Just before The International 12 (TI12) kick-off, Team SMG has rocked the Dota 2 community with some pivotal changes in their lineup. The recent addition of Nigma Galaxy’s star, Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov, was a big enough surprise. But now, SMG is roping in Team Secret’s reputed coach, Lee “Heen” Seung Gon. This update was brought to light through an SMG tweet, which thanked Team Secret for facilitating this move.
Team SMG’s Lineup for TI12 with Heen
- Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng
- Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko
- Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov
- Tue “ah fu” Soon Chuan
- Jaunuel “Jaunuel” Arcilla
- Coach: Lee “Heen” Seung Gon
Heen’s Legacy in Dota 2: A Strength for SMG
The 36-year-old Heen is not just any ordinary coach. His legacy includes coaching Team Liquid to a grand victory at TI7 and being a cornerstone of Team Secret’s remarkable 2020 run, boasting strong finishes at both TI10 and TI11. His vast experience in strategy and drafting is anticipated to be a pivotal strength for SMG.
SMG’s Roster Buzz: Speculations and Confirmations
Lately, there’s been an electric buzz about SMG’s team alterations. While the entry of MinD_ContRoL was somewhat foreseen due to visa issues faced by Natthaphon “Masaros” Ouanphakdee, the inclusion of Heen was unexpected.
Rumors also suggested that Team Secret’s captain, Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, might step in for Jaunuel. However, Jaunuel’s visa confirmation laid that rumor to rest, ensuring his place in the TI12 lineup.
Looking Forward to TI12: Synergy is Key
With a potent lineup, Team SMG is undeniably a team to keep an eye on at TI12. Yet, the real challenge will be team synergy. Heen’s role won’t just be about strategizing great drafts, but also ensuring the team collaborates seamlessly. His recent stint with Team Secret, which unfortunately didn’t lead to a TI12 qualification, will certainly have provided him with valuable lessons.
Mark Your Calendars!
The International 12 is set to dazzle(no pun intended) fans from 12th October 2023. With such exciting changes, it promises to be a tournament for the ages.