Talon Esports releases Dota 2 roster as it approaches a new era

Talon Esports teases a new Dota 2 roster as it lets go all players.

The post-TI12 roster shuffle continues with a groundbreaking change by Talon Esports. The Southeast Asian powerhouse will no longer field the same roster as it releases all players. But this isn't the end for Talon Esports, as it teases a new era with a new Dota 2 roster.

"After discussions with the team, we have come to the agreement to mutually part ways to allow other opportunities to be explored," Talon Esports announced. "Please continue supporting Talon Dota as we look forward to a new era."

A look back at Talon Esports' impressive season

Talon Esports had an impressive season in 2023.<br>(Image via Valve)
Talon Esports had an impressive season in 2023.
(Image via Valve)

As an organization, Talon Esports had a rough start when it entered the Dota 2 scene in late 2021. But with the latest roster, they grew stable in the Southeast Asian region and threatened the world's best teams in multiple international tournaments. It is safe to say that Talon Esports was indeed the best SEA team of this season.

Here is Talon Esports' former Dota 2 roster:

  • Nuengnara "23savage" Teeramahanon
  • Rafli "Mikoto" Fathur Rahman
  • Anucha "Jabz" Jirawong
  • Worawit "Q" Mekchai 
  • Chan "Oli" Chon Kien

Throughout 2023, Talon had its ups and downs during the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). It placed third in the first Tour, first in the second Tour, and fourth in the last Tour - which means they missed out on the final Major of the year, the Bali Major.

Despite an inconsistent performance in the region, Talon would continuously surprise everyone on the global stage. The team finished third in the Lima Major, the highest-ever achievement for the lineup at that time. They would also perform incredibly well in DreamLeague Season 20 and settle in fourth place. But their biggest win of the year is a $1.7 million third-place finish in Riyadh Masters.

Dota 2 statsman, Ben "Noxville" Steenhuisen, had praised Talon Esports' performance ahead of TI12. "I started off a bit skeptical of all the SEA teams given their weak 2021/2022 season, but Talon were the shining star."

Talon had a fun season, however, the culmination was a tad bit disappointing. The team bowed out of The International 12 in the 9th-12th place, losing to BetBoom Team. Following the end of the 2023 season, Talon opts to renew its Dota 2 roster.

Talon Esports bowed out of TI12 in the 9th-12th place.<br>(Image via Valve)
Talon Esports bowed out of TI12 in the 9th-12th place.
(Image via Valve)

The future of the players

So far, there is no information on where the Talon Esports squad is going next.

23savage posted a farewell and thank you message to the team, reminiscing how they started from the bottom.

Mikoto also reminisced about the humble beginnings of Talon Esports. "I still remember this team was build from open qualifier," he stated.

In a livestream, Mikoto had expressed contemplating a short break from tournaments, though, he still wants to actively compete in the pro scene.

As for now, all eyes are locked on Talon Esports and what it will bring for the 2024 season. Stay tuned for more Dota 2 news and updates on esports.gg!

Keep an eye out on more roster changes here!