2011 feels like a blast from the past as Puppey makes his return to the Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) lineup after more than a decade, albeit as a stand-in. According to a post on Na’Vi’s official website, Puppey will rejoin the team as a stand-in for the qualifiers of DreamLeague Season 24.
Puppey joins a familiar lineup that includes former Team Secret offlaner czMiroslav “BOOM” Bičan (also a stand-in), the talented Baqyt “Zayac” Emiljanov, and ex-OG coach and player Artem “Yuragi” Golubiev.
Puppey with Na’Vi in 2014. Image Credit: Alienware
This move essentially confirms that Team Secret will not be participating in the upcoming DreamLeague tournament, and may choose to skip other events as well – unless they decide to play without their captain and founder, Puppey.
As a stand-in, Puppey reunites with the team he achieved his first The International victory with, way back in 2011. Puppey was part of Na’Vi until 2014, when he departed to establish Team Secret, where he has been a key member ever since.
Despite Team Secret’s successes in Dota 2, Puppey has yet to secure a second TI championship. This surprise move to act as a stand-in could suggest that the Dota superstar is contemplating new opportunities.
This marks the first time in 10 years that Puppey will step in as a stand-in for a major event, breaking his tradition of exclusively playing for Team Secret.
Na’Vi’s DreamLeague S24 Qualifier Roster:
- Artem “Yuragi” Golubiev
- mnSukhbat “sanctity-” Otgondavaa
- czMiroslav “BOOM” Bičan (stand-in)
- kgBakyt “W_Zayac” Emilzhanov
- eeClement “Puppey” Ivanov (stand-in)
- uaVitalii «Sword_Art» Petkin (coach)
Like many other teams, Na’Vi is currently putting together a roster for the numerous qualifiers and events lined up in the coming weeks and months. With three major tournaments and qualifiers scheduled in the next three weeks (DreamLeague S24, BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024, PGL Wallachia S2), teams are quickly assembling lineups with stand-ins, swift deals, and last-minute signings.
