Trent on ESL Dota 2 tournaments: “I’m a big fan of the second division.”
Commentator Trent “Trent” McKenzie on Jake “SirActionSlacks” Canner’s YouTube channel, discussing the return of the second division to ESL tournaments and the five-year ban imposed on Oswald Gonzalo “DarkMago” Herrera Martinez by ESIC.
On Davai’s apology to the Chinese community
Trent: That was one of the craziest tweets I’ve ever seen in the entire history of Dota 2. It just came out of nowhere. It was one of those moments where you’re like, “Who even asked for this?” but at the same time, you understand why he had to do it. Guys, he has a kid; he makes a living.
On the return of the ESL Second Division
Trent: I’m a big fan of the second division. I think ESL is essentially the only organization that does this while also being a Tier 1 tournament organizer. We have Tier 2 organizers who are more focused on specific regions. But the fact that ESL is building a bridge between the two levels is very important. I think teams and fans should appreciate this, because there’s always a fairly vocal minority that says, “We need more money for Tier 2.” I support that and understand it. But I also understand why it doesn’t happen. So a special thanks to ESL for taking this on.
SirActionSlacks: Absolutely. That’s really important. If you’re bored with Dota 2 esports because the same teams are always playing, one of the main reasons is that we don’t have a second division. So thanks to ESL. Thank you so much for giving new talent the chance to develop or at least play somewhere.
On DarkMago’s suspension from ESIC
SirActionSlacks: Do you think five years is enough? Is his career over?
Trent: Well, it’s a pretty serious blow—I won’t lie. It’s tough because we don’t have all the concrete evidence and so on. So I don’t know how justified—or, conversely, how unjustified—it is. Obviously, they seem completely confident in their decision. I think five years is a death sentence for his career. I hope he learns a lesson from this. And if Dota 3 comes out, does that count?
SirActionSlacks: No, of course not.
Trent: Do you think it’ll be like a new reboot? Will the prisons just open up and everyone walk free?
SirActionSlacks: It’s like in Gears of War. They go to prison, open the cells, and say, “Bro, come on—we need you right in the thick of the battle.”
Earlier, esports event host Jake “SirActionSlacks” Kanner spoke out about the suspension of Santiago Gustavo “TaiLung” Olivio Agüero from tournaments and urged players not to participate in fixed matches.
Photo by Stephanie Lindgren, ESL Gaming GmbH.
