The Russian players were removed from Virtus.Pro due to an internal quarrel whose reasons the management decided not to unveil.

Novikov joined the team in March 2006, while Kochugov was part of the Virtus.Pro roster for several years. This decision turns the two gamers into free agents.

This news comes right after the ESWC qualifier, where the Russian team, despite having secured qualification, lost to Begrip Gaming in the Grand Final.

The changes leave Virtus.Pro with three players less than one month before the ESWC Finals. The Russian squad has confirmed that it will attend the event with the team's coach, Konstantin "groove" Pikiner, while the last player is yet to be announced.

Nevertheless, it is reported that Alexandre "KALbI4" Gribov is one of the team's options for the last spot and that he is already practicing with Virtus.Pro.

Virtus.Pro has now the following roster:

Alexey "LeX" Kolesnikov
Viktor "Sally" Filimonchenko
Roman "ROMJkE" Makarov