese powerhouse team, Azure Ray, alongside Somnus and Chalice. The three core players agreed to compete without a salary under the Azure Ray banner.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
The impact of fy joining Azure Ray and leading the squad is undeniable. Few can match his game sense and strategic mind. And since he joined the lineup, the team made it through the daunting China qualifier for The International 2023 and then placed 4th in the main event. Azure Ray is coming in hot in 2024 after winning ESL One Kuala Lumpur, and with fy’s leadership, the sky’s the limit.
Fly To Nouns
After a successful DPC run, Canadian organization Shopify Rebellion was knocked out of The International 2023 early. The Israeli-born PO5, Tal “Fly” Aizik, alongside cr1t and Abed, parted ways with Shopify Rebellion on Nov. 7, 2023. And on Dec. 11, Nouns announced Tal “Fly” Aizik as the roster’s captain.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
With four Dota 2 Major Championship trophies, Fly is considered one of the best players in the Dota 2 hard support role. He has nearly $3 million in career earnings and is one of the most decorated players to have never won The International. Fly’s drafting and leading abilities should help the new Nouns roster flourish.
Other Big Dota 2 Player Transfers of 2023
With the post-TI roster shuffle near the end of 2023, we’ve seen many new Dota 2 teams emerge and dozens of roster changes. You’ll find a list of other big Dota 2 player transfers below.
- Du “Monet” Peng (Team Aster to IG)
- Adrián “Wisper” Dobles (Evil Geniuses to OG)
- Ye “BoBoKa” Zhibiao (Team Aster to IG)
- Matthew “Ari” Walker (TSM to OG)
- Zhou “Emo” Yi (IG to LGD Gaming)
- Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng (SMG to Team Secret) – Now benched
- Yap “xNova” Jian Wei (BOOM Esports to IG)
- Thiay “JT-” Jun Wen (Xtreme Gaming to IG)
- Tommy “Taiga” Le (OG to Bleed Esports)
- Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak (Nemiga Gaming to Falcons)
- Crhistian “Pakazs” Savina (Evil Geniuses to BOOM Esports)
- Oliver “Skiter” Lepko (Tundra to Falcons)
- Arman “Malady” Orazbayev (PuckChamp to NaVi)
- Rafael “Sacred” Jhonatan (Beastcoast to BOOM Esports)
- Abed “Abed” Yusop (Shopify Rebellion to Blacklist)
- Xiong “Pyw” Jiahan (Invictus Gaming to LGD Gaming)
- Erin Jasper “Yopaj” Ferrer (BOOM Esports to Shopify Rebellion)
Please note: The list above is not a complete historical record of the competitive Dota 2 team changes in 2023.
Dota 2 In 2024
Considering all the notable Dota 2 transfers, new teams forming, and some disbands at the end of last year, we can’t wait to see what happens in 2024. It feels like an understatement to say it looks like it will be an exciting year for fans of all major regions.
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