The post-TI roster shuffle season continues to provide shocking news to the DOTA 2 community. Team Aster’s star mid-laner, Zeng “Ori” Jiao Yang, has officially retired from the DOTA 2 professional competitive scene.
There were already rumors during The International 2022 that Ori will likely retire after the tournament. However, many did not believe this rumor, especially after the tournament ended. Team Aster was able to finish The International 2022 in the fourth place, exceeding expectations. Due to their exceptional results, Ori’s retirement resulted in confusion and shock to the community.
According to rumors, the reason behind Ori’s retirement was he was forced to retire by his parents, who found him a new job. Although, there is no news regarding this rumor to back it up.
Team Aster officially announced Ori’s retirement on their Weibo page, surprising their fans. “With immediate effect, Aster Ori (Zeng Jiao Yang) officially has retired. After the end of TI11, the club confirmed after communication, decided to respect the player’s will and thank Ori for his contribution to Aster eSports Club.”
Zeng “Ori” Jiao Yang started his professional career in 2017 when he played for DUOBAO. He cemented his reign as one of the best mid-laners in the world when he joined Vici Gaming. He was feared and respected by his peers whenever they faced him in the mid-lane. He bagged multiple championships in the Majors, but the aegis eluded him, having never won a TI.
Ori failed to win in the biggest tournament of DOTA despite consistently finishing in the top six in The International 2019 and 2021. After failing to win in Vici Gaming, Ori decided to move on after four years of service from Vici Gaming after TI10.
Ori took his talents to Team Aster in the 2021-2022 DPC Season. Team Aster performed admirably all throughout the season. They constantly placed in the top three in the DPC Season, The Arlington Major, and ESL One Malaysia. His biggest achievement came in The International 2022. They qualified in the Upper Bracket after finishing in the top four in the Group Stage. They were able to win against heavyweights from other regions. Ultimately, they were victorious against perennial China heavyweight PSG.LGD in the Lower Bracket to secure their finish at the Top Four. Ori will always be remembered as one of the best mid-laners in the world at one point in time in the history of DOTA 2. We wish you the utmost success, Ori!
