Davai Lama Joins Shopify Rebellion

Shopify Rebellion has officially announced Cedric “Davai Lama” Deckmyn as their latest addition to the Dota 2 esports roster, stepping into the No. 3 position previously held by Mark “mangekyou” Kharlamov. This highly strategic move comes just hours before their inaugural match in the FISSURE Universe Episode 5 Play-In against One Move, underscoring the urgency to solidify their lineup.

In his debut performance, Davai Lama demonstrated his prowess by guiding Shopify Rebellion to a commanding 2-0 victory, showcasing a commendable average K/D/A of 9/7/18 while playing Bristleback and Beastmaster. His subsequent match saw him play a crucial role in securing a draw against Wildcard, illustrating his immediate impact on the team.

Davai Lama’s journey through the Dota 2 landscape has been noteworthy; this marks the sixth phase of his career since debuting in April 2021 with D2 Hustlers (previously D1 Hustlers). His tenure with HEROIC, which commenced in early 2024, stands out as a significant chapter, albeit one where he did not achieve the desired medal pursuits. During his time with HEROIC, he made his Tier 1 debut but faced challenges, managing only three playoff appearances at notable events such as ESL One Birmingham 2024, DreamLeague Season 23, and BLAST Slam I.

Similar to Davai Lama’s transitional period, Shopify Rebellion has encountered hurdles in the upper echelons of competitive Dota 2. Since the season began, they have participated in four Tier 1 events—FISSURE PLAYGROUND 1, DreamLeague Season 25, ESL One Raleigh 2025, and PGL Wallachia Season 4—without a top placement beyond ninth.

As they gear up for FISSURE Universe Episode 5, scheduled from June 30 to July 3, the team is fueled by ambition following three successful qualification campaigns. Additionally, they are confirmed participants for DreamLeague Season 26, where various Dota 2 betting platforms currently list them as $81.00 longshots for the title, reflecting the competitive landscape they aim to navigate.

This strategic roster update signals Shopify Rebellion’s commitment to revitalizing their prospects in the highly competitive Dota 2 scene. With Davai Lama on board, they hope to leverage fresh talent and renewed energy to enhance their competitive standing and secure vital tournament placements in the evolving esports ecosystem.