Na’Vi part ways with Dota 2 superstar Dendi

Ukraine-based esports organization Natus Vincere announced that legendary Dota 2 mid-laner Danil “Dendi” Ishutin would be officially leaving the organization. Although Dendi did not play for the main Na’Vi roster throughout the 2018 and 2019 Dota Pro Circuit, he was still under contract.

The man whose contribution we can't measure, who inspired a countless number of Dota 2 players around the world! It was a long path side by side through so many ups & downs.
Thank you, @DendiBoss you'll always be a part of NAVI!💛

📽️: https://t.co/Y3ka2UehkC#navination pic.twitter.com/53V1PtYbzD

— NAVI (@natusvincere) August 10, 2019

Na’Vi departure

The idea that Dendi would be leaving Na’Vi was brought up in September of 2018 when Na’Vi introduced their new Dota 2 roster. Dendi was not included on this roster, which he had been a part of for over eight years. However, since he was under contract, he never officially parted ways with the organization. Dendi ended up asking the esports organization’s management for early termination of his contract so he could play elsewhere.

“Together with NAVI, I’ve come a long way, with many ups and downs. I’ve made an incredible number of friends, many of whom I’m still in touch with. An unthinkable amount of fond memories,” wrote Dendi on the announcement. “For me, it’s a huge part of my life and NAVI is in my veins: 8 years of action! But I have new achievements ahead of me. I appreciate and hug everyone, I’ll see you around!”

The Na’Vi press release further relates that Dendi has plans for the future. These plans will be revealed after Dota 2’s The International 2019. Dendi reportedly represented Na’Vi in the competitive scene for 2,170 days and played 1,507 matches as a mid laner.

Dendi in Dota 2

Dendi is a Ukrainian professional Dota 2 player. He is most well known for his solo mid skills and plays heroes like Pudge, Magnus, and Invoker. Dendi played under organizations like DTS, Ks.int, and Wolkger Gaming in DotA before joining Natus Vincere for Dota 2 in 2012. He stayed with Natus Vincere until 2019, where he also played for Southeast Asian team Tigers and CIS team The Pango under a loan. While with Na’Vi, the team took home 1st at TI 2011 along with 2nd place at TI 2012 and 2013.

Unfortunately, the team only achieved a 7-8th place finish at The International 2014. Their placings at TI 2015 and 2016 were even worse with a 13-16th place finish. Natus Vincere ended up not being able to qualify for The International during 2017 and 2018. With disappointing results, Dendi was removed from the roster in 2018.

While on the bench, Dendi played for organizations like Vega Squadron, Team Secret, Fly to the Moon, Tigers, and The Pango. However, these attempts to qualify for TI under other organizations did not end well. He even lost to Na’Vi themselves in certain esports competitions.

After departing from Natus Vincere, it appears Dendi will stay with The Pango for the time being. Dendi’s Twitter shows tweets about his drive to continue playing professionally. It will be interesting to see what Dendi does next with such an illustrious past. Do you think Dendi will be able to contend for The International again? Let us know in the comments, and keep up with all of the latest Dota 2 news and content here at Daily Esports.