The South American Dota 2 landscape is on the verge of a dramatic transformation in 2024, as Evil Geniuses' entire Dota 2 roster has entered free agency following a challenging run at The International 2023. Coupled with uncertainties about the organization's future amidst a series of layoffs, this departure marks a significant shift in the competitive scene.

Evil Geniuses Dota 2 Players Are Now Free Agents

As of November 1, EG's South American social media manager confirmed that the entire Dota 2 roster will no longer be affiliated with the organization. This decision includes the five players EG had signed after relocating its Dota operations to South America in November the previous year: Pakazs, Chris Luck, Wisper, Matthew, and Panda. Their futures remain uncertain, with no confirmation of whether they will stay together as a team or pursue individual opportunities.

This announcement coincides with a wave of layoffs within EG, which affected key figures like global creative director Antonia Bonello and vice president of operations John Jung. It also follows EG's recent separation from several individual players, including SonicFox, and the backlash it faced regarding a former creator's Rocket League event.

Guashineen, EG's now-former manager, shed light on the Dota roster's departure. She expressed doubt about EG's prospects in Dota for the upcoming year, suggesting that the organization is unlikely to acquire a new roster given the layoffs. As for the players she previously managed, they are all parting ways with the organization, each looking towards a new future.

The release of beastcoast's Dota lineup on October 29 further compounds the changing landscape, making both of the top-performing South American rosters from the 2023 Dota Pro Circuit available as free agents. While beastcoast expressed its commitment to the South American Dota scene, EG has remained silent regarding its exit from Dota, a scene it has been active in since 2011, culminating in a victory at TI5.

This recent development hints at an uncertain future for EG in the Dota 2 arena. Former EG captain Fly has remarked on the organization's evolving nature under new ownership and how the Dota team felt like the last remnant of the old EG.

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In addition to these challenges, EG is preparing to go to trial over allegations that it exploited Syed "SumaiL" Hassan during and after his tenure with the organization. The court date is set for November 6 and could involve appearances from numerous current and former EG employees, executives, and Dota players.