Embark on a journey through the annals of Dota 2 history as we reminisce on the top 10 greatest plays made by legendary players. From heart-stopping team fights to jaw-dropping individual skill plays, these moments have solidified themselves as cornerstones of the competitive eSports scene. Witness the calculated strategies, split-second decision-making, and unparalleled mechanical prowess that define these memorable plays that continue to inspire players and fans alike.
The Play
The Play is regarded as one of the most iconic moments in the history of Dota 2. It took place during the winners’ bracket semi-finals of The International 2012 tournament between Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) and Invictus Gaming. This epic display of skill and teamwork has been etched into the memory of Dota 2 fans worldwide.
Dendi’s Pudge Hooks
Before we examine into The Play itself, let’s take a moment to appreciate Dendi’s incredible Pudge hooks. As a hero known for his ability to displace enemies with his Meat Hook ability, Dendi showcased unparalleled precision and game sense during this match. His ability to land crucial hooks on high-priority targets was a key factor in Na’Vi’s success throughout the tournament.
Fountain Hook Game Changer
While there have been numerous extraordinary plays in the history of Dota 2, one that stands out as a game changer is the infamous Fountain Hook maneuver. This innovative strategy was executed by the legendary team Na’Vi during The International 2013, leaving fans and opponents in awe of their skill and creativity.
Na’Vi vs. TongFu
An iconic moment in Dota 2 history unfolded during the match between Na’Vi and TongFu when Dendi and Puppey devised a plan that would go down in infamy. With TongFu pushing to secure a victory, Na’Vi used a combination of Pudge’s Hook ability and Chen’s Send Back ability to execute the Fountain Hook. This maneuver not only caught their opponents off guard but also turned the tide of the game in Na’Vi’s favor.
The Six-Million Dollar Echo Slam
EG vs. CDEC
An intense showdown between two powerful teams, Evil Geniuses and CDEC, took place during The International 2015. Some consider it to be one of the most iconic moments in Dota 2 history. An unexpected turn of events led to a jaw-dropping play by EG’s player, Universe, on Earthshaker. In a split-second decision, Universe landed a perfectly timed Echo Slam, wiping out almost the entire enemy team in one fell swoop.
This play solidified Universe’s status as a legendary player and secured Evil Geniuses’ victory in the tournament. The precision and execution of the Echo Slam left the audience and commentators stunned, showcasing the caliber of skill and strategy required to compete at the highest level of professional Dota 2.
The Mega Creep Comeback
OG vs. VP
To witness one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of Dota 2, look no further than the showdown between OG and Virtus.pro. To overcome the odds stacked against them, OG had to strategize meticulously and execute their plays flawlessly. Despite being at a severe disadvantage with mega creeps pushing into their base, OG showed incredible resilience and determination.
s4’s Clutch Puck Plays
Alliance vs. Na’Vi
Clutch plays can often make or break a game in Dota 2, and s4 is known for his ability to turn the tides with his expert Puck plays. One of the most memorable moments was during the intense matchup between Alliance and Na’Vi. With the game hanging in the balance, s4 showcased his mastery of Puck by landing perfectly timed Dream Coils that caught multiple Na’Vi players off guard.
The moment s4 unleashed his blink-in initiations, Na’Vi’s fate was sealed. With swift movements and precise positioning, s4 controlled team fights effortlessly, silencing crucial targets and creating chaos among the enemy ranks. His quick reflexes and game sense were on full display, showing why he is considered one of the best Puck players in the world.
As the crowd roared in excitement, s4’s calculated plays secured victory for Alliance, proving once again that in the hands of a skilled player, Puck can be a game-changing hero capable of outplaying even the toughest opponents.
Miracle-‘s Invoker Show
In terms of showcasing mesmerizing Invoker plays, Miracle- stands out as one of the best in the business. His exceptional micro skills and game sense make every game he plays as Invoker a treat to watch. Miracle-‘s ability to perfectly time spells and combos on Invoker sets him apart from the rest, solidifying his position as a true legend in the Dota 2 scene.
OG vs. Team Liquid
On the grand stage of a tournament, Miracle- faced off against Team Liquid in a high-stakes matchup. With the game hanging in the balance, Miracle- took control of the game with his Invoker plays. His precision in landing Sun Strikes, meticulous control of his Forge Spirits, and swift execution of tornado-emp combo displayed his mastery over the hero. The crowd was left in awe as Miracle- single-handedly dismantled Team Liquid’s defenses and led his team to victory.
