In a recent development, the new North American Dota 2 sensation, Shopify Rebellion, has confirmed the departure of three key members, including the notable Filipino player Abed “Abed” Yusop, this morning. Consequently, this announcement has sparked rumors about Yusop’s potential comeback to the competitive Dota 2 scene in Southeast Asia.
The organization initially turned heads with their debut in the Dota 2 competitive arena, having acquired a substantial portion of the former Evil Geniuses roster. The team displayed a commendable performance in the first half of the year, securing a respectable fourth place at the Lima Major 2023 and clinching the third spot at the DreamLeague Season 19.
Following a rollercoaster journey in the competition, they made a remarkable comeback during DreamLeague Season 21, where they secured the runner-up position, falling short against Team Spirit in the final showdown. However, their aspirations at TI12 were met with adversity, enduring a challenging group stage and a disheartening loss to regional rivals TSM in the initial round of the lower bracket, culminating in Shopify’s placement in the 13th-16th position.
As the focus shifts towards the upcoming season, particularly with ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 on the horizon, the team has opted for a substantial revamp in their roster, aiming to stand toe-to-toe with the leading competitors and elevate their gameplay. Notably, the departure of Abed, alongside Andreas “Cr1t-” Nielsen and Tal “Fly” Aizik, marks a significant shift in the composition of their roster.
“Rebellion’s first year in Dota 2 was a whirlwind going through ups and downs with our roster. While we fell short of our overall goals, we appreciate all the great moments we were able to celebrate together as a team. Competing at TI12 was a milestone achievement. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cr1t, Abed, and Fly for their invaluable contributions to Rebellion.” the team expressed in a statement.
While concrete details regarding the future endeavors of the departed players remain undisclosed, intriguing speculations have surfaced within the community, particularly concerning Abed. The 23-year-old player, who has notably left his mark on the team during the season, has been strongly linked with a potential return move to SEA prior to this announcement, with Blacklist International emerging as the primary contender in the pursuit of his services. In the wake of Karl “Karl” Baldovino and Damien “kpii” Chok’s departure last month, the organization is expected to actively pursue top-tier free agents to swiftly fill the vacant positions.
However, this prospective move has reportedly piqued the interest of the WEU veteran, Team Secret, as they are purportedly keen on securing Abed’s signature following this recent development. Considering their track record in securing SEA talents this season, it is highly likely that they will spare no effort in orchestrating Abed’s transition to Europe at the earliest opportunity.
