In a surprising turn of events, Nigma Galaxy has been invited to compete in PGL Wallachia Season 3, stepping in for Talon Esports, who recently announced their withdrawal from the tournament.
The Southeast Asian team, which would have been the region’s sole representative, made the tough decision to miss the event due to ongoing VISA application processes for other major tournaments.
Talon Esports Withdraws from PGL Wallachia Season 3
Talon Esports revealed that their withdrawal from the upcoming PGL Wallachia Season 3 was a necessary step to ensure they would be able to participate in other high-profile events in the future. The team’s decision was driven by the need to finalize VISA applications for tournaments like PGL Wallachia Season 4 in April and ESL One Raleigh 2025 in May.
“Due to visa application requirements for other major tournaments, we have had to make the tough decision and withdraw from PGL Wallachia Season 3,” Talon explained in an official statement.
Despite missing out on PGL Wallachia Season 3, Talon remains a major contender in the Dota 2 scene, having secured invitations for several major tier-one events later in the season.
Nigma Galaxy Steps in to Fill the Spot
With just five days left until the start of the tournament, PGL Wallachia organizers acted quickly to fill the vacant slot. Nigma Galaxy, a prominent Middle Eastern team, has been confirmed to replace Talon Esports for the event.
Previously, Nigma Galaxy had participated in the Western European qualifiers for the event, where they finished third behind AVULUS and OG, who both qualified directly. This last-minute invitation is expected to attract attention, as Nigma Galaxy has been enjoying a strong run of form, even without their star carry player, Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi.
Daniel Chan “Ghost” Kok Hong will stand in for Miracle- for the foreseeable future, adding a new dynamic to the team’s lineup for this tournament.
A Bitter Blow for Southeast Asia
The withdrawal of Talon Esports marks a significant blow for Southeast Asian Dota fans, as the region will have no teams competing in PGL Wallachia Season 3. This news follows the recent reformation of Aurora Gaming, which transitioned from a SEA-based roster to a full Eastern European lineup.
What to Expect from PGL Wallachia Season 3
PGL Wallachia Season 3 will run from March 8 to 16, with 16 teams battling for a share of the US$1 million prize pool. The tournament is expected to feature some of the best teams in Dota 2, including powerhouses like Team Spirit and Tundra Esports, making for an exciting competition.
While Nigma Galaxy‘s inclusion is a major talking point, the tournament’s format and intense competition are sure to keep fans engaged, despite the absence of Southeast Asian teams.
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