MinD_ContRoL issues an apology to Tundra Esports

MinD_ContRoL issues an apology to Tundra Esports

Harrison Htet

21 Feb, 2024, 21:03

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Last updated: 10 Apr, 2025, 08:48

The Dota 2 community was greeted with an unexpected drama during DreamLeague Season 22, as Tundra Esports and their offlaner, Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov, parted way amidst the ongoing tournament. The drastic departure of MinD_ContRoL from the team became the talk of the tournament.

After his departure, the offlaner went onto Janne "Gorgc" Stefanovski’s stream and gave his side of the story, claiming Tundra’s management undervalued his inputs and ideas in the team’s decision-making process.

The Apology

The former Tundra’s offlaner took to X to apologize for his actions. The player acknowledged that emotions fueled his statement, which did not accurately represent the situation.

Pure Dota 2
Pure at The International 2023, playing at BetBoom Team.
Credits: Valve

The 2017 TI champion clarified he misunderstood his role as the team’s captain, and added his perspective was wrong. Additionally, he elaborated that it was a team decision to transfer the role of the team’s in-game leader to Ivan "Pure" Moskalenko, and Pure did not “steal” his role. He wrote:

“There was a misunderstanding that I was captain and could make all the decisions. Pure didn't steal it, but it was more like a team decision (I overreacted in that situation).”

Moonmeandher Dota 2
Moonmeandher at The International 2023, coaching TSM.
Credits: Valve

The player also expressed gratitude towards the team’s coach, David "MoonMeander" Tan, for having a positive impact during the ESL One Birmingham qualifiers.

“We had a good trial period with Moon and I was ok with extending the tryout. He had good impact in the Birmingham quals.”

Dota 2 Zai
Zai at The International 2023, taking a stretch after a match. Credits: Valve

He also apologises to Ludwig "zai" Wåhlberg, as he misunderstood the former player’s role in the team.

“The role of general manager was new to me. I was emotional and took the role of Zai and his advice in the wrong way. I didn't exactly understand his intentions.”

The Lessons

Mind Control Ti9
MinD_ContRoL was one of the most sought-after players in recent years due to his experience as a player.
Credits: Valve

The incident shed light on how complicated team dynamics and synergy play at the professional level of Dota 2. While it may not look like much, over time, these small things add up to the overall success of a team. Nevertheless, the Dota 2 community was divided on the apology. While some praise MC for clearing the air, some suspect foul play.

However, the most hilarious comment came from former TI5 Champion, Peter "ppd" Dager, as he asked how much MC got paid by Tundra to issue an apology. PPD wrote:

“ How much did they pay you to post this?”

The Future of Tundra Esports

Tundra Esports Tobi
Tobi is the newest addition to Tundra Esports.
Image Source: Twitter.@TundraEsports

The sudden departure of MinD_ContRoL from Tundra Esports left an open vacancy in the team. Shortly after MC’s apology, the team announced they would be playing with a standin’, Tobias "Tobi" Buchner, in the upcoming tournaments. The player will make his Tundra debut in the upcoming series against his former team, at DreamLeague Season 23 Western Europe qualifiers.

Featured Image Source: Valve

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