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Can Topson win a third TI with Tundra Esports?
After his short stint with Old G and failing to even make it out of the Division 2, Topson is back in the big leagues boys. He made it into the International 12 (TI12) after a rather unimpressive Season in 2023, but now becomes part of the second most favored roster in the power rankings.
Setting up the stage
It has been a year since Topson returned to competitive Dota 2. Last time, he joined forces with former OG teammate, Anathan “ana” Pham, at last year’s TI with the Southeast Asian team, T1. However, the attempt was unsuccessful as T1 failed to beat the competition at TI11 Last Chance Qualifiers.
Back than, Topson stated that there was no strong leadership that he’s used to like in team OG.
After those failed qualifiers, he returned to his home region, Western Europe, in search of like-minded players. Old G was hyped up as the return of TI8-9 OG roster that became the first two-time champion in Dota 2 history but quickly died down after underwhelming results.
Topson in Tundra Esports
Fast forward to the disband of Old G, fans thought it was the last of Topson’s journey to TI12. But, with Martin “Saksa” Sazdov going on a hiatus from Tundra Esports, there was a vacant slot for Topson to fill.
Tundra Esports is an incredible team, being one of the Big Four WEU in Dota Pro Circuit 2023 (DPC 2023). Hence, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Topson is in very good hands. There are concerns about how Topson will fit into Tundra’s line-up.
Saksa was the pos-4 support player of Tundra Esports, which without any role shuffle, means Topson will have to pick up that role himself. Considering how the three carry players of Tundra Esports are already ingrained as cores, it’s bewildering even to think that Tundra would let Topson have his signature role as a mid-player.
Well, as it turns out, Tundra will do just that.
Leon “nine” Kirilin has reportedly been playing the support role, which will surely be a transition. However, Saksa’s immense contribution to Tundra Esports’ synergy and playmaking will not be easy to replicate, even by the likes of a TI11 Champion.
Source: Twitter | Tundra Esports
Topson as a support player?
Prior to rumours that nine will remain as mid-player and Topson having to pick up on his supporting skills, that scenario wasn’t exactly ridiculous to consider.
Topson’s playstyle as a mid-player has always been sacrificial, whereby he makes space for the rest of his team, especially ana, to become their late-game assurance. Meanwhile, Topson often picks elusive heroes that buy time and acts as a menace to the opponents. It’s relatively play-by-play, but coincidentally fits the typical role of a pos-4 support player, just without the luxury of good carry item builds.
Nevertheless, Topson fans like myself are excited to see him back in action, especially with a reliable team line-up. If anything, Tundra might just give Gaimin Gladiators a run for their money at TI12. Many fans prophesize that GG would win TI12, given their unbeatable track record of three consecutive Major victories in DPC 2023.
Tundra was always there, hot on their heels. If Topson is on his TI form, we may have a real contest on our hands.
