SoNNeikO departs from Na’Vi’s Dota 2 lineup

Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev Departs from Natus Vincere’s Dota 2 Roster

Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev has left Natus Vincere’s Dota 2 team less than two months after rejoining. The reasons for his departure have not been disclosed, but Na’Vi thanked him for his time with the organization and wished him well. SoNNeikO returned to Na’Vi in May after a year away, during which he played for Ninjas in Pyjamas and AS Monaco Gambit.

SoNNeikO’s decision to leave was announced on his Twitter account, where he expressed his gratitude to Na’Vi. After the conclusion of the second season of the 2021 Dota Pro Circuit, both SoNNeikO and No[o]ne chose to part ways with Gambit, despite helping the team qualify for the WePlay Esports AniMajor. While SoNNeikO initially wanted to leave during the regular season, he was convinced to stay on. However, both players decided to leave and join Na’Vi instead of competing with Gambit at the Major.

Following this move, Na’Vi focused on preparing for The International 10 regional qualifiers. However, the team was unsuccessful and finished fifth in the event. Reports of tension within the team, coupled with their disappointing performance, led SoNNeikO to explore other options and ultimately leave the team.

Na’Vi coach Andrey “Mag” Chipenko commented on SoNNeikO’s departure, stating that it was not due to his performance but rather the dynamic of the team, which consisted of many veteran players. Mag explained that SoNNeikO may prefer playing with younger players and being in complete control of the team. He also mentioned that SoNNeikO struggled to assert himself as the captain due to the experienced players on the team.

Despite SoNNeikO’s departure, Na’Vi still has RAMZES, No[o]ne, and RodjER, who were part of Virtus Pro’s dominant core in 2018 and 2019, along with the talented young player Alik “V-Tune” Vorobey. Mag confirmed that the new roster will likely participate in a tournament before The International 10 in October.

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