Aurora Esports Acquires Former Talon Dota 2 Roster, Armel to Play Midlane

The Southeast Asian (SEA) Dota 2 scene witnessed a significant change with Serbian esports organisation Aurora acquiring the former roster of Talon Esports. This move not only marks a new chapter for the players but also signifies Aurora's commitment to establishing a strong presence in the competitive Dota 2 circuit.

Most notably, Rafli "Mikoto" Fathur Rahman, known for his impactful plays as the mid laner, has parted ways with the team. Stepping into his shoes is Armel "Armel" Tabios, formerly of Team Secret. Armel's addition is seen as a strategic move, considering his extensive experience in European Dota 2 circuits, which could bring a fresh perspective and new strategies to the team.

Aurora is now poised to make its mark in the upcoming closed qualifier of ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023. This event is crucial for the team to secure a spot in the main event, setting the stage for their debut under the Aurora banner.

Under Talon Esports, the roster achieved considerable success. Their journey to The International 11 (TI11), despite a challenging year, was commendable. They continued their impressive form, securing third place at Lima Major 2023 and fourth at DreamLeague Season 20. Their most notable achievement was at Riyadh Masters 2023, where they bagged a substantial prize of $1,700,000 USD.

However, following these highs, the team experienced a dip in performance, finishing 9th-12th at TI12. This transition to Aurora could be the revitalizing change needed to return to their winning ways.

Mikoto's decision to take a break from professional Dota 2 leaves big shoes to fill, especially considering his MVP performance at Riyadh Masters 2023. His ability to provide flawless starts in the midlane was a key factor in the team's success. Armel, with his seasoned experience and new insights from his European stint, is expected to bring a unique dynamic to the team's strategy and gameplay.