Dota 2’s future in NA still looks dire even after DPC abolishes, what’s next?

The North American (NA) Dota 2 scene, once a burgeoning hub for talent, even winning The International once in 2015, has been facing a lot of challenges. From confusion regarding the future to players moving to other regions, there has been an air of uncertainty in North American Dota 2. Quinn, one of the most renowned players to have left NA, has even called the region “permadead.” In this, article we take a look at the North American Dota 2 scene and what the future holds.

Gaimin Gladiator’s Quinn says NA Dota 2 is dead

One of the most telling signs of these challenges is the exodus of top talents from the region. Players who have established themselves in the NA scene are increasingly moving to more competitive regions. A prime example is Quinn “Quinn” Callahan, the celebrated midlaner for Gaimin Gladiators, who left NA just last season. Quinn’s departure is not just a loss of a top player but also a symbol of the broader talent drain affecting the region.

Quinn himself has been vocal about the dire state of NA Dota. In a striking statement during his interview with Esports.gg, he said,

“NA was dead before DPC, with DPC, and will be dead after DPC. The region is just permadead,” when asked if he still has the NA spirit.

This sentiment, coming from a player who has seen significant success in 2023, including winning all three Majors and placing second at The International 2023 (TI12), reflects a deep-seated pessimism about the NA Dota scene’s prospects.

Post-TI12 Team Disbands in NA

The situation at the post-International 2023 (TI12) roster shuffle has further underscored the challenges facing NA Dota 2 teams. High-profile organizations like Evil Geniuses, TSM, and Nouns Esports have disbanded their Dota 2 lineups, signaling a retreat from the scene.

The decision by Nouns to release their roster was particularly disheartening for fans, as the team had shown promise with an impressive performance in TI12. This trend of disbandment raises questions about the stability and attractiveness of the NA Dota 2 scene for both players and organizations.

Additionally, the departure of key players from the region marks a significant shift. Andreas “Cr1t-” Nielsen, known for his strategic prowess with Shopify Rebellion, moved to Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons.

Tal “Fly” Aizik and Abed “Abed” Yusop, on the other hand, who were originally from NA, have been integral to the region’s competitive scene. Fly is already with Nouns, optimistic about leading a new roster. Abed, though, has returned to Southeast Asia.

RAMZES and kiyotaka received offers from North American organizations

In a glimmer of hope, NA Dota 2 might still attract talent. Players like Gleb “kiyotaka” Zyryanov and Roman “RAMZES” Kushnarev from 9Pandas have received offers from NA orgs. This indicates some level of interest and investment in revitalizing the region. RAMZES, in particular, has prior experience in NA with Evil Geniuses, although his days in EG were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MOBA Genre’s Decline

Perhaps, the challenges in NA Dota 2 are part of a larger trend in the MOBA genre. The popularity of MOBAs has been waning over the years, with a shift in gamer preferences towards other genres like first-person shooters (FPS) and sandbox games.

Titles like Fortnite, VALORANT, and Apex Legends have captured the attention of the younger gaming demographic, while Minecraft remains a timeless favorite. This shift in gaming trends is also reflected in the decline of League of Legends in NA, as evidenced by the recent Worlds 2023 tournament, where only one NA team, NRG, managed a top-eight finish, while other NA teams lagged behind.

The 2024 NA Dota 2 Representatives

Despite these daunting challenges, there are still teams that carry the torch for NA Dota. Tundra Esports, which signed the former TSM roster, along with Nouns and Shopify Rebellion, are seen as the top contenders in the NA Dota 2 scene. Their performance in upcoming tournaments will be critical in shaping the perception and future of NA Dota 2.

These teams not only represent the region’s current competitive strength but also its potential to reclaim a prominent position in the international Dota 2 landscape.