In the ever-shifting sands of competitive Dota 2, team rosters are as ephemeral as the tides. Few entities understand this better than Virtus.pro, an organization with a storied history and a legacy that looms large over its every new iteration. Recently, one of Dota 2`s most respected veterans and former VP player, Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev, offered his candid take on the organization`s latest international endeavor. His insights paint a picture of cautious optimism, highlighting a roster driven by the potent fuel of proving something, both to themselves and the wider community.
A Veteran`s Perspective: The Power of Drive
RAMZES666, a player who has seen countless teams rise and fall, didn`t mince words when asked about the new Virtus.pro squad. His assessment, delivered during a personal broadcast, cut through the usual hype, offering a grounded, player-centric viewpoint.
“Is VP`s game better than the previous roster? Well, it`s better. 100% better. You can feel it, you know, that it`s a team. I would even characterize it more like that. Five people want to tryhard. It seems to me that these five guys who have now gathered in Virtus.pro – they have something to prove. To themselves, and not only to themselves. Therefore, I think this roster will generally have decent results if you compare them with the previous roster. It`s clear that they won`t win tournaments and so on, but I think it`s actually a decent roster.”
This sentiment, “five people want to tryhard,” is particularly telling. In the cutthroat world of esports, raw talent is merely a prerequisite; true success often hinges on hunger, dedication, and the collective will to push limits. RAMZES666 clearly perceives this crucial spark within the new VP lineup – a drive that, in his view, sets them apart from their immediate predecessors.
The International Experiment: Who Are the New Faces?
Virtus.pro unveiled its revamped international Dota 2 roster in September, signaling a departure from the purely CIS-centric lineups of old. While familiar faces Nikita “Daxak” Kuzmin and Vladislav “Antares” Kertman retained their spots, the team welcomed a wave of international talent:
- Enzo “Timado” Gianoli (Peru)
- Abed Azel “Abed” Yusop (Philippines)
- Tal “Fly” Aizik (Israel)
This blend of regions and playstyles brings both immense potential and inherent challenges. The beauty of an international roster lies in the fusion of diverse metagame understandings and individual strengths. However, it also demands exceptional communication, cultural understanding, and the ability to quickly forge synergy – hurdles that have tripped up many promising teams.
Early Success: Laying the Groundwork
Despite being a relatively fresh composition, the new Virtus.pro has already shown early signs of promise. They successfully qualified for two significant upcoming events:
- FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2 — Dota 2
- DreamLeague Season 27
Furthermore, they advanced to the closed qualifiers for PGL Wallachia Season 6 for Western Europe, indicating their immediate competitive viability. These early qualifications are vital, offering not just prize money and exposure, but also crucial practice and experience against top-tier competition. They are the breadcrumbs of potential, validating RAMZES666`s cautiously optimistic outlook.
Beyond “Winning Tournaments”: Defining “Decent Results”
Perhaps the most poignant part of RAMZES666`s statement is his realistic appraisal: “It`s clear that they won`t win tournaments and so on, but I think it`s actually a decent roster.” This isn`t a dismissal, but rather a pragmatic acknowledgment of the current Dota 2 landscape. In an era dominated by established titans and emerging powerhouses, simply “being good” or achieving “decent results” can be a significant accomplishment for a new team.
For Virtus.pro, “decent results” likely means consistently qualifying for major events, competing strongly in upper brackets, and perhaps even securing top-tier finishes in B-tier or C-tier tournaments. It`s about demonstrating growth, stability, and the ability to challenge the elite, rather than immediately dethroning them. This patient, growth-oriented approach often lays the foundation for eventual championship contention.
The Road Ahead: Hunger vs. Hype
Virtus.pro has always been a team that commands attention. Whether they were dominating the CIS scene or struggling to find their footing, the “bear” has a weighty presence. This current iteration, fueled by what RAMZES666 identifies as an undeniable hunger to “prove something,” embarks on a journey where collective spirit might just outweigh raw expectations. Their path will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, but if their current momentum and internal drive are any indication, the new Virtus.pro roster is certainly one to watch in the evolving narrative of professional Dota 2.
Jasper Hawthorne