Dota 2 News: Maybe to Take Time Off; But Black^ is Back

With the Chongqing Major now behind them, players and teams are adjusting and making changes in preparation for the new patch and the road to TI9. A shock departure and a surprise return were the announcements that shook up the dota 2 world yesterday.

PSG.LGD’s Maybe to take a break from competing

In a disappointing turn for PSG.LGD fans, the team announced that iconic mid-laner, Yao ‘Maybe’ Lu, would be taking a break from the competitive scene.

With two back-to-back Major wins under his belt and three top-four placements at TI, Maybe is arguably one of the best mid-laners in the game. But he has suffered a string of recent setbacks, most recent among them PSG.LGD’s defeat at the hands of EG in the Lower Bracket at the Chongqing Major.

According to their announcement on Twitter, Maybe is not set to leave PSG.LGD permanently, but has requested time off for personal and physical reasons.

Fans have been supportive overall, with many on social media saying they can understand his decision.
Taking time to refresh can sometimes be just what is needed for players.

After taking a break in 2017, Anathan ‘Ana’ Pham returned to play with OG, who went on to win, 2-0, against PSG.LGD in the TI8 finals.

Competing at the top of your game at the highest level of competition is tiring, and we’ve heard from other players how burnout can impact not only your play but your physical and mental health too.

In a recent interview with XBOCT, Kuroky spoke frankly about the fatigue experienced by Team Liquid during TI8 after pushing themselves too hard.

We wish Maybe all the best during his time off and are looking forward to seeing him return to the team when he’s refreshed and ready.

In the meantime, CDEC Gaming’s Guo ‘Xm’ Hongcheng will be PSG.LGD’s replacement in the mid lane until Maybe returns. Xm’s Kunka played a big role in CDEC’s recent win against FTD in the Dream League 11 Quarter Finals. His departure from CDEC follows both eGo and ASD, who left the team to play for EHOME in September last year.

Black^ announces return to the competitive scene

There was also some welcome news from popular analyst and pro player, Dominik “Black^” Reitmeier, when he surprised fans, announcing his intention to return to playing professionally.

A well-known name amongst dota 2 fans internationally, having played for teams based in Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and China, Black^ is no stranger to the ups and downs of professional eSports. He’s spent plenty of time in both the winner’s and the loser’s chair. He experienced a string of undefeated victories while playing with Team Faceless in the SEA Qualifiers for the 2016 Boston Majors, he also competed with mousesports in TI2.

“I can confidently say that I am in the best shape I have ever been in. DotA wise and mentality wise.”
- Dominik ‘Black^' Reitmeier

Black^ explained on Twitter his reasons for wanting to return and confirmed this would mean he was stepping down from the talent pool.

Although his sharp analysis and sense of humor will be missed on the panel and at the casting desk, it’s exciting to see the return of one of dota 2’s veteran players to the competitive scene.

Photos via: Cnet & StarLadder