Virtus.pro Dota 2 Player Apologises For Drawing 'Z' Symbol In Official Match
A Russian Dota 2 player has publically apologised for drawing a 'Z' symbol in an official match versus the Ukrainian organisation Mind Games.
Ivan "Pure" Moskalenko of Virtus.pro, currently representing "Outsiders", has released a statement on social media, after the Z symbol was drawn onto the mini-map during their Dota Pro Circuit Playoff win over Mind Games. The symbol has connotations of a pro-Russian Military message following the invasion of Ukraine, often seen on tanks and military uniforms.
The 18-year-old drew a Z on the map during a technical pause, to which it was quickly scribbled out by himself, and his teammates.
Click to enlargeThe full clip can be seen here...
The roster is currently playing under the name of Outsiders after Valve joined the likes of BLAST and ESL in forbidding the Virtus.pro brand from competing due to their ownership group's ties to the Russian government.
Following the incident, Pure released a message to the public through the means of Virtus.Pro's social media, apologising for the drawing, claiming it was unintentional to draw the symbol whilst scribbling.
"Hey guys, it's Pure here. I'd like to comment on the incident that occurred during game 1 vs Mind. There was a long pause in the game. The guys and I were talking and drawing on the minimap. When we realised exactly what my drawing turned out to be, we tried to cover it up. I didn't mean to offend anyone, it all happened by accident. Peace to all," he said.
Beyond The Summit, the tournament organisers behind the Dota Pro Circuit Eastern Europe have confirmed that they are liaising with Valve to investigate the matter.
Currently, Outsiders sit in the Upper Bracket final and are set to face BetBoom Team, with the winner qualifying for the Stockholm Major in May.