After yet another disappointing season Clement ‘Puppey’ Ivanov reassures fans that he plans to continue competing.
In 2024 Clement ‘Puppey’ Ivanov and Team Secret continued their downward spirals in the Tier 1 competitive scene.
Immediately following TI2023, they took a disappointing 7-8th place finish at ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, then failed to qualify for BetBoom Dacha 2024, took a dismal 11-12th place finish at DreamLeague Season 22, an even worse placement of 17-19th at Elite League, and failed to qualify for ESL One Birmingham 2024 and DreamLeague Season 23 — despite yet another roster change.
Team Secret’s disappointing year culminated once again falling short of obtaining a spot at The International. Much like in last year’s TI closed qualifiers, PSG.Quest took down Team Secret in the lower bracket rounds. After becoming the first player to attend 11 editions of The International in a row this will be the second year in a row when the Dota 2 veteran will not attend The International.
Once synonymous with Dota 2 success and considered one of the greatest captains and players of all time, Puppey’s legacy has become painted with the colour of failures. Fans just getting their feet wet into the world of Dota 2 might not even realize or think of Puppey or Team Secret as legends, top-tier, or iconic pioneers. And those that remember the glory days, began to question if this was the end of an era, the end of the competitive road for Puppey.
However, despite the negativity from long-time fans, the community, and the results, Puppey has sent a reassuring message on social media. He is still here.
Changes have been already happening. Team Secret is currently down to three active members with Miroslav “BOOM” Bičan being the most recent player to take his leave just one week ago.
There are still another five weeks before The International 2024 kicks off in Copenhagen and then another three weeks of competition, so don’t get too excited to hear about replacements or finalized lineups. But one thing seems certain – Puppey is here to stay.
Team Secret current roster
Remco “Crystallis” Arets
Teng Tjin “Kordan” Yao
Clement “Puppey” Ivanov
