Competitive gaming team Evil Geniuses (EG) has announced its new Dota 2 roster via a letter posted by the team to their fans on the team’s official Facebook.

The letter, which details ups and downs of the Evil Geniuses team over the last year, began by reflecting positively on the five that made up the Evil Geniuses squad during the winter of 2012 and the spring of 2013.

The letter noted that the players were, “the kind of people you want representing your team.” As the post continues, the writer laments about about the roster changes that took place just prior to the International 3 qualifiers, where the team, surprisingly, came up short. It continues, candidly, that “as often happens in eSports, things changed - and changed quickly.”

The letter ends with a list of five players who will now make up the Evil Geniuses Dota 2 division.

Clinton “Fear” Loomis: Team captain and Support

Jio “Jeyo” Madayag: Carry

Saahil “UNiVeRSe” Arora: Off-lane

Ioannis "Fogged" Loucas: Support

Arif "MSS" Anwar: Middle



Loomis, the team’s captain, and Madayag are the only returning members from the previous Evil Geniuses lineup. Arora, who was part of EG in 2012, and Loucas both recently played under the Team Dignitas banner. Anwar has not formally played for a major team.

Speaking about the line-up's drastic change, Loomis told GameSpot, “With [The International 3] coming to a close, change comes to many teams, and EG is no exception this year. I'm sad to say goodbye to the majority of my teammates from last year, but I am very excited and feel reinvigorated to see what the future will bring with a fresh start. Dedication and commitment are what I've been looking for in teammates for a very long time and I feel like I found the four perfect guys to fit that bill. With the addition of MSS, it will be nice to have some fresh talent that is hungry to learn. He will strive to be the best, and in the process will motivate the rest of us to do the same."

According to a number of professional Dota 2 players who wished to remain anonymous, Loomis was allegedly given free reign over the roster. Several instances of major roster revisions at Loomis’ discretion were reported.

Braxton "Brax" Paulson, support player for LGD International, had two weeks of practice with EG scheduled before being replaced by Loucas, sources have told GameSpot. Basic contract terms were supposed to be in place, but the Evil Geniuses' captain dropped Paulson after it became clear that his level of focus and dedication, especially in terms of practice, was insufficient.

Sources close to GameSpot have reported among the players that Evil Geniuses removed, the most difficult and trying exclusion was that of Jimmy “DeMoN” Ho’s. Ho, who has been on the team since 2011, had the opportunity to work with the organization in some capacity outside that of a professional player. Those conversations between EG and Ho reportedly fell through amicably.

The same sources added that the major tenant in Loomis’ roster selection was consistency and ability to focus. According those quoting Loomis, the major deterrent in Evil Geniuses’ performance this year came from differing opinions on practice and work ethic.

The new Dota 2 lineup will compete publicly for the first time on Friday September 20 at 9AM PDT in the WePlay Dota 2 League.