The Base Race
TI3 Finale
Now let’s investigate into one of the most iconic moments in Dota 2 history – the base race during The International 3 (TI3) Grand Finals. This moment solidified itself in the minds of fans and players alike as a testament to the intense and unpredictable nature of professional Dota 2.
Little did the audience know that they were about to witness a heart-stopping moment that would go down in esports folklore. As the game between Alliance and Na’Vi reached its climax, both teams made a decision that would determine the fate of the entire series.
In a thrilling turn of events, Na’Vi and Alliance initiated a base race – a high-risk strategy where each team raced to destroy the enemy’s Ancient before their own fell. The stakes were higher than ever, with the fate of the tournament hanging in the balance.
SumaiL’s Storm Spirit Rampage
Many consider SumaiL to be one of the best mid laners in the history of Dota 2, and his incredible plays on heroes like Storm Spirit have solidified his legendary status. One such moment that stands out is his unforgettable Storm Spirit rampage.
EG vs. VG
While facing off against Vici Gaming in a crucial match, SumaiL’s Storm Spirit displayed exceptional skill and precision as he zipped across the map, picking off enemy heroes one by one. The swift and deadly gameplay showcased by SumaiL left his opponents scrambling to react.
YapzOr’s God-Tier Support
Once again, we research into the thrilling world of Dota 2 and look at one of the game’s most legendary support players, YapzOr. Known for his exceptional game sense, impeccable timing, and clutch plays, YapzOr has solidified his name as one of the greatest support players in the history of Dota 2.
Secret’s Match-Winning Turnaround
YapzOrs incredible play in Secret’s match against Team Liquid showcased his god-tier support skills. With Secret on the verge of defeat, YapzOr made a game-winning turnaround play that turned the tide in their favor. His precise positioning and quick reactions allowed him to land a 3-man Black Hole with his Enigma, securing the crucial team fight victory that led to Secret’s eventual comeback and victory.
No[o]ne’s Perfect Juggernaut
Keep your eyes peeled for this classic play by No[o]ne on Juggernaut, which showcased his exceptional skill and game sense, solidifying his reputation as one of the best mid laners in the Dota 2 scene. This play not only displayed his mechanical prowess but also highlighted his decision-making under pressure, making it a standout moment in competitive Dota 2 history.
VP vs. OG
To truly appreciate the impact of this play, we need to revisit the intense matchup between Virtus.pro (VP) and OG. In a crucial team fight, No[o]ne’s Juggernaut found himself caught in a dangerous position, surrounded by enemies from OG. Despite the odds stacked against him, No[o]ne managed to swiftly navigate through the chaos, landing crucial Omnislash slashes on the enemy heroes, turning the tide of the fight in VP’s favor. His precise positioning and calculated aggression allowed him to eliminate key targets and secure a decisive victory for his team.
iceiceice’s Timbersaw Madness
iceiceice is known for his exceptional skills as a professional Dota 2 player, and his performance on Timbersaw during certain matches has left fans in awe. His ability to maneuver Timbersaw with expert precision and timing has led to some of the most memorable plays in the history of Dota 2.
DK vs. IG
If there is one match that truly showcased iceiceice’s Timbersaw prowess, it would have to be the clash between DK and IG. In this intense battle, iceiceice displayed masterful control of Timbersaw, cutting through enemy heroes with effortless fluidity. His timely use of spells and maneuvers not only disrupted IG’s strategies but also secured crucial kills for his team.
Fear’s Divine Rapier Gamble
Not many plays in Dota 2 are as bold and daring as Fear’s Divine Rapier Gamble. During a crucial match, Fear, playing for Evil Geniuses, made a risky decision to purchase the Divine Rapier, a high-risk, high-reward item that can turn the tide of a game in an instant.
EG’s Late-Game Decision
Gamble – In a tense late-game situation, EG was behind on gold and struggling to defend their base against an aggressive enemy team. With their ancient’s health dwindling and the odds stacked against them, Fear saw an opportunity to sway the game’s outcome. By investing in the Divine Rapier, Fear put everything on the line in a bid to turn the game around with one powerful item.
Abed’s Meepo Mastery
DC vs. LFY
Any Dota 2 enthusiast will tell you that the match between Digital Chaos (DC) and LGD.Forever Young (LFY) during The International 2017 was one for the history books. On the main stage, a young player named Abed put on a show with his exceptional Meepo plays that left the audience in awe.
N0tail’s Sprout Saves
Split-Second Nature’s Prophet
Many Dota 2 players dream of making game-saving plays that leave their opponents in awe. However, few can execute these moments under extreme pressure like Johan “N0tail” Sundstein. In a critical match, N0tail showcased his unparalleled skill and game sense with a play that became legendary in the Dota 2 community.
