DOTA 2 Legend Topson Joins Tundra For TI12: All You Need To Know

The Dota 2 community is abuzz with excitement as Tundra Esports, the reigning The International (TI) champions, gears up for a second consecutive Aegis of Champions at TI 2023, and they’ve enlisted the help of none other than Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen, a two-time TI champion. 

This thrilling announcement comes following the news that Martin “Saksa” Sazdov, a key player for Tundra, is taking an extended health break and will miss TI 2023.

Topson’s addition to Tundra’s roster promises a fresh dynamic, with him assuming the midlaner role, allowing Leon “Nine” Kirilin to transition to the position 4 support role previously held by Saksa. The Dota 2 world erupted with excitement when Topson made this grand return to competitive play.

Topson’s Remarkable Dota 2 Journey

Topson’s journey in Dota 2 has been nothing short of legendary. He made his mark in the scene in June 2018 when he joined OG as their midlaner just in time for TI 2018. OG’s journey in TI 2018 was a remarkable Cinderella story, culminating in an unforgettable showdown with PSG.LGD in the grand finals where they secured their first Aegis of Champions. Topson’s extraordinary performance during this tournament placed him in the exclusive club of players who achieved victory in their debut appearance at TI, known as the ‘Royal Road.’

The following year, Topson and OG shattered records by becoming the first-ever two-time TI champions when they conquered Team Liquid in the grand finals of TI 2019. This historic achievement solidified Topson’s reputation as one of Dota 2’s most formidable talents.

However, every journey has its bumps, and Topson faced a significant setback at TI 2021 when OG was unexpectedly eliminated early, finishing in 7th-8th place. Despite this disappointment, Topson remained a formidable presence in the Dota 2 community.

After the conclusion of TI 2021, Topson took a hiatus from competitive play to spend time with his family and was subsequently moved to OG’s inactive roster. The Dota 2 world eagerly awaited his return.

In a surprising turn of events, Topson briefly emerged from his hiatus in an attempt to qualify for TI 2022. He and former OG teammate Anathan “ana” Pham joined T1 as stand-ins but were unable to secure a TI spot, falling short in the Last Chance Qualifier.

The Road to TI12 with Topson

Topson’s journey in the 2023 Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) season took an unexpected twist when he reunited with former OG teammates Sébastien “Ceb” Debs and Johan “N0tail” Sundstein as part of the Old G roster. Despite their combined experience and talent, Old G only managed to secure a spot in Division II of the Western European regional league for the Spring and Summer Tours.

Now, Topson has found a new home with Tundra Esports, reigniting hopes of clinching a historic third Aegis of Champions. The Dota 2 community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of this collaboration as Topson sets his sights on making history.

The International 2023: A New Format

TI 2023 is poised to be a groundbreaking event. Scheduled to take place from October 12 to 29 in Seattle, USA, this year’s tournament introduces a revamped format, divided into two distinct phases: ‘The Road to The International’ and ‘The International’ itself. With Topson on board, Tundra is poised to navigate this challenging landscape and aim for the coveted championship title.

Tundra Esports Dota 2 Roster for TI 2023:

• Oliver “skiter” Lepko
• Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen
• Neta “33” Shapira
• Leon “Nine” Kirilin
• Wu “Sneyking” Jingjun
• Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling (coach)

As the Dota 2 community eagerly awaits the commencement of TI12, Topson’s return to the competitive scene has injected a new level of excitement into the tournament. Will he secure his third Aegis of Champions and etch his name even deeper into Dota 2 history? The Dota 2 world will be watching closely, and the journey promises to be an unforgettable one.

Also Read: Chinese Dota 2 Team LGD Gaming Ends Partnership With PSG After 5 Years