North American Dota took a huge blow when one of its professional heavyweights decided to call time on the region.
Evil Geniuses said that they are moving to South America and disbanded their entire Dota roster, confirming a rumour that had been spreading over the past few weeks.
Nicole LaPointe, the CEO of EG, announced via the organization’s Twitter account that the roster consisting of Abed, Arteezy, Bulba, Cr1t, Fly, and Nightfall had been disbanded. And as of today, they are all officially free agents.
“The opportunity and grittiness of the South American Dota scene is unparalleled. It’s something that we at Evil Geniuses are very excited to enter into going forward,” said the CEO in the announcement video on Twitter.
Nicole stated that EG is putting together a “superteam” that will make its debut in the future South America competition. There hasn’t been any more information released about the new lineup that will make up the envisioned superteam. Rumors on social media said that EG have attempted to sign key players from Thunder Awaken, which has been disbanded earlier in this month as well.
The future is bleak for North America
EG’s decision to join the South America Dota competitive scene clearly means bad news for the NA competitive scene, considering the accomplishments they made in prior years.
EG has been crucial in keeping NA’s aspirations alive in the Dota competition thus far. They are TI5 champions and were constantly challenging for the top of the NA DPC. They are also the only notable name in NA to finish second in multiple major competitions, including the Leipzig Major and WePlay AniMajor.
Furthermore, EG has served as a role model for players in both the North American and international competitive scene. Their departure will undoubtedly leave a large hole in NA Dota competition in the future, especially as there will be no big name to beat anymore.
This has left TSM as the other big name still standing. But with their inconsistent performances, it’s hard to see TSM rise to the heights EG did.
It’s also no secret that the level of competitiveness in North America currently falls well below that of China and Europe. And now with EG out, South America, which had performed very well in the latest TI, has overtaken them.
Undeserved farewell
The abrupt decision to abandon has irked many including former EG CEO Alex Garfield.
“I feel that the current roster, as well as all of the people who have contributed to EG Dota over the years, deserves much more,” Alex wrote on his Twitter.
He stated that he didn’t understand EG’s management’s decision to make such a simple farewell post. He feels that they do not appreciate the achievements of one of their legendary divisions.
The question now remains: what will happen to Abed, Arteezy, Cr1t, and Fly? WIll they also likewise give up their Dota career or will we see them fly to other organisations?