Clearly, N0tail’s Split-Second Nature’s Prophet maneuver was a testament to his quick thinking and exceptional timing. When his teammate was on the brink of death, N0tail casted Sprout at the perfect moment, creating a barrier that blocked the enemy’s fatal blow. This split-second decision not only saved his ally’s life but also turned the tide of the team fight in their favor.
GH’s Keeper of the Light
Liquid’s Game Reviving Hold
Now, let’s investigate one of the most iconic plays in Dota 2 history by GH on his Keeper of the Light hero. During a crucial match for Team Liquid, GH showcased his exceptional skills and game sense, turning the tide of the battle with a single well-executed move.
When the enemy team had Liquid cornered and victory seemed impossible, GH displayed remarkable positioning and timing. With perfect precision, he used Keeper of the Light’s blinding light ability to save his teammates from certain death and create a window of opportunity for Liquid to strike back.
This game-reviving hold not only kept Liquid in the competition but also inspired fans and fellow players alike. GH’s incredible display of skill and strategy on Keeper of the Light will always be remembered as a shining example of high-level play in Dota 2.
Matumbaman’s Lycan Base Race
Team Liquid’s Clever Strategy
Even in the midst of intense pressure, Team Liquid showcased their exceptional strategic prowess during the game. With the enemy team pushing hard down mid lane, Liquid made a swift decision to send Matumbaman’s Lycan to split-push the enemy base. Utilizing Lycan’s incredible pushing power and speed, they managed to create a distraction and apply split pressure.
JerAx’s Earthshaker Fissure Blocks
In terms of legendary plays in Dota 2, JerAx’s Earthshaker Fissure Blocks are among the most iconic moments in competitive gaming history. JerAx, a former player for OG, showcased unparalleled skill and creativity with his precise use of Earthshaker’s Fissure ability to block paths, trap enemies, and secure crucial kills. These plays not only displayed JerAx’s mechanical prowess but also his strategic thinking and quick decision-making under pressure.
OG’s Tactical Positioning
Your success in Dota 2 often comes down to tactical positioning. OG, one of the most successful teams in Dota 2 history, was known for their exceptional ability to outmaneuver and outplay their opponents through strategic positioning. Whether it was setting up ambushes, securing objectives, or winning team fights, OG’s players consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and the importance of positioning on the battlefield. By controlling key areas of the map and exploiting their opponents’ weaknesses, OG was able to dominate their competition and secure multiple championships.
EternaLEnVy’s Base Defense
Now, let’s investigate into one of the most iconic moments in Dota 2 history – EternaLEnVy’s epic base defense that left fans in awe and opponents stunned. Known for his unorthodox playstyle and incredible decision-making, EternaLEnVy has pulled off some of the most insane plays in the game, but this base defense stands out as a true testament to his skill and determination.
NP vs. EG Clutch
There’s a moment in the NP vs. EG matchup where EternaLEnVy finds himself defending his team’s base against a relentless assault from Evil Geniuses. With EG’s full roster pushing into NP’s base, it seemed like all hope was lost for EternaLEnVy and his team. However, in a split-second decision, he manages to perfectly time his Black Hole ultimate on multiple EG heroes, turning the tide of the battle in NP’s favor.
Zai’s Dark Rift Escape
Secret’s Impeccable Timing
Even in the face of impending danger, Secret displayed impeccable timing during a crucial moment in the game. As the enemy team closed in on them, Zai activated Underlord’s Dark Rift ability with precision, whisking his team away to safety in the blink of an eye. This play not only saved his teammates from certain death but also allowed them to regroup and counter-attack, turning the tide of the match in their favor.
w33’s Windranger Snipes
Miraculous Powershot Precision
Once again, we witness the awe-inspiring skill of one of the greatest Dota 2 players, w33, as he showcases his incredible proficiency with Windranger’s ultimate ability, Powershot. With unmatched accuracy and skillful timing, w33 demonstrates the true potential of this hero when in the hands of a master. His ability to land long-range snipes on moving targets is nothing short of miraculous.
To wrap up
The Dota 2 scene has seen its fair share of incredible plays over the years, cementing the legacy of some of its greatest players. From clutch saves to game-winning maneuvers, these top 10 greatest plays showcase the skill and strategic thinking required to succeed in this highly competitive environment. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, studying these legendary moments can provide valuable insights into the intricacies of high-level Dota 2 play. Keep watching, keep learning, and who knows – maybe one day you’ll be the one making it onto the list of Dota 2 legends.
