Today, North American Dota 2 fans received shocking news: Nouns, one of the region’s key teams, has officially withdrawn from the competitive scene. This decision leaves a significant gap in North America’s Dota 2 landscape, particularly with longstanding giants like Evil Geniuses and Quincy Crew also absent.
With Shopify Rebellion rebuilding their roster, Nouns’ departure leaves the region in need of a strong, consistent presence in upcoming tournaments.
Nouns’ Journey in Dota 2 and Its Struggles
Since its formation, Nouns has been a team with potential, yet it consistently faced challenges on the global stage. Early achievements included third-place finishes in DPC Tours 1 and 2, respectable results but ultimately insufficient for Major qualifications.
Their first major breakthrough came in 2023, where Nouns finished second in the final Tour, earning a spot at the Bali Major. However, they struggled and ended last in the group stage—a disappointing result for their first international venture.
The team bounced back later that year, earning a top-eight placement at The International 2023. This strong showing marked Nouns as the highest-placing North American team, a testament to their hard work and growth.
However, 2024 proved erratic, with successes at PGL Wallachia Season 2 and Elite League Season 2 but early exits at both Riyadh Masters and The International. The team’s inconsistent results over two years likely weighed heavily on the organization’s decision to step away.
A Surprising Exit Amidst Dota 2’s New Era
Nouns’ departure comes at a curious time. As Valve discontinued the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), other organizations have stepped in, creating a more dynamic, decentralized tournament ecosystem.
In 2023, four million-dollar events dotted the calendar, but 2024 saw this number triple to twelve, with even more tournaments anticipated in 2025. The tier-2 scene is also thriving, with events like the $100,000 Leonbet tournament and the $200,000 Relog Championship offering new competitive opportunities.
Yet, Dota 2 teams are costly to maintain. In Southeast Asia, for example, top players expect monthly salaries near $10,000, and North American players likely command similar or higher rates. Without a major win or consistent podium finishes, these expenses add up, making Nouns’ choice to exit the scene financially understandable despite the booming tournament ecosystem.
Former Nouns Dota 2 Roster
The following players comprised the Nouns roster before their departure:
- Yuma “Yuma” Langlet
- Philipp “Copy” Bühler
- Nicolas “Gunnar” Lopez
- Rodrigo “Lelis” Santos
- Tal “Fly” Aizik
Conclusion
Nouns’ exit signals a turning point for North American Dota 2, reflecting both the region’s challenges and the increasing demands on teams in a competitive landscape.
As the Dota 2 scene continues to evolve with more tournaments and shifting structures, the North American community will hope for new contenders to fill the void left by Nouns and keep the region’s competitive spirit alive.
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