Danil ‘Dendi’ Ishutin has given fans a first glimpse at his new organization, B8, as the Dota 2 veteran looks to reclaim his throne at the top of the game’s esports scene.
After being benched from Natus Vincere in 2018, Dendi’s future in Dota 2 has been up in the air. He played over in Malaysia with TNC Tigers, before subbing in and out of teams throughout 2019 after officially leaving Na`Vi.
However, he’s now ready to start anew, with the Dota 2 great starting up his new organization, B8, just in time for the ESL One Los Angeles 2020 qualifiers.
Dendi shared a heartwarming video with fans on Twitter on January 27, giving players a cheeky glimpse into the future of Dota 2. Reflecting on his “golden years,” Dendi has looked to recreate them instead of reminisce on them, starting out with a whole new organization.
While we haven’t quite reached the stage of The International returning to Earth in 2059 after a decade in space, nor has Dendi started growing grey hairs, the futuristic announcement video was jam-packed full of references to his illustrious career.
From his The International win back in 2011, to memories of the later half of his playing career when he struggled to even qualify for the major events, the video looked back on all those moments.
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However, as he went ice fishing with his ‘grandson,’ he kept reeling up more and more memoirs of a career past until he latched onto the B8 logo, muttering that his time isn’t quite done yet.
Little is known about the new organization, who only opened up their social accounts on January 27 alongside the video, except for the fact that Dendi is on the team.
Dendi’s B8 organization follows in the footsteps of more player-led teams entering Dota 2. Back in November, the former Team Liquid roster departed their long-time organization to create Team Nigma, totally independent from any other team.
Smaller examples of this have happened across the globe, including Team Oracle in Australia, which was birthed by South Korean Dota 2 legend Kim ‘QO’ Sun-yeob.
It’s likely B8 will take part in the ESL One Los Angeles qualifiers, which kick off at the start of February.
Whether Dendi will make his return to Dota 2’s biggest stage for the first time in three years come August remains to be seen, but his legion of fans from years gone by will be right behind him at his new home.