Dendi denies retirement rumors
The immediate future of Danil “Dendi” Ishutin is not yet clear, but one thing is certain: He isn’t done with Dota 2.
The fan favorite took to Twitter on Tuesday and gave fans a brief update on his status, saying, “Guys I am not retiring from dota. Looking for team/players. Thanks for warm words.”
https://twitter.com/dendiboss/status/1036594077536530432?s=21
For the last eight years, Dendi has been the poster boy for Natus Vincere’s Dota 2 team. While the first half of that stretch included a number of major tournament victories and three grand finals berths at The International, the second half has seen the team steadily decline while struggling to retain a stable roster.
The divorce came earlier this month with Na`Vi announcing a new roster without their veteran mid laner. Though it was initially unclear if this meant Dendi was retiring or transitioning into another role, his clarification means that a return is likely.
While Dendi would like to return, it is unclear where he will land. There is no shortage of potential destinations ranging from his reuniting with longtime captain Clement “Puppey” Ivanov for Team Secret to partnering with an established organization looking for some reliable star power.
The clock is ticking when it comes to finding a new team. Though his popularity within the Dota 2 sphere calls for a blockbuster deal with an established brand, the 2018-2019 Dota Pro Circuit season kicks off in just two weeks with the qualifiers for the first Major. Given how important that event is to the schedule, he’ll need to find a new home quickly.
Steven Rondina
About Steven Rondina
Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.
View full profile
Read Also
Dota 2
Oddin.gg’s head of risk helps explain how alleged match fixing during Dota 2 at EWC was flagged
Michael Hassall
The Dota 2 competition at The Esports World Cup 2026 was shaken to its core during the Survival Stage earlier in the week when Southeast Asian-backed, South American team PTime (better known as PlayTime) were removed from the event citing “integrity concerns.” While the case is still ongoing, and none of the accused confirmed to be guilty, one of the biggest questions behind the incident was just how these concerns ...
Dota 2
PTime removed from Dota 2 at EWC 26 as ESIC investigates coach and captain
Michael Hassall
Filipino organization PlayTime Esports has been removed from the Esports World Cup 2026 Dota 2 competition following an intervention by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and a ruling by the Esports Foundation and EWC. Following a postponement of the PTime vs. Vici Gaming Survival Stage matchup on July 14, ESIC announced that it was actively investigating two members of the South American-based PTime organization, Team Captain Gonzalo "DarkMago" Herrera and ...
Esports Betting
Here’s the complete Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 schedule
Hannan Mundia
The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 has finally arrived, and here’s the complete schedule for the event to ensure you don’t miss anything. While it isn’t exactly the newest name in the esports scene, the EWC has quickly become a leading event for esports fans worldwide. It brings together professional players and fans from various games, combining them into one long event that everyone can enjoy. 2026’s Esports World Cup ...
Dota 2
Dota 2 at the EWC 2026 preview, details, predictions, and more
Michael Hassall
A titanic 24 teams are set to compete in Dota 2 at the Esports World Cup 2025 in one of the largest events of the competitive season. These two dozen organizations are set to take over the Paris Convention Center, filling it with top-tier competitive Dota 2 action. With a $2,000,000 USD prize pool, the largest on the Dota 2 calendar, there’s everything to play for in the final major ...
Dota 2
Top Dota 2 combos to boost your MMR fast
Wasif Ahmed
Dota 2 is a complex and interesting game that requires skill, strategy and teamwork to be successful. Having said that, one of the best ways to improve your MMR is by learning certain Dota 2 combos that have proven themselves over time. It’s worth knowing that there are not that many Dota 2 combos that have survived the test of time because every new patch changes the game’s meta. Nevertheless, ...
Dota 2
Dota 2 temporarily deletes popular hero before launching huge Dark Carnival update
Michael Hassall
If you were an Axe player in Dota 2 earlier this week, you’d have found yourself out of luck when you tried to pick the stalwart Oglodi warrior, as the hero was straight up removed from the game on June 23. The hero was completely missing from All-Pick and his hero model was replaced with a missing poster. Axe couldn’t even be demoed or picked in a custom game for ...
Dota 2
Team Yandex stop the magic, defeating LGD in BLAST Slam VII finals
Michael Hassall
Team Yandex have defeated LGD Gaming in the grand finals of BLAST Slam VII in a dramatic 3-1 series that saw both teams pushed to the limit, but ultimately Yandex come out on top. Concluding the last major tournament before teams head to the Esports World Cup and The International 2026 next month and in August, Yandex were able to counter the momentum of LGD that had brought them into ...
