South African MGO, Sinister5, is making some big moves. Earlier this week, the organization announced its frightening new CS:GO squad with the addition of some local legends joining the roster. Now, it has been revealed that the Sinister5 Dota 2 squad will be heading to Bulgaria. First up, let’s take a look at the squad and then, some interview questions with the Sinister5 owner.

The Sinister5 Dota 2 squad

The Sinisiter5 Dota 2 team has seen some great success in the local scene, becoming the VS Gaming Masters Dota 2 champions in 2018 and nearly defending their title in the VS Gaming Masters Dota 2 championships in 2019, only losing out to Goliath Gaming in the grand finals. It is from the VS Gaming Masters 2019 champions lineup that the new mid for Sinister5 comes from. Yes, Travis “Castaway” Waters, arguably one of, if not the best South African Dota 2 player, has joined Sinister5.

Tristan “Aghanim” Kiefer – Carry

Travis “Castaway” Waters – Mid

Dennis “_DotA-and-Die_” Connellan – Offlane

Nicholas “Schlinks ” Dammert – Position 4

Caleb “DOOMbunni” Semple – Position 5

This news of Castaway joining the team comes after Sinister5 bid farewell to Adam “Adastam” Moore who has moved over to Energy Esports roster.

Q&A with Ito

We also had the wonderful opportunity to talk to the owner of Sinister5, Ivo Tzanev about the Dota 2 squad’s move to Europe. Check out the Q&A below.

ESC: Tell us about the decision to send the squad to Europe

Ivo: “I have been planning this move for over a year. Me being Bulgarian makes things a bit easier. The time is finally right, with all the players finishing studies, or just being able to commit full time.”

ESC: When will the squad travel to Europe and how long will they be staying?

Ivo: “The team will be staying in Bansko, Bulgaria. Bansko is a ski resort, which is quiet outside the winter season. Makes it perfect to focus on Dota 2. Dennis, Caleb and Aghanim depart on 27th since they have EU passports. Travis and Nick will fly as soon as their visas are ready. Probably a week later than the other three. Their stay will be open-ended and will mostly depend on their performance. Visas will have to be dealt with on a quarterly basis for Nick and Travis as well.”

ESC: Tell us about Castaway joining the team and what this means for the squad going forward

Ivo: “As most who follow South African Dota 2 probably already know, Travis is one of the best players, if not the best, our country has to offer. He is only 21 and yet brings loads of experience into the team, which we would undoubtedly need. His work ethic and professionalism are of highest standard. He could turn out to be our trump card on the road to success.”

ESC: What do you hope to achieve in Europe?

Ivo: “We would participate in every possible league or tournament available to us. Qualifying for a Minor would make this project a success. Of course, we would like to go as far as possible.”

ESC: Is there anything you are worried about with this move?

Ivo: “Apart from visa problems, there is nothing else to worry about at the moment. We remain grounded and acknowledge, that a lot of work is needed to catch up to the European skill bracket, which is probably the highest in the world. We will look for constant steady progress, even if it comes in small steps.”

ESC: What aspect of the move is your team most excited about?

Ivo: “The fact, that we are able to put together an all South African team containing 5 young, highly ambitious and committed professionals, who are ready to take on this challenge. We get a shot at showing the world, that South Africa exists on the Dota2 map.”

ESC: How is the team preparing for the international competition?

Ivo: “Currently, the team is playing scrims every night, in order to hit the ground running, when we get to Europe. However, the real work will start once we are there.”

We wish the Sinister5 Dota 2 team all the best of luck on their journey. May GabeN be ever in your favour.

Header image via Sinister5