BOOM Esports, the Indonesian Dota 2 organization that transitioned to the South American region, has announced significant changes to its roster in the wake of a lackluster performance at the Elite League.
Mario “ILICH-” Valdivia, who previously held the offlane position, has parted ways with the team, marking an unexpected shift just days before the RES Regional Series: LATAM #2 and PGL Wallachia Season 1.
Unexpected Departure
The departure of ILICH- from BOOM Esports was confirmed on April 16, 2024, via an official statement on social media platforms. The organization expressed gratitude for ILICH-‘s contributions during his tenure and wished him well in his future endeavors. This move signifies BOOM Esports’ sixth roster change since The International 2023.
ILICH-‘s Legacy
ILICH-, who joined BOOM Esports in December 2023, played a pivotal role in the team’s journey, participating in various qualifiers and tournaments. Notably, he played a crucial role in securing a spot for BOOM Esports in the highly anticipated PGL Wallachia Season 1. Despite his efforts, the team’s performance at the Elite League fell short of expectations, resulting in a disappointing 13th-14th place finish.
DOTA 2 ROSTER UPDATE🚨
As of today, we are parting ways with Mario “Ilich-“ Valdivia. Ilich has proven to be a pivotal player in his short stint here at BOOM Esports. We thank him for his services and hardwork. 🙏
Good luck further, Ilich! ❤️#HungryBeast pic.twitter.com/qa1zLcZmLp
— BOOM Esports (@boomesportsid) April 15, 2024
Transition Period
With RES Regional Series: LATAM #2 looming on the horizon, BOOM Esports has enlisted Rafael “Sacred” Jhonatan from Estar_backs as a stand-in
We are pleased to welcome back Rafael “Sacred” Jonathan to our Dota team.
He’ll make this debut this week as he will fill the void left by Illich in that offlane position.
Give him your support! 🔥#HungryBeast pic.twitter.com/cIvQ2DZ7ss
— BOOM Esports (@boomesportsid) April 17, 2024
This move underscores the organization’s commitment to adaptability and performance improvement following recent setbacks. Interestingly, Sacred’s former team, Estar_backs, will compete in the same tournament with Oscar “Oscar” Jimenez filling in as their substitute offlaner due to Sacred’s temporary departure.
Speculation and Future Prospects
As BOOM Esports navigates through this transitional phase, speculation abounds regarding the team’s future offlane player. While no official announcement has been made regarding potential candidates, the organization’s track record suggests that a decision may be imminent.
The upcoming tournament will serve as a litmus test for Sacred’s integration into the team, with the possibility of his permanent return hanging in the balance.
BOOM Esports’ Roster Shake-Up: A Commitment to Excellence
BOOM Esports’ roster shake-up reflects the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement and competitive excellence. As they forge ahead into the RES Regional Series: LATAM #2 and beyond, the team remains determined to overcome challenges and reclaim their position among the elite in the Dota 2 scene.