The Legends of Philippine Dota: Top Pinoy Players in Dota 1 and Dota 2 History

When we talk about esports legends in the Philippines, one game stands tall above the rest: Dota. From its humble roots in internet cafés to the bright lights of The International, Dota has carved a unique space in Pinoy gaming culture. And behind every clash and Rampage, there are players who didn’t just play the game — they defined it.

Today, we take a deep dive into the most iconic Filipino Dota players in both Dota 1 and Dota 2 — the ones who carried the flag, inspired generations, and proved that Pinoys have what it takes to be among the best in the world.

🎮 Dota 1 Era: Where It All Began

1. Wootz (Mineski)

Back in the days of Garena and SMM tournaments, Mineski was already a name that echoed across Asia — and Wootz was one of the key players behind it. As the captain and support of the OG Mineski Dota 1 squad, Wootz helped place the Philippines on the Southeast Asian Dota map. His vision and leadership turned a team of café warriors into regional champions.

He may not have had flashy kills, but Wootz was the general — calling shots, warding perfectly, and setting the pace. He’s now a figurehead in the PH esports scene, helping nurture new talent under the Mineski brand.

2. Julz (MSI-EvoGT)

During the peak Dota 1 days, Julz was already feared for his mechanical skill. A midlane monster and core player, Julz had precise movement and great decision-making. Long before he joined Dota 2 teams, his name was already known across the country’s tournament scene.

His Mirana, Queen of Pain, and Shadow Fiend performances in regional battles were often highlight-reel worthy.

3. Yabyu / Deity / Lon

Before Facebook livestreams and official broadcasts, players like Yabyu (also known as Deity and later shoutcaster Lon) were already stars in the underground scene. Known for high-level mechanical play and aggressive moves, Yabyu’s rise through Dota 1 tours showed that being in a provincial team didn’t mean you couldn’t shine.

Later on, he became one of the most recognizable Dota personalities in the Philippines — not just as a player, but as a voice of the game.

⚔️ The Dota 2 Era: From Local Kings to Global Contenders

4. DJ (Fnatic) – Djardel Jicko “DJ” Mampusti

If you follow global Dota 2, you’ve probably heard of DJ — the Filipino support god who has played for Fnatic since 2015.

What made DJ legendary? His Rubick, Enigma, and Earthshaker plays have turned entire games around — many times on the TI (The International) stage. He became a symbol of high-impact support gameplay, not just in SEA but worldwide.

In 2016, his Earthshaker Echo Slam helped Fnatic reach 4th place at TI6 — the highest ever for DJ and a historic moment for Southeast Asian Dota.

5. Kuku (T1, TNC) – Carlo “Kuku” Palad

Kuku is arguably the most well-known and controversial Dota 2 player from the Philippines. From his early days with Rave and TNC Pro Team, Kuku quickly gained recognition for his versatile hero pool and aggressive offlane playstyle.

He captained TNC Predator to multiple major wins and helped the team reach top standings in multiple Internationals. Despite being caught in a controversy that temporarily banned him from a TI in China, Kuku bounced back — proving he’s not just talented, but resilient.

He also captained T1 Dota 2 during its resurgence, leading them to impressive showings in SEA and the international scene.

6. Raven – Marc Polo Luis “Raven” Fausto

Known for his calculated carry play, Raven has long been considered one of SEA’s most stable and high-performing cores.

He made a name for himself in TNC’s TI6 run, where he played a key role in their elimination of OG — a heavy favorite at the time. Raven’s steady farming, clutch decisions, and composure under pressure have made him a core player for teams like TNC, Fnatic, and Blacklist Rivalry.

His Terrorblade and Morphling performances? Always a treat to watch.

7. Armel – Armel Paul “Armel” Tabios

Dubbed as the “Savage Mid,” Armel rose to fame through his explosive midlane performances for TNC Pro Team. Whether it was Templar Assassin, Outworld Devourer, or Lina, Armel always brought fire to the midlane.

He became the face of TNC’s mid lane for several years and helped the team claim the MDL Chengdu Major 2019 — one of the few times a SEA team took home a Valve Major trophy.

8. Abed – Abed Azel “Abed” Yusop

And then there’s Abed — the prodigy. The first player in the world to reach 10,000 MMR, Abed’s rise has been meteoric.

From his roots in Execration and Digital Chaos to his runs with Evil Geniuses and Shopify Rebellion, Abed has been a world-class midlaner since his teens. His Meepo, Storm Spirit, and Puck plays are legendary.

He might just be the best mechanical player the Philippines has ever produced — and he’s only getting better.

🏅 Honorable Mentions

• Tims – A key player in TNC’s legendary support duo, known for game-changing Earthshaker and Nyx Assassin plays.

• Boombacs, SamH, and eYYo – Notable names from the PH Dota scene who helped build its competitive reputation.

• Skem (Rolen Andrei Gabriel Ong) – A rising star with potential to make more international waves.

🌍 Why These Players Matter

These Filipino Dota players represent more than just skill — they symbolize the heart and grit of the Pinoy gamer. Many of them came from humble beginnings, grinding in internet cafés, surviving on tournament allowances, and pushing through the challenges of being in a developing esports region.

And yet, they didn’t just compete — they excelled. They made plays that were talked about across Reddit, Twitch, and global broadcast desks. They made millions of Filipino fans proud.

Final Thoughts

The story of Philippine Dota is not just about victories and defeats. It’s about resilience, passion, and a community that refuses to give up. Whether it’s Dota 1’s lan shop battles or Dota 2’s million-dollar tournaments, our Pinoy Dota players have left a mark on the world stage.

And if the past two decades have proven anything, it’s this:

There will always be another Pinoy Dota star rising.