After more than a decade of competition at the highest level, Team Secret has officially announced an indefinite hiatus from the Dota 2 professional scene. The European organization confirmed it will not be fielding a roster for upcoming tournaments, marking the end of a significant era in esports.
The announcement was made via the organization’s official social media channels on Saturday. While the statement left the door slightly ajar for a potential return, it clarified that the team is currently “passive” in its approach to the discipline and is not actively seeking to build a new lineup.
“Passive” Approach to Return
In a brief statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Team Secret addressed the status of its Dota 2 division, which had been a topic of speculation within the community. The organization stated that while they remain interested in “compelling opportunities” that may arise in the future, they are effectively stepping back from the scene for the time being.
This decision pauses the operations of one of the most storied brands in Dota 2 history. Since its inception in 2014, Team Secret became synonymous with top-tier competition, securing multiple Major championships and consistently placing high at The International (TI) throughout its tenure.
Recent Struggles and Roster Instability
The move to inactive status follows a difficult period for the organization. Team Secret has struggled to replicate its past dominance in recent years, facing challenges in qualifying for premier events.
The team’s most recent roster, which included Clement “Puppey” Ivanov alongside players such as Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov and Maxim “re1bl” Afanasyev, disbanded in July. This dissolution occurred after the squad failed to qualify for two of the year’s most significant tournaments: the Riyadh Masters 2025 and The International 2025. These missed qualifications marked a turning point, leading to the current suspension of operations.
Puppey Moves to Coaching Role
A major factor in this transition is the departure of the team’s founding captain, Clement “Puppey” Ivanov. Widely regarded as the face of Team Secret, Puppey had led the roster since its formation more than 11 years ago.
Following the team’s recent competitive setbacks, Puppey has moved on to a new chapter in his career. He is currently serving as the head coach for PARIVISION, a role that separates him from active play with Team Secret for the first time in the organization’s history. His departure signals a definitive break in the continuity of the team’s Dota 2 legacy.
Organization Remains Active Elsewhere
While the Dota 2 division has gone dark, Team Secret continues to operate competitively in other esports titles. The organization maintains active rosters in games such as VALORANT, Rocket League, and Rainbow Six Siege.
For now, the Dota 2 community has seen the last of the team that once dominated the global circuit, though the organization’s statement leaves a faint possibility of a return should the right circumstances align.