Every year, only the most determined and ravenous Dota 2 players can secure a spot in The International. However, claiming victory and the coveted Aegis requires immense courage and a willingness to make sacrifices, a reality that Samuel “Boxi” Svahn from Team Liquid knows all too well.
This week, Boxi is gearing up for The International group stage, but not too long ago, his professional Dota career was on the brink of collapse due to health issues, as he revealed in a Team Liquid documentary on October 8.
The documentary offered fans an in-depth look at Boxi’s journey, tracing his gaming roots from Counter-Strike: Source and Heroes of Newerth to his transition to Dota 2 with Alliance and later Liquid.
During Liquid’s Lima Major campaign in March, Boxi had to make an unexpected departure due to a stomach ailment that led to severe gastrointestinal bleeding, an issue he had been grappling with throughout his life. This experience served as a wake-up call for him, prompting him to prioritize his physical well-being and seek proper medical attention. Boxi explained that his stomach problems had worsened leading up to the 2023 Dota Pro Circuit season, and if his condition didn’t improve, it could have prevented him from traveling long distances, effectively ending his professional Dota career.
Boxi eventually made a comeback, competing online in DPC Tours Two and Three, as well as at DreamLeague Season 19, before making an offline return at the ESL One Berlin Major in May.
This wasn’t the first time Boxi had taken a break from Dota. In 2021, he temporarily stepped away from competition to care for his mother, who tragically lost her battle with cancer. He rejoined the team for the TI 2021 qualifier, but they fell short of securing a spot at the prestigious tournament.
Between his mother’s passing, missing out on TI, and facing criticism from the community unaware of his personal struggles, the Swedish player contemplated leaving Dota altogether. However, during the TI break and after some reflection, he decided to fully commit to the game once again.
Liquid’s coach, William “Blitz” Lee, expressed strong support for Boxi’s return, and the rest of the Liquid roster was eager to have him back. Boxi played a significant role in Liquid’s impressive 2022 online season, culminating in a top-three finish at TI 2022. Despite facing tremendous adversity and displaying unwavering determination, Boxi is back and determined to leave his mark in Seattle this week.
Liquid enters TI 2023 as serious contenders, following a season where they played second fiddle to Gaimin Gladiators. The journey to The International and the group stage kicks off this Thursday, October 12, at 12 pm CT.