MinD_ContRoL will stand-in for Team SMG at TI12
The International 2023 is less than a week away, and teams are heading to Seattle hoping to etch their names in the aegis of champions. However, Team SMG faced issues bringing their roster to the competition. Thus, they have joined forces, Ivan "MinD_ContRoL" Ivanov, a former TI champion.
Rumours Turned Reality
Recently, there were rumors circulating in the community that Team SMG may have visa problems for the upcoming TI. The initial reports suggest Clement "Puppey" Ivanov, a veteran player and legendary captain, would join the team.
However, as the date for TI drew closer, the team announced MinD_ContRoL would be standing in for them as their offlaner, Natthaphon “Masaros” Ouanphakdee, had difficulties securing a US visa.
While MC serves as a standin, the team assured fans that they would try to pursue visas for their core roster. They thanked Nigma Galaxy for loaning their offlaner on short notice.
The International 2023 roster for Team SMG consists of the following players.
- Yeik "MidOne" Nai Zheng
- Volodymyr "No[o]ne-" Minenko
- Ivan "MinD_ContRoL" Ivanov (standin)
- Tue "ah fu" Soon Chuan
- Jaunuel “Jaunuel” Arcilla
Redemption For MinD_ContRoL
MinD_ContRoL at The International 2019.Credits: Valve
MinD_ContRoL last played at The International 2019 with Team Liquid. The team placed second in the tournament, falling short against OG.
After Team Liquid, Mind Control joined Nigma Galaxy. Despite having a star-studded roster, Nigma Galaxy has struggled to qualify for The International since its inception.
Even though his team struggled to win matches, MC still is performing exceptionally well. He stood in for OG at The Berlin Major and showed that he is still at the top of his game. While playing with OG, MC dominated his lane using heroes like Batrider and BeastMaster.
He made daring plays that helped his team win skirmishes and matches. His hard work paid off, as OG secured a 5th-6th place finish at the tournament.
MC and Kitrak at ESL One Berlin Major.Credits: Twitter.@OGesports
Nigma Galaxy also failed to qualify for The International 2023. Thus, MC stood in again for OG at DreamLeague Season 21. With his help, the team placed a fourth-place finish, triumphing over teams like 9Pandas and Tundra Esports.
A Unexpected Reunion
Team Secret also sent a helping hand to the team by sending their coach, Lee "Heen" Seung Gon, who had previously coached Team Liquid during their successful Ti7 run. Moreover, he played a crucial part in Team Secret’s run at The International 2022, where the team placed second.
With Heen’s years of experience, backed by multiple veterans and MinD_ContRoL, Team SMG is one of the teams to look out for at The International 2023.
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Featured Image Source: Twitter/@Team SMGofficial