As a Dota 2 player with a history intertwined with controversy, some expect Ivan “Pure” Moskalenko to be cocky or perhaps avoidant of their past relative to their future. However, as he approaches the final weekend of ESL One Birmingham, Pure is ready to shake off the old and welcome the new.
A carry for Tundra Esports in Birmingham on loan from BetBoom, Pure has played an integral part in the team’s advances through the competition. Despite his talent, he has become ensnared in controversy and criticism since he began his professional career. April 2022 saw his contract at Virtus.pro terminated for the drawing of militarist symbols in a live game, and he held personal responsibility for an instant loss handed to BetBoom in 2023 after watching his match’s livestream during a game pause. Now, he acknowledges that lessons had to be learned in order to progress.