ppd Joins Alliance as Trial Coach for Remainder of DPC Season

Alliance has announced the arrival of Peter “ppd” Dager, with the veteran Dota 2 pro to act as trial coach for the remainder of the 2021 Dota Pro Circuit season. ppd left Sadboys during the first DPC season, with his move to Alliance signaling his first involvement with any team since then.

Alliance are currently sitting pretty at the top of the European regional division standings, thanks to their 4-1 record. As a result, it would take a major upset for them to miss out on a spot at the second DPC Major. Despite their success, the team has brought in ppd, who will act as strategic coach.

What Alliance Dota Captain s4 Has Said On the Arrival of ppd

Speaking on the announcement earlier this week, Alliance captain Gustav “s4” Magnusson stated that: “It’s cool to bring in Peter in the coaching position since he’s been someone I’ve wanted to play with in the past. Ppd is very straightforward and calm, so it’s gonna help us make good calls ingame when the pressure gets high. Captaining and drafting will still be our team’s idea, but ppd will have a huge impact there as well with him being one of the best drafters in Dota 2.”

Alliance will be hoping that the experience of ppd will help them secure a spot at The International later this year too. The 29-year-old was absent from the Dota scene for the majority of 2020, having left Ninjas in Pyjamas, before announcing his retirement from gaming.

Can Alliance Qualify for The International 2021?

Speaking on his arrival at Alliance, ppd said: “Big shoutout to the team and s4 for believing in me. Coaching is something I always wanted to try and I’m grateful for the opportunity. We’ve had a great start to the season and the plan is to finish the season strong!”

Alliance now has three former The International winners on their books, with ppd joining s4 and CEO Jonathan “Loda” Berg. Alliance won The International back in 2013, beating Natus Vincere in the process. The current Alliance Dota 2 roster is made up by s4, Nikolay “Nikobaby” Nikolov, Linus “Limmp” Blomdin, Simon “Handsken” Haag and Artiom “fng” Barshack.