OB Esports X Neon has tapped the services of The International 2 champion and Dota legend Wong Hock “ChuaN” Chuan as the head coach of its new roster that features a mix of up-and-coming players in the Southeast Asian region.
The Philippine-based squad underwent major revamp after failing to follow up an impressive run in the Singapore Major and missing the recently concluded The International 10 this year. The roster rigodon was also inevitable following the departure of former players Erin Jasper “Yopaj” Ferre, Rolen Andrei “ctm” Ong who both joined Indonesia-based team BOOM Esports and John Anthony “Natsumi” Vargas who committed to Polaris Esports.
“While I understand that many of you may be upset with the departure of these players, I assure you that we have done everything we can to build a team as competitive as it was last season. It is still our objective to attend Majors and ultimately the International in 2022,” said OB.Neon CEO Robert Campbell in a statement
In hopes of forming a formidable team for its TI11 bid, OB.Neon tapped ChuaN, who won the Aegis of Champions with Invictus Gaming back in 2012. ChuaN will be on his first coaching gig since stepping away from the competitive scene in 2018.
For its roster, OB.Neon which previously had an all-Filipino line up, acquired the services of Mongolian support Ravdan “Hustla” Narmandakh and Indonesians Tri Daya “Mamang Daya” Pamungkas and Yukatheo Glen “you_K” Widjaja.
Former South Built Esports Jinn “Palos” Lamatao joined Michael “Enryu” Ladines and Jaunuel “Jaunuel” Arcilla as the only Filipinos in the squad.
“ChuaN won the Aegis at TI2 and we expect his experience and dedication to his new role will be instrumental in our future success,” Campbell added.
OB.Neon is currently seeing action in the Dota 2 BTS Pro Series Season 9 with Hustla, Enryu and Palos playing with stand ins James “Jamesy” John and Frederico “Abeng-” Dicdican in their first three matches.