Why N0tail deserves his spot atop the Dota 2 mountain
The Dota 2 esports circuit has been around for nearly 15 years, as it launched alongside the game. Throughout those years, many special players have competed in Dota 2’s competitive circuit, but only a few players have stood out. Among them, Johan ‘N0tail’ Sundstein stands above all because of his unprecedented success and impact.
N0tail was a versatile player
During his career, N0tail played almost every role in Dota 2. He initially started as a position four (soft support) player at Fnatic but transitioned to the carry position after joining Team Secret and later OG. N0tail was always a game-changer in every position, including his time as a carry-mid hybrid in the first few years at OG, but most people know of his impact as a leader.
The last position he played was position five (hard support) when he served as OG’s captain. This was the most successful period of his career as he was the shot-caller for the team’s victory at The International 2018 and The International 2019.
He had multiple signature heroes during his time as a player, as he was an Io, Chen, and Enchantress