Nigma Galaxy and Ghost part ways after nine months

Nigma Galaxy bid farewell to carry player Ghost, who had been substituting for the team since February this year.

Prominent Dota 2 organisation Nigma Galaxy has officially parted ways with Malaysian carry player Daniel Chan “Ghost” Kok Hong, ending a nine-month partnership. Since February, Ghost had served as the de facto stand-in for star player Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi, who has been on hiatus due to undisclosed health issues.

This announcement follows a rough start to Nigma's 2025/2026 competitive season. The team had participated in two tournaments–FISSURE Universe: Episode 6 and FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2, which both ended on a disappointing note. Following an early exit from FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2, the team announced Ghost’s departure, bringing his lengthy stand-in tenure to a close.

The Middle Eastern organisation, despite being known for its roster of legendary players, hasn’t quite achieved anything monumental as a team. Since its formation in 2019, Nigma Galaxy had struggled to surface in the Tier 1 competitive scene–missing out on most major tournaments and failing to qualify for The International four years in a row.

However, 2025 marked a turning point. The team began to regain form and deliver stronger performances, even after Ghost stepped in to replace Miracle- in February.

Last November, Nigma finally ended their long qualification drought by securing a spot at ESL One Bangkok. That success was followed by more promising results–qualifying for ESL One Raleigh (with Miracle-) and DreamLeague Season 26 (with Ghost in the lineup).

Ghost wraps up his stand-in era

During Ghost’s time with the team, Nigma Galaxy continued to improve. They placed 7th at DreamLeague Season 26 and achieved a Top 6 finish at Clavision Masters: Snow-Ruyi. But their most significant qualification came when they made it for The International 2025, finishing third in the Western Europe Qualifier to secure the coveted final TI slot.

At TI 2025, Nigma Galaxy surpassed expectations with a Top 6 finish, placing above powerhouses such as Team Liquid and Team Spirit. The result reignited hope among fans that the organisation may enter the new season as one of the top contenders.

However, their post-TI journey had a disappointing start. In FISSURE Universe: Episode 6, Nigma placed 4th behind a newly-established lineup on MOUZ. Their struggles continued at FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2, where they were eliminated early in the Group Stage, finishing near the bottom of the ranking.

Nigma Galaxy to announce their new carry soon

Following this disappointing start to the season, Nigma Galaxy announced the departure of their carry player. It remains unclear where Ghost will head next or who will take over the carry role for the team.

Speculation has been swirling about a possible return of Miracle- for the new season, though others believe Nigma may bring in a new temporary carry. Regardless, an announcement is expected soon, as the team prepares for their next tournament–PGL Wallachia Season 6, which kicks off on 15 November.