Los Angeles-based esports organization Immortals recently signed the all-Korean roster Team Phoenix from Dota 2. CEO Noah Whinston hosted an AMA on the Dota 2 subreddit to discuss the move and his motivations.
The community was excited to have the opportunity to ask questions. Whinston shared his reasons for choosing Team Phoenix and explained that Immortals wanted a team with competitive potential that could qualify for TI8 and establish a North American presence.
Whinston emphasized the importance of the team improvement process, rather than just focusing on results. As long as the right players and process are in place, Immortals believes that results will come.
Immortals’ acquisition of Team Phoenix marks their first entry into the Dota 2 scene. Whinston stated that the decision was more about the team itself than the game or its ecosystem. As long as they can find players that fulfill their requirements, Immortals plans to stay in the Dota 2 scene for the foreseeable future.
Whinston also discussed Immortals’ commitment to fan engagement and treating players as more than just competitors. Immortals aims to provide a human element to esports, allowing fans to know their Dota 2 players as individuals. Whinston stressed the importance of out-of-game growth in addition to in-game growth, including fitness, nutrition, and mental skills.
Immortals is investing in high-quality facilities and equipment to support the well-being and development of their teams. The upcoming IMT Campus will serve as an all-in-one team house, providing physical and mental trainers to help players become well-rounded athletes.
Keywords: Immortals, Dota 2, Team Phoenix, esports, CEO, competitive potential, North America, fan engagement, resources, team improvement, human element, fitness, nutrition, mental skills, IMT Campus.