T1 has brought in the big guns as it reached deals with Anathan “Ana” Pham and Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen ahead of The International 2022: Southeast Asia Qualifiers from 3 to 18 September.
Easily the biggest signing that the DOTA 2 Southeast Asian region had seen, Ana and Topson used to play for European Esports powerhouse OG and were key members of the team that scored back-to-back TI 8 and 9 titles.
T1 said it couldn’t wait to have Ana and Topson into its team.
“Announcement time Chads! We’d like to officially welcome the newest addition to our DOTA 2 roster, Topias ‘Topson’ Taavitsainen (stand-in) and Anathan ‘Ana’ Pham. Please support us as we prepare for TI11’s SEA Qualifier,” T1 said.
Before tapping the services of Topson and Ana, T1 opted to part ways with two Filipino players Karl “Karl” Baldovino and Kim “Gabbi” Santos, who played mid lane and hard carry positions, respectively.
With only 272 DPC (DOTA Pro Circuit) points to boot, T1’s only chance of making it to The International 11, which is set to take place this October in Singapore, is by winning the Southeast Asia Qualifier.
The International, touted as the grandest Esports tournament in the world, is known for having its massive prize pool and hardcore following.
Its last iteration took place in Bucharest in October 2021 where teams fought for their share of the $40 million prize pool — or roughly P2.2 billion.
Topson and Ana, who both announced that they are walking away from competitive DOTA 2 last year, have a combined approximate winning of almost $12 million following their exploits in TI 8 and 9.