Legendary Dota 2 player Zai has returned to the competitive scene once again. The news comes four months after he took an indefinite break following the conclusion of the TI 2023 in Washington last year.
He is assuming a new role that will utilize his decade-long experience in competitive gaming. Zai shared the details of making a U-turn to the gaming circuit but not as a player.
Zai makes retirement U-turn with Tundra
Ludwig Wahlberg, a.k.a. Zai, is joining Tundra Esports as a general manager. His duties involve managing the roster for the team and helping them with tactics and strategies. This new role presented a different set of challenges, which is why he signed up in the first place.
In a recent interview with SirActionSlacks on the Tundra Esports YouTube channel, Zai said, “To be honest, coming back as a player or a coach, I didn’t really have too much interest in. But coming in with this slightly different job description and responsibility… it’s kind of challenging for me as well.”
He will undertake a typical managerial role that involves overseeing day-to-day activities, helping with team rosters, and planning tactics and strategies with the players. Right now, Tundra has notable star players in their squad, including Topson and MinD_ContRoL. We hope to see some signature Zai moves incorporated into their playing style.
As for the role itself, he was looking for something that was interesting other than joining another squad as a player. The leadership duties that he acquired during the latter parts of his career at Team Liquid paved the way for him to consider this role seriously.
For fans hoping to see him resume as an offlaner, that chapter is closed for now. He is enjoying his break and focusing on ‘boring’ things in his life, such as taking care of his plants.
Zai’s final TI appearance
The final appearance for Zai came in TI 2023, which resulted in a heartbreaking defeat to longtime competitors Gaimin Gladiators. That was the fifth knockout defeat that Team Liquid had to deal with in major competitions last year.
Although Zai did not manage to win a laurel with his team, they retained second place in five tournaments last year. Many consider them to be unlucky after failing to capitalize on crunch moments on many occasions. Zai admitted his 11 deaths with Centaur Warrunner were a key indicator of his personal dwindling performance during his final TI elimination match.
He remains one of the few players to not win a single TI despite reaching the top four in five separate TI tournaments. Many fans were hoping he would finally end the streak last year, but that did not happen.
Nevertheless, he remains one of the most iconic players in the DOTA 2 scene, and many would be happy to see him back in the dugout, albeit in a different role.
What are your thoughts on Zai joining Tundra Esports? Let us know in the comments.
