That wasn’t even the best part for North American Dota 2 fans.
The TI5 Grand Finals did nothing but demonstrate the unparalleled focus and determination of Evil Geniuses.
Evil Geniuses
In January 2015,Team Secretchanged their roster, plucking both LudwigzaiWahlberg and ArtourArteezyBabaev from Evil Geniuses.
The community was left gasping at what had just occurred.
The general perception was that this would be the defining moment marking Evil Geniuses fall.
The change seemed rather unconventional, but would soon prove to be spectacular.
The pillar of NA Dota left the region entirely after releasing their roster in November 2022.
So where are these historic players now?
He had been widely regarded as one of the best North American players since the games inception.
Fear began his Dota 2 career playing with UNiVeRsE for Online Kingdom and competed in The International 2011.
His journey to The International and his Dota 2 career were featured in the Free to Play documentary.
Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan
He was named one of the 30 most influential teens of 2016 byTime.com.
With charisma, swagger, talent, and a long list of accolades he has it all.
Syed Sumail Suma1L Hassan should be considered Dota 2 ’s most eligible and desirablebachelorcore player.
He is explosive, fearless, and a terrifying opponent.
Difficulties with contractual obligations and terms prevented him from being able to compete with Quincy Crew.
But in 2020/21 this King had gone from red carpet rollouts to all but vanishing from the radar.
He headed to Team Secret but after only six months they parted ways before heading over to Team Nigma.
Then a bump in the road mid-season left Saahil’s fans concerned for his eighth attendance at TI.
Things didn’t come easy for him and his new team.
Once again he ended up with a disappointing finish, placing 13-16th at the end.
It was a defining moment that would end up resulting in missing his first TI ever.
It was then he announced his retirement and has been away from the Dota 2 scene since.
Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling
The Canadian support player first discovered DotA when he was nine years old.
Kurtis began his Dota 2 career in 2012, playing carry for the up-and-coming North American team PotM Bottom.
For Kurtis, TI5 would highlight how crucial a support role can be in the road to victory.
The following years were a mix of competing, being a broadcast talent, and coaching various teams.
Peter “ppd” Dager
Peter switched from Heroes of the Newerth to Dota 2 in 2013.
After TI5 he would once again place 3rd at The International 2016.
In December 2016 it was announced that he would be the new CEO of Evil Geniuses.
After TI7 he left Evil Geniuses and stepped down as their CEO, returning to competitive play.
2019 saw PPD take another new organization to their first TI with, Ninjas in Pyjamas.
The 2019/2020 season wouldnt be much better for the Ninjas and announced his retirement in April 2020.
In 2021 Alliance brought on board TI5 champion ppd as a second coach for their Dota 2 team.
A stint that lasted one month.
PPD was a controversial player and often spoke his mind without softening the blow.
For this some hated him and some loved him.
