Team Avulus Adds Fly After SoNNeikO Steps Down

In a surprising move, Avulus captain Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev has decided to step down from the regular squad and retire from Dota 2 competitions indefinitely. His position will be filled by Tal “Fly” Aizik, who will also take over as the team’s captain.

SoNNeikO was previously rumored to be building a new Avulus roster after the team’s underwhelming performances in several major competitive circuits. However, the organization today officially announced a new lineup that excludes him entirely.

Avulus roster as of 29 April 2025:

• Fabian “Mo13ei” Knehr (new)

• Athanasios “dEsire” Kartsabas (new)

• Tal “Fly” Aizik (new)

• Aliaksei “Smiling Knight” Svirydau

• Andreas “Xibble” Ragnemalm

The new recruits bring extensive Tier 1 competitive experience. Mo13ei and dEsire have frequently transitioned between Western and Eastern European regional circuits, while Fly—a seasoned global pos 5—previously stood in for Avulus during PGL Wallachia Season 4.

The squad will begin preparations for ESL DreamLeague Season 26, scheduled to start on 19 May. In the meantime, captain Fly will stand in for BetBoom during this week’s BLAST Slam 3.