After departing Talon Esports just one week after rejoining, Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahanon took to Facebook to expose the underlying issues within the organization. The Thai carry accused Talon of failing to pay its players, leading to the likely implosion of the current roster, which is spiraling from financial woes.
23savage Reveals Why the Team Broke Apart
The 23-year-old released a detailed post on Facebook explaining the situation and why he left the team:
While 23savage avoided dropping any names, it seems pretty clear that “Team A” refers to Talon Esports – the team he had just reunited with. The “former teammates” in his post likely allude to the 2023 core roster of Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman, Worawit “Q” Mekchai, and Chan “Oli” Chon Kien, the same lineup that had brought Talon international success in their prime.
However, financial problems quickly tore the reunion apart. 23savage announced on X that he was looking for a new team, confirming the breakup. Fortunately, he claimed he was given another chance and will begin competing with “Team B,” implying he has already found a new team to play for.
Offlaner Chung “Ws” Wei Shen has also since joined Vici Gaming and relocated to China, while Mikoto is already spotted standing in for Aurora for FISSURE Universe: Ep.7. That leaves the support duo, Q and Oli, left in the picture.
Despite the fallout, 23savage clarified that his frustration was not directed toward the players and staff, commending them for being honest and sincere throughout the situation.
The $1 Million Loan Scandal
This situation follows earlier financial allegations against Talon’s management. In August 2025, crypto trader @hedgedhog7 exposed Talon for borrowing $1 million from him and failing to repay it on time.
PSA @TALON_ESPORTS approached me to borrow $1mil exactly two months ago
they stated that the loan would be for 1-2 weeks max except it ended up being almost 2 months
the principal was repaid on Friday but they still owe me interest (75k) and are ignoring dms
don't fuck with me…
— hedgedhog (@hedgedhog7) August 25, 2025
According to the post, Talon said the loan would only last “1-2 weeks max,” but repayment took nearly two months. Although the principal was eventually returned, the organization allegedly further delayed $75,000 in interest and has ignored messages regarding the payment.
The organization responded by releasing an official statement acknowledging the allegations and mentioned that they would process payments to former and current players by September 30, 2025. However, with 23savage’s post being released in October, there is reason to believe that the organization didn’t hold up its end of the bargain.
— TALON (@TALON_ESPORTS) August 27, 2025
Talon Withdraws from BLAST Slam IV, Future Uncertain
As the situation worsened, Talon officially withdrew from BLAST Slam IV, the first Tier 1 tournament after TI14 this year. Their slot has since been filled by Execration, fuelling the idea that Talon is unable to field a roster due to the recent implosion.
Talon once hailed as the best Southeast Asian team, having found international success including a top-three finish at Riyadh Masters 2023. For such a name to suddenly fall from grace is a massive blow to the region’s scene.
Whether it’s unpaid players, borrowed funds, and tournament withdrawals, it’s clear that Talon’s future in Dota 2, or maybe esports in general, is uncertain. The organization fields rosters in several other divisions, such as League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow 6 Siege, and more.
