Boom Esports has unexpectedly announced that Kenny “Xepher” Deo will be removed from the regular squad for an undetermined period of time beginning today. Xepher could be the team’s second Indonesian player to depart before the end of the 2023 season.
Boom Esports and Xepher have not yet shared any details regarding this announcement. However, this decision might be related to the major transformation plans stated by their general manager and team management some time ago.
Previously, Marzaria “Owljan” Sahita had expressed his team’s disappointment at failing to repeat their best performance this season and promised that there would be big changes. This was later verified by Boom Esports team manager Isaac “Lane” Alfon, who stated that their next goal is competing in the forthcoming Last Chance Qualifier for The International 12. They are holding tryouts to replace several players before the competition starts.
According to social media rumors, Ye “Boboka” Zhibiao and Chung “ws” Wei Shen are set to join Boom Esports as new players. Boboka is expected to take over the offlaner position left vacant by their veteran, Saeiful “Fbz” Ilham, while ws will replace Xepher in pos 1. Both are expected to be introduced in early August.
If the move goes through, Boom Esports would be without any Indonesian players for the first time this season. Last year, they took a drastic turn by leaving Fbz as the team’s sole Indonesian player and forsaking the well-known “Indo Pride.” The result was outstanding; nevertheless, Boom Esports dominated the Gamers Galaxy tournament and Dota 2 Pro Circuit SEA 2022. They also surprised everyone as they defeated Team Spirit in The International 11 playoffs in Singapore.
