It feels like 2011 all over again as Puppey returns to the Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) roster for the first time in over a decade – albeit as a stand-in. As per a post on Na’Vi’s official website, the team will reunite with Puppey as a stand-in for the qualifiers of DreamLeague Season 24.

Puppey fills out a roster that includes some very familiar faces, including former Team Secret offlaner czMiroslav “BOOM” Bičan (also a stand-in), the Kyrgyz prodigy Baqyt “Zayac” Emiljanov, and ex-OG coach and player Artem “Yuragi” Golubiev.

Puppey with Na’Vi in 2014. Image Credit: Alienware

The move effectively confirms that Team Secret will not be participating in the upcoming DreamLeague tournament, and may also opt to avoid other events – unless they plan on playing without captain and founder Puppey.

With his stand-in status, Puppey returns to the team he won the very first edition of The International with, all the way back in 2011. Puppey played with Na’Vi until 2014, when he left to form Team Secret. He’s been a core part of that team ever since.

However, despite Team Secret being one of the most dominant teams in Dota 2 at times, Puppey has never quite returned to the pinnacle of Dota with a second TI championship. This surprise move to act as stand-in may be an indication that the Dota superstar is considering other things.

This will be the first time Puppey has acted as a stand-in during any major event, breaking a 10-year streak of only playing for Team Secret.

Na’Vi’s DreamLeague S24 Qualifier Roster:

Artem “Yuragi” Golubiev
mnSukhbat “sanctity-” Otgondavaa
czMiroslav “BOOM” Bičan (stand-in)
kgBakyt “W_Zayac” Emilzhanov
eeClement “Puppey” Ivanov (stand-in)
uaVitalii «Sword_Art» Petkin (coach)

Na’Vi like many rosters are currently scrambling to put together a roster for the gamut of qualifiers and events set to take place over the next few weeks and months. With three major tournaments and qualifiers set to take place in just the next three weeks, (DreamLeague S24, BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024, PGL Wallachia S2) teams are currently amassing rosters with stand-ins, quick deals, and last minute signings.