Rafli “Mikoto” Rahman, one of the standout talents in Talon Esports‘ Dota 2 team, recently shared his decision to temporarily step away from the professional Dota 2 circuit, opting to monitor developments in the near future.
The 23-year-old Indonesian has captivated audiences in Southeast Asian and global Dota 2 tournaments, showcasing his flair for making crucial plays that have earned him popularity among fans and experts alike. However, it appears unlikely that his devoted followers will witness his participation in the upcoming competitive season.
In a live stream session on his personal account, he stated that he is planning to take a break from competitive play until the first Dota 2 major competition in early next year. Specifically, he is considering a break until the first Major of 2024.
“For the next season, I think I’ll take it easy. I’ll take a break from one tournament, from one Major, actually. But I won’t take a long break, not until the end of season. Maybe, as I planned, just for one Major next season.”
It is interesting to note that a few months ago, Valve announced their departure from the Dota 2 Pro Circuit scheme, allowing more room for third-party organizers to take over the Dota 2 competitive scene. This statement could imply the possibility of a new DPC/Major system as a replacement for the old one.
Despite his break, Mikoto clarified that his decision doesn’t signal a permanent retreat from the competition but is rather prompted by the taxing demands of constant travel, which took a toll during the 2023 season.
“I’m not quitting the competitive scene guys; I’m simply tired. Even during my break, I will ptobably playing Dota. The exhaustion stemmed from our extensive tournament schedule, constant travel, and the toll it took on our mental well-being.”
Fans don’t need to worry about him, though, as he stressed that he is not planning to leave his team in the near future. The MVP of the Riyadh Master shared that he has already received some offers from fellow SEA teams and North American teams but has no plans to leave his current team in the near future.
“Offers? There are some from the NA region and mostly from SEA. But I don’t have any plans to leave this team right now.”
