The world of competitive Dota 2 is rarely short on drama, but this latest development takes a peculiar turn, blending personal misfortune with an unconventional esports sponsorship plea. Albert “Alberkaaa” Chernoivanov, the offlaner for Dota 2 squad Runa Team, has reportedly crashed his car, an incident that has prompted the team`s co-owner, Oleg “Stray228” Bocharov, to launch a rather unique fundraising initiative just weeks before the highly anticipated FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2 tournament.
A String of Unfortunate Events
Details surrounding the recent accident remain sparse, but Stray228 wasted no time sharing the news – and photos of the damaged vehicle – with his followers on Telegram. The incident appears to be a significant setback for Alberkaaa, especially given that this isn`t his first vehicular mishap this year. While the specifics of how or where the crash occurred were not disclosed, the repeated nature of these events certainly adds a layer of unexpected personal challenge for the player. One might wonder if Alberkaaa needs to invest in a tank, or perhaps just a very reliable bus pass.
Stray228`s Humorous (and Serious) Sponsorship Pitch
In the face of adversity, Stray228 has opted for a distinctly pragmatic, albeit humorous, approach. With Runa Team having successfully qualified for the main stage of FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2, the team co-owner sees an opportunity to not only help his player but also to secure much-needed sponsorship.
“I wanted to inform you that by the end of this month, I will likely be at the LAN event for FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2 in Serbia, because my boys from Runa Team have qualified for the main stage. So, we`ll be cheering them on,” Bocharov stated on his personal Telegram channel. He continued with the unexpected revelation: “Of course, the guys need to earn money: Alberkaaa [crashed] his car, and we will be looking for sponsors. So, if there are sponsors, write in the comments. We`ll give Alberkaaa a car. I`ll buy him some old `Zhiguli,` sign a contract with him so he drives it for life. We`ll cover it with sponsor logos and make money. In short, we`re doing things beautifully, guys. Wait for me in Serbia.”
The proposition to buy a “Zhiguli” – a classic, often somewhat ridiculed Soviet-era car – and turn it into a mobile billboard is vintage Stray228: direct, a little tongue-in-cheek, and ultimately focused on the team`s well-being and financial stability. He even engaged his audience by asking them to suggest what kind of car to get and what to put on it, promising to implement the most-liked comment.
Runa Team Heads to FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2
Amidst these personal sagas, Runa Team`s professional focus remains on FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2. The tournament represents a significant opportunity for the squad, featuring a substantial prize pool and intense competition.
The group stage of FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2 is scheduled from October 23-27, followed by the playoffs from October 28-29. The grand LAN finals will then take place from October 31 to November 2. Sixteen elite teams will battle it out for a share of the impressive $1,000,000 prize pool. Stray228`s presence at the Serbian LAN event further underscores the importance of this tournament for Runa Team.
Whether Alberkaaa will be cruising to the event in a newly branded “Zhiguli” remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Runa Team is heading to FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2 with an interesting narrative already in tow. This blend of esports competition and real-world eccentricities certainly makes for a compelling story, proving that even outside the game, the plays can be quite dramatic.