Ninjas in Pyjamas’ Dota 2 Team to Find New Leader
Ninjas in Pyjamas’ Dota 2 team will be searching for a new leader following the departure of captain Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev from the roster today. It is unclear whether this decision was mutual or made solely by the player. The organization has not yet addressed SoNNeikO’s departure on official channels. SoNNeikO expressed his gratitude to his teammates for the “good days,” but did not provide a reason for his withdrawal.
Reaction from the Dota 2 Community
Prominent Dota 2 analyst and former professional player Kyle Freedman criticized NiP’s decision, labeling it as a “bad move.” SoNNeikO is highly regarded for his leadership and mechanical skill as a hard support player. He played a crucial role in NiP’s success in the competitive European region, particularly during the ESL One Los Angeles Online tournament where they exceeded expectations and finished in fourth place.
Potential Destinations for SoNNeikO
If SoNNeikO decides to stay in Europe, there are several potential destinations for him. Alliance currently has a loan player, Artiom “fng” Barshack from Gambit Esports, occupying the position five role. SoNNeikO could also join forces with a former teammate, Idan “MagicaL” Vardanian, who was recently released by Na’Vi. This would entail starting the rebuilding process once again.