Dendi and Puppey Reunite at Maincast Autumn Brawl

gabhernandez Published 15/10/2018

The Maincast Autumn Brawl was supposed to be a Dota 2 tournament of little note, but anyone that tuned in got a special treat.

With Team Secret’s Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng unable to participate in the event, captain Clement “Puppey” Ivanov phoned up an old friend to sub in: Danil “Dendi” Ishutin.

The reunion of the most iconic duo in Dota 2 history was more than enough to turn heads, but things got even more interesting as they started the tournament by facing off with their former team, Natus Vincere.

Unfortunately, the reunion was short-lived. Facing Na`Vi in the quarterfinals, Secret fell 2-1. Despite dominating the first game, Secret suffered a drawn out loss in game two before being routed in the deciding match, resulting in a disappointing fifth-place finish.

From 2011 to 2014, Dendi and Puppey built a resume and fan following unlike any other in Dota 2. As the faces of Na`Vi, they collected a massive number of championships and appeared in the grand finals of the first three installments of The International. Puppey was released from Na`Vi in 2014 following a disappointing performance at TI4, but memories of the pairing linger on.

Despite the fact that Dendi and Puppey coming together once again captured fans’ imaginations, it’s not something to get used to. 

MidOne, who has been one of Secret’s most reliable talents in recent years, should be back in action for the team soon. Dendi remains a free agent following his departure from Na`Vi in September. 

All that being said, this may not be the last time Dendi and Puppey cross paths on the professional Dota 2 stage.

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