Team Liquid’s Zai hints at retirement after disappointing performance at TI 2023
Team Liquid’s journey in the Dota Pro Circuit Major and The International 2023 ended with a bitter defeat. Zai, one of the team’s key players, expressed uncertainty about his future in the game. After the disappointing performance, Zai hinted that this might be his last TI.
Zai’s dissatisfaction with his own gameplay was evident. He admitted that his performance in the final match fell short of the competition’s standards. The team didn’t win any major event this year, but their consistent top performances throughout the season were noteworthy.
Though disappointed with the outcome, Zai acknowledged that his performance was neither the best nor the worst he had experienced at TI. In a Twitter message, his teammate Blitz expressed gratitude for working with Zai and their mutual teammate MATUMBAMAN. He jokingly stated that the team would only kick Zai.
Zai’s former captain, Puppey, shed some light on the situation. He revealed that Zai had contemplated taking a break in 2022 due to the stress surrounding the game. Retirement is not uncommon in Dota 2, with players often stepping away from the game temporarily before returning to compete again.
If Zai does retire, losing TI10 would be the most painful experience of his career. However, only time will tell if he and Team Liquid will return for another campaign next year when the Dota Pro Circuit disbands.
Related: Dota 2 The International 2023 live updates: TI 2023 schedule, scores, and standings, Puppey could have coached or played at TI 2023 despite Dota Pro Circuit failure, Evil Geniuses’ Dota 2 roster felt like the ‘last team standing’ before its NA split, according to Fly.