Xtreme Gaming will need to find a new carry ahead of The International 12 China qualifiers.
Zhang “Paparazi灬” Chengjun is retiring from competitive Dota 2, Xtreme Gaming announced on Weibo July 31, as translated by ONE Esports. The 27-year-old has been considering retirement since after TI11, but stayed with the team because of a lack of midlaners within the country.
The 27-year-old ends his Dota 2 career known as one of the most mechanically skilled hard carry and midlaners. His greatest achievements came with Vici Gaming, with which he spent three years playing for, earning two Major championships and a long list of podium finishes.
Paparazi departs Xtreme Gaming after almost two years with the organization. Unfortunately, he never got to play a TI with XG, and the organization — should they qualify for TI12 — will not have their midlaner.
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Xtreme Gaming to play TI12 China qualifiers without Paparazi
Xtreme Gaming current roster:
- Daniel “Ghost” Chan
- Thiay “JT-” Jun Wen
- Zhao “XinQ” Zixing
- Ding “dy” Cong
Xtreme Gaming will now need to look for a position two ahead of the TI12 qualifiers, scheduled to begin August 17 to 21.
The Chinese region has underperformed this year, with PSG.LGD the only team to directly qualify for TI12 through accumulating DPC points. This means XG will need to face other regional heavyweight including Team Aster, Azure Ray, and Invictus Gaming to fight for just one slot in Seattle.
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