9pasha Leaves Virtus Pro, Joins Dota 2 Rivals NaVi

CIS powerhouse Virtus Pro is the next Dota 2 esports team to make changes to its roster following The International 2019. Pavel “9pasha” Khvastunov, who plays off laner for the team, has decided to leave to join rivals Natus Vincere.

While VP has been known for its relentless skills and unmatched team plays, their run in the recently concluded TI9 had been disastrous. They ended their campaign after crashing out in two-straight series, putting them at a top-12 finish.

Given the nature of their performance at The International 2019, Virtus Pro has finally decided to make significant changes to the roster in hopes of reforming the Dota 2 squad with much better players. Keep in mind, though, that the team only had a single player swap in three years. This was when Vladimir “RodjER” Nikogosyan replaced Ilya “Lil” Ilyuk back in 2018.

9pasha is exiting the team as he has decided to join Na’Vi. Interestingly, he is not the only one leaving Virtus Pro – Coach Arsenij “ArsZeeqq” Usov has also left the team.

9pasha was the first to leave VP. After having spent three Dota 2 seasons with the team, the off laner has pulled the trigger and left the Russian esports organization. He will be joining Natus Vincere to take the role of the team’s new off laner position. What is interesting, though, is that 9pasha is expected to bring much-needed experience to the young squad.

9pasha’s arrival to Na’Vi means that the former off laner Evgeiny “Blizzy” Ree will be replaced. In an official statement released by Natus Vincere, Blizzy will be taking an indefinite break before he decides on his pro Dota 2 future.

According to Na’Vi’s CEO, Yevhen Zolotarov, Blizzy’s decision to leave was not because of his “level of play.” Rather, they are hoping to “strengthen” the team with a “super-experienced player,” one that is known for possessing “the human qualities that are so lacking” in Na’Vi.

9pasha has had a successful career thus far in competitive Dota 2. He managed to win five Majors with Virtus Pro and was one of the few players picked by Alexei “Solo” Berzein back in 2016 after VP failed to join The International that year.