Matumbaman is Competing in a Tier Four Tournament

In a surprising turn of events, one of the most celebrated veterans in the Dota 2 community, Lasse “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen, was seen signing up for Fuzer Lategame Open 3, a tier 4 tournament.

Community Dota 2 tournaments are fun and a great way to find an upcoming talented player for the competitive Dota 2 scene unless there is a TI champion waiting for you in the tournament.

Matumbaman as TI panelist.
Image Source: Twitter.@teamliquiddota

Despite retiring from his professional Dota 2 career a year ago, the veteran player has been unable to stay away from the game. After taking a break to serve his country, he was spotted at The International 2023 panel.

Some Information about the tournament 

The tournament features eight teams. Seven teams will have to compete through the qualifiers. However, Matumbaman’s team, Lassen parhaat miehet + Tommi, received a direct invite to the tournament. The team’s name is a clever wordplay that translates to Lasse’s best men + Tommi, with Lasse being Matumbaman’s first name.

The tournament features a €1,500 EUR prize pool, which is roughly $1,608 USD. The tournament has group stages, with Bo1 (best of 1) upper bracket matches and Bo3 (best of 3) lower bracket matches. The playoffs feature a single elimination bracket with Bo3 matches.

A New Role

With his return, the veteran player is taking a new approach. He will be playing a different role, the midlane, instead of his usual role, safelane.

Matumbaman with Team Liquid lifting the aegis of champions at The International 2017.
Credits: Valve

Matumbaman has been a safelaner for a long time. However, during his successful run with Team Liquid at The International 2017, he frequently swapped roles with his midlaner, Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi, demonstrating his versatility. Matu is comfortable in both roles.

Ever since his victory in TI7, the veteran player has been a significant figure in the Dota 2 community. He experienced some setbacks in 2019. However, after joining Team Secret, he quickly regained his position at the top of the professional Dota 2 scene.

Matumbaman With Team Liquid after getting eliminated by Team Secret at The International 2022.
Credits: Valve

Matu last played for Team Liquid, where he and his teammates placed third at The International 2022 after getting eliminated by his former team, Team Secret.

A Warm Welcome

The tournament does not have any notable names other than Matumbaman. However, fans are excited to see the return of the Finnish veteran.

Finnish Veteran Matumbaman at The International 2022.
Credits: Valve

It may be a tier 4 tournament, but to witness the return of such a legendary player is a huge development for the Dota 2 community. Moreover, this return could also pave the way for his eventual return to the professional scene.

Featured Image Source: Valve

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