Pure: "RAMZES is at a Career Stage Where He Needs to Show He's Matured"

Tundra Esports carry Ivan "Pure~" Moskalenko gave an interview at DreamLeague Season 23 for Dota 2. He discussed his friendship with Roman "RAMZES" Kushnarev and his adaptation to the offlane role in the team.

“On Meeting RAMZES

I met RAMZES last year. We haven't known each other for long, but we've become very close. We feel comfortable with each other because we can talk about Dota and any other topics. We're just good friends. 

How did you realize you lived close to each other?

I was in Moscow for the past few months, so I found out then. It turned out we live only 20 minutes apart by taxi. It just happened, it was a coincidence.” - Ivan "Pure~" Moskalenko

“On RAMZES' Adaptation

You also have experience playing offlane, did RAMZES suggest switching roles?

Maybe we'll do it for fun (laughs). We'll see. I just invited him to the team. He also asked if there was a chance to join Tundra. Later, we decided to go for it.

In my opinion, RAMZES is at a stage in his career where he doesn't need to prove he's good because he's done that many times. But he needs to show that he's still in the game and has matured, capable of playing great Dota without external pressure. The offlane position suits him well.

Are you helping him with the transition?

Of course, I'm helping him get better. This is a new role for him, even though it might not seem like it since he's played it before. Things have changed, and he hasn't played the "three" position in a while. I recently returned from offlane myself, so I'm trying to share my experience and Dota knowledge with him. He's just started working on it, but I'm glad to see it.

Naturally, I gained a lot of knowledge from playing offlane. I reconsidered my approach to the game while switching positions and drew many conclusions. While RAMZES and I don't understand each other perfectly in-game yet, give us some time. We'll definitely get there.

Is RAMZES trying to be a leader instead of you?

As you can see from the results, I don't need an additional voice in the team. Naturally, RAMZES has his own thoughts. When he speaks, we listen. But when it comes to important matters, like drafting, most of the decisions will be made by me and MoonMeander. Of course, we discuss everything, communicate, and listen to each other because we're human. These are basic things.” - Ivan "Pure~" Moskalenko

Tundra currently holds a 6-2 record and shares the top spot in Group B with Team Falcons. Both teams have secured a spot in the upper bracket of the playoffs ahead of time. The final standings of the other teams will be determined on May 22.

DreamLeague Season 23 is taking place online from May 20 to 26. Twelve teams are competing for one million dollars and 26,100 EPT points, which are essential for qualifying for the Riyadh Masters 2024. Tundra has secured a slot at the top event after making it to the playoffs.