Team Liquid Signs SumaiL as Dota 2 Stand-In

Team Liquid has announced the signing of Syed Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan, who will act as stand-in for their Dota 2 roster in the absence of Samuel “Boxi” Svahn. The organization made changes to its lineup ahead of week three of the Dota 2 2021 DPC Season 2, with Boxi set to take time out from competing to be closer to his family.

Announcing the news via Twitter, Team Liquid posted: “Starting today, Boxi will be taking time away from Dota to be with his family. SumaiL will be standing in until Boxi is ready to return. We look forward to when Boxi can rejoin us. Team Liquid wishes Boxi and his family the best, and hope that you’ll join us in welcoming and supporting SumaiL too.”

How SumaiL Made His Name in Dota

SumaiL began his professional Esports journey with Evil Geniuses, having been part of the team that won the Dota 2 Asia Championships 2015. In doing so, he became the youngest Valve event winner. He also became the youngest winner of The International in 2015. It has been a mixed bag for SumaiL since then though, with the Pakistani player having been benched, before joining OG last year.

Before the arrival of SumaiL, the Liquid roster had been in place since September 2019. While results have been good, the team has failed to hit the heights of the past. Team Liquid did win the ESL One Germany 2020 however, as well as recording a runner-up spot at the OGA Dota PIT Season 1: Europe/CIS.

How Liquid Has Fared So Far This Season

Liquid qualified for the Singapore Major Wild Card stage during Season 1 of the 2021 DPC, however they were ultimately knocked out of the event by Vici Gaming after placing in the Lower Bracket of the playoffs. Season 2 has got off to a decent start, with a defeat to Alliance having been followed by a win over Team Nigma.

It remains to be seen as to what changes will be made to the Liquid strategy following the arrival of SumaiL. We will not have to wait long to find out however, with their next match taking place against Barme on April 27.