Heroic Starts Off the Post-International Roster Shuffle Season
After achieving an impressive Top 6 finish at The International 2025, Heroic officially kicked off the roster shuffle season. The first departure came from midlaner João Gabriel "4nalog" Giannini Santos, followed soon after by Adrián "Wisper" Dobles, who also announced his exit from the squad.
On the other hand, Cedric "Davai Lama" Deckmyn has returned to the offlane, leaving Heroic with what still looks like a predominantly South American roster. The replacement for 4nalog has yet to be revealed, and an announcement is expected soon. For now, let’s explore what these changes could mean for both the players and the team.
I try not to be a pessimist but fans might not take this too well. — Credit: Twitter (@heroicdota2)Heroic and the Roster Shuffle
Looking first at Heroic itself, the immediate question is how Davai Lama will be perceived in this new iteration of the team. Despite his undeniable skill as an offlaner, he was often criticized by fans for being a “low effort” player. These criticisms grew louder after David "Parker" Nicho Flores aired grievances on his stream, citing Davai Lama’s approach among them.
Yet, it’s important to recognize his achievements. He was instrumental in securing the PGL Wallachia championship earlier this year, proving he has what it takes to perform on a big stage. His return could also open the door for Heroic to bring in a European midlaner. If they succeed, the team could form a strong core trio with shared cultural background, potentially improving communication and synergy.
The key question now is whether Heroic will evolve into a European-leaning roster based in South America, or continue being a primarily South American team bolstered by a few European talents to ensure stability and competitiveness.
4nalog’s Next Steps
The first possibility is that he remains in South America, either joining another international lineup or becoming part of a new Brazilian roster. The latter would be especially impactful, as it could reignite Brazil’s competitive presence in the global scene.
The second possibility lies in Europe. Filipe "Astini" Ribeiro, currently the coach of PARIVISION, has already expressed interest in bringing a Brazilian midlaner into his roster. Astini has long been an advocate for 4nalog, even revealing in past podcasts that he once invited him to Europe when he was just starting out as a coach.
Now, with 4nalog’s future open, this could be the right time to make that vision a reality. Joining a powerhouse like PARIVISION would allow 4nalog to prove himself on the highest stage of European Dota. Either path comes with its own risks and rewards, but both could define the next chapter of his career.
Wisper: Back to South America
Wisper At The International 2022, playing for Beastcoast.Credits: Valve
Meanwhile, Wisper finds himself at a crossroads that feels more familiar. After a challenging stint with OG, where he felt like he shouldered much of the blame for the team’s failure to qualify for key tournaments, returning to South America gave him the chance to reset. Achieving a Top 6 finish at The International 2025 with Heroic seems to have restored his confidence and reinforced his role as a reliable and stable player.
The most likely scenario is that Wisper remains in his comfort zone and joins another South American roster soon. Offlaners often serve as the foundation for strong team identities, and Wisper’s experience across multiple top-tier South American squads makes him a prime candidate to lead or stabilize a new project. The South American Dota scene is entering a phase of renewal, and Wisper could very well become the centerpiece of its next top contender.
Closing Thoughts
While many questions remain unanswered, one thing is clear: Heroic values what Davai Lama brings to the team. His return to the offlane, despite a portion of the fanbase voicing concerns, signals that the organization believes in giving him another chance to shine. Whether this gamble pays off depends on how the team’s final roster shapes up in the coming weeks.
As for the players leaving, 4nalog appears to have the brightest prospects. If he secures a move to Europe, he could take his career to unprecedented heights, perhaps joining a TI Top 3 team like PARIVISION. At the same time, the dream of reviving Brazilian Dota remains alive — an endeavor that would cement his legacy if successful but comes with enormous pressure and risk if it falls short.
Wisper, on the other hand, seems poised to remain a stabilizing force within South America. His experience and adaptability make him an attractive option for any ambitious roster in the region. Whether he chooses to join an established team or spearhead a new project, Wisper’s role in shaping South America’s competitive scene is far from over.
The post-TI roster shuffle has only just begun, and Heroic’s decisions provide an early glimpse into the direction South American Dota may take next season. Whether through established veterans like Wisper, rising stars like 4nalog, or returning figures like Davai Lama, the region is brimming with potential storylines.
If you want to stay updated on the Heroic roster shuffle, hero guides, and metagame shifts as the next patch approaches, check out the news section of the Strafe website!
Featured Image Source: Twitter (@heroicdota2)