The picture that keeps on giving. Puppey, Fear, Korok, Azen and DeMoN in yonder days.
Team Dignitas have decided to add Jimmy 'DeMoN' Ho, most recently of Take Five, to their roster as Robert 'Bdiz' Tinnes retires in order to pursue another as of yet unspecified opportunity.
The move sees Steven 'Korok' Ashworth playing alongside DeMoN for the first time since Korok stood in for Nirvana.Int at ESWC back in 2010. Both being at times complicated personalities these two have purportedly had their differences in the past, and is likely the reason why what to many might have seemed an obvious move has taken so long to materialize. With the misfortunes of both Take Five and Team Dignitas, it's likely that all parties were more willing to set old baggage aside and come together to figure things out.
If the new lineup can find a common tune there's a lot of potential with two impressive playmakers in Korok and DeMoN. This also likely means that DeMoN will take up the offlane, sending Sivatheeban '1437' Sivanathapillai back down to his old role as a support. As for Bdiz, it's unclear what his future will hold, although casting does seem a good bet, as he has had good reviews previously for his abilities as a co-caster. With MLG looking for a permanent duo for their New York studio, Bdiz might be just what they need, possibly together with NeoDota's Travis 'Maut' Bueno, who has been an odds on favourite ever since MLG announced their search.
As for upcoming events, DeMoN's previous team had qualified for RaidCall EMS One by defeating Evil Geniuses. The rules state that Take Five hold on to the spot as long as they can field 3 of the 5 same players as they qualified with, meaning that they only barely still retain the spot, since their fifth during the tournament was Alliance's Jerry 'EGM' Lundkvist. If Take Five were to not continue, given their purpose of being assembled to try and qualify for MLG as well as the more mix team nature of the squad, the spot would fall to Evil Geniuses in accordance with EMS One rules. We will keep you informed as things unfold.
Statement by Team Dignitas management:
We're sad to announce today that the competitive Dota lifetime for Robert "Bdiz" Tinnes is over as he will now be retiring to pursue other opportunities in his life. When you spend so much time playing the game at a high, strenuous level, it can take a toll and sometimes its inevitable that your passion wanes. I'm still thankful that Bdiz gave competitive Dota a last shot with us and Bobby will still be a great friend to all of us. He's got a great attitude and has been a very supportive team member in the last month. I wish him the best.And with the departure of Bdiz we're excited to welcome Jimmy "Demon" Ho to the Dignitas roster. Personally, I've always been a fan of Demon; his plays, good or bad, have always been the most entertaining to watch. The question of his dedication, work ethic and commitment was obviously in the air but I had a good conversation with Jimmy before he joined and I think he's realized what it takes to turn yourself around. Having to come from the bottom teaches a lot and I think Demon's ready to learn. I'm happy to have such a prolific player on the roster and every member is going to work hard to make sure that we're all committed to this endeavor.
Team Dignitas roster
Steven 'Korok' Ashworth
Sivatheeban '1437' Sivanathapillai
Francis 'Inphinity' Pravongviengkham
Scott 'Bleek' Jensen
Jimmy 'DeMoN' Ho
Source: Team Dignitas