Dota 2 pro player Clement "Puppey" Imanov ushers in the 2024 season, eager to redefine success on his own terms, but with the underdog role. The past year, marked by a notable absence from The International after eleven consecutive appearances, might not have been the triumph Puppey envisioned, but it's a chapter he wouldn't rewrite.

 https://twitter.com/teamsecret/status/1722600631129502133 

As Team Secret gears up for the 2024 season, the return of BOOM and MidOne to the Dota 2 roster raises eyebrows among fans, disappointed by what they perceive as a dip below Secret's usual standards. Yet, for Puppey, this skepticism fuels his passion. Playing without the weight of expectations has become a source of joy, an opportunity to thrive in the shadows.

In a recent candid moment on ESL One's Dota 2 podcast, Puppey dismisses concerns about Secret's roster strength with nonchalance. "I don't give a damn," he asserts, reveling in the strategic advantage of being perceived as the 'weakest' link. For the seasoned TI all-timer, a supposedly weaker roster translates to freedom—an escape from the scrutiny that accompanies higher expectations. "A weaker roster is good because nobody cares what you're doing, and there are no expectations," Puppey quips.

This newfound liberty allows Team Secret to embrace failure as a companion on the path to success. Unlike previous years, where the relentless DPC schedule left no room for missteps, the team now finds solace in the space to err and learn. The aftermath of 2023 saw Secret relegated to Division Two, a setback that shattered their chances at subsequent Majors and TI in Seattle.

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The surprising resurgence of Secret, however, unfolded at the ESL One Kuala Lumpur qualifiers. Defying expectations, they secured a coveted spot at the tournament, outshining formidable opponents and securing a top-eight finish. The return of MidOne and BOOM, initially met with skepticism, proved instrumental in this unexpected triumph.