Miracle- looks in better health, but his Dota 2 hiatus at Nigma will be extended.
Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi will not be returning to the starting lineup for Nigma Galaxy's Dota 2 team anytime soon, with the organization announcing the star player's hiatus will continue.
Many expected Miracle- to return to the lineup soon, likely at the conclusion of ESL One Raleigh, but today's update sees the 27-year-old player remain sidelined due to "personal reasons." He isn't planning on going anywhere, with Miracle- remaining a vital member of the squad on the bench.
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Miracle spotted with Nigma, but he won't be returning to the server yet
Nigma posted an update concerning Miracle- on April 18. "We had a late night visitor come shoot some hoops and send off the boys to Bucharest," the post stated, with photos of the team — as well as a smiling Miracle- — included.
This led many to believe Miracle- would be returning to competitive Dota 2, but a short statement accompanying the photos ended those hopes. "We understand that this isn't the expected update," the statement read.
"Amer holds a special place in the hearts of our fans and the Dota community and everyone is eager for his return, but for now he's well and healthy," Nigma concluded, adding that those interested respect the Jordanian's privacy and decision to sit out.
Miracle- has been in and out of competitive Dota for the better part of two years, with health issues plaguing the star carry and mid laner to the point where he physically was unable to play. We saw him return to close out 2024 with Sumail "SumaiL" Hassan, while he also bounced in and out of active play in 2023.
Understudy Daniel "Ghost" Chan has been serviceable as his replacement, including at recent events ESL One Raleigh and PGL Wallachia Season 3. It is understood the Malaysian will be used once more for this weekend's PGL Wallachia Season 4.
As for Miracle-'s future, such as a return to other events or even The International this year? We can only speculate, but for now, Miracle- certainly appears happier and healthier than we've seen him in the past.
You can catch Nigma Galaxy tomorrow in their opening match against Team Liquid at PGL Wallachia Season 4. For more Dota 2 news, stay tuned to esports.gg.
