The Best Dota 2 Players of 2022 Who Made a Mark at TI11
Another year has passed in the world of competitive Dota 2, and it has been a season of greatness that celebrated the top players worldwide. Throughout the 2022 DPC season, teams from around the globe showcased their skills and determination to reach the summit of Dota 2. Only a few, however, managed to succeed.
The International 2022 was the ultimate test for the best Dota 2 players of 2022. It was the stage where the very best players proved themselves and rose to the occasion.
Staying at the top in Dota 2 is no easy feat due to the ever-changing meta. A player’s phenomenal performance in one year doesn’t guarantee success in the next. Adaptability and adjustment are key to maintaining dominance.
Lasse “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen — Team Liquid
Lasse “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen had a remarkable 2022 that could be the subject of documentaries. Despite having one of the strongest rosters in the Western European Dota 2 region, Team Liquid struggled to collect DPC points. They had to go through the Last Chance Qualifiers to secure a spot in TI11.
Not only did Team Liquid make it out of the LCQ, but they also achieved a top-three finish in TI11. Matu, in his last tournament before retirement, delivered exceptional performances and made spectacular plays that saved his teammates from certain death.
After TI11, Matu officially retired from Dota 2, leaving his future in the scene uncertain. However, his farewell was undoubtedly a memorable one.
Michał “Nisha” Jankowski — Team Secret
Michał “Nisha” Jankowski joined Liquid for the 2023 season after an outstanding year with Team Secret.
Entering TI11 through the LCQ, Team Secret surprised many with their top-tier performance. Their success was anchored by their strong laning strategies, with Nisha showcasing his full potential.
Throughout TI11, Nisha consistently won matchups in the mid-lane and served as a pillar for Team Secret. Despite the rise of various mid-laners in recent years, Nisha managed to stay on top.
Du “Monet” Peng — Team Aster
China’s Dota 2 scene is home to great teams and players. Some exceptional talents, like Du “Monet” Peng, operate from the shadows. 2022 was the year Monet finally stepped into the spotlight.
Monet burst into the Dota 2 scene in 2017 with LGD.Forever Young, finishing third in his first TI. However, he struggled to maintain his success in the following years, keeping him away from the podium.
At TI11, Monet joined Team Aster, considered the underdog from the start. Aster emerged as the last hope for Chinese fans, securing a top-four finish while other Chinese teams faltered.
Monet’s impressive performance during Aster’s run made him a constant threat in the late game, allowing his teammates to shine.
Crhistian “Pakazs” Casanova — Thunder Awaken
Crhistian “Pakazs” Casanova is entering the 2023 DPC season after a successful tenure with Thunder Awaken. The SA squad achieved the highest placement for their region at TI11, with Pakazs playing a crucial role alongside Herrera “DarkMago” Gonzalo.
Throughout TI11, fans witnessed Pakazs’ ability to take control of games, capitalizing on the space created by his teammates. With the right heroes and sufficient farm, Pakazs established himself as one of the best carries of TI11.
Pakazs will be joining Evil Geniuses in the 2023 season, aiming to replicate his success under a new banner.
Neta “33” Shapira — Tundra Esports
Tundra Esports dominated TI11. As the frontrunners from WEU, they effortlessly reached the grand finals through the upper bracket. While Tundra’s position one and two players were evenly matched in most matches, it was Neta “33” Shapira, the offlaner, who made the difference.
33 boasted one of the most versatile hero pools in the tournament. His knowledge of how to exploit the zoo meta prevalent at the time set him apart. Some professionals even termed the tournament’s patch the “Neta Meta,” acknowledging 33’s understanding of its most powerful aspects.
With his contributions, 33 undeniably emerged as the best player of 2022 and TI11.
These players showcased exceptional skills, adapting to the ever-changing Dota 2 meta and leaving a lasting impact at TI11.
Dota 2, competitive, TI11, players, teams, best players, top players, competitive gaming, esports