T1’s player Kuku will drop from the ONE Esports Singapore Major in Dota 2 because of sudden health issues. Forev will play for the team in Kuku’s stead.
T1 Finds Itself as One of the Many Teams That Have to Adapt
In a sad turn of events, T1 will be one of many teams that find themselves forced to make last-second changes to their roster right before the ONE Esports Singapore Major. The reason was that their player Carlo “Kuku” Palad will not be able to participate due to health issues. Lee “Forev” Sang-don will join his former team to fill the empty spot.
The organization refused to elaborate but supposedly, in some now-deleted posts, Kuku confirmed that he fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be quarantined.
Four other teams also had to make a change because of the virus, including QuincyCrew, Neon Esports, Nigma, and Natus Vincere. Na’Vi got the worst of it as they had to lose more than one player because of health protocols.
Things aren’t as grim for T1 as they are for other teams as Forev has played with T1 before, and this will likely reduce the performance drop that usually follows members switch.
The big event begins two days from now on March 27. It is really unfortunate to see so many teams having to struggle with the pandemic as now we are concerned about the players’ health and the teams’ performance at the same time. We can wish those fighting with COVID-19 the best and hope for their fast recovery and return on stage.
