The transfer window for the 2022/2023 professional Dota season is currently underway. As always, this will be the month when fans everywhere are anticipating updates from the players and organisations. Southeast Asian teams are no exception to that.
When it comes to SEA, Boom Esports has been heavily linked to transfer window speculations. Boom have demonstrated that they have a lineup that can compete with anyone after winning leagues in Southeast Asia and making their debut at the International 11. There have been ups and downs, but they demonstrated that with excellent chemistry, they were able to defeat even OG and Team Spirit.
However, it seems like a change is imminent.
Several of Boom’s key members have recently indicated that they are looking for new opportunities. Erin “Yopaj” Ferrer and Rolen “skem” Ong have announced that they are considering a new opportunity, with Timothy “TIMS” Randrup just announced his status on Twitter as well.
It should be noted that this does not imply that the trio will definitely leave Boom anytime soon. However, there are several things that may affect their decision going forward. For instance, some players are not impressed with the current state of SEA Dota while others may looking forward to follow their compatriot’s footstep in international scene, like Abed Yusop at Evil Geniuses.
But if Gary Ongko, CEO of Boom had his way, he hopes to keep his winning formula the same. In a recent interview with Rosesa Gaming, Gary said that he was a bit disappointed when his team only finished 9th – 12th at TI 11. Given their dominant display during the DPC and several international tournaments, he believed Boom should have been able to challenge for the big four.
Nonetheless, he’s satisfied with how the team have improved this season, citing the victories in Dubai and DPC as their biggest achievements so far.
“Of course we want to run it back, because we were so dominant in SEA. We also won in Dubai. We have what it takes to win,” said Gary. He understands, however, that the decision will depend on the coach and the players.
He also thanked Saeiful “Fbz” Ilham, the team’s lone Indonesian player, and expressed optimism that they would continue to play together in the future.
“Fbz is an amazing guy. He was willing to commit since day one,” said Gary about Fbz. Gary feels grateful that FBz still playing for Boom, which no longer carries the “Indo Pride”, and decided to stay in Indonesia despite receiving lucrative offers from other teams back then.
Gary added that his next goal is to try it again at TI next year and set a realistic target of at least finishing in eighth place.
“LFT (Looking For Team) doesn’t mean they are 100% leaving. They’re just looking for offers/keeping options open before deciding. This is normal. S*it, all our Valorant roster LFTed and not everyone left!” Gary responded to media rumors regarding his players future.
It appears that jaCkky and Fbz are the two players that have decided to stay for the upcoming season. A source close to us said that their current priority is to keep team captain Saeiful “Fbz” Ilham and coach Chai “Mushi” Yee Fung.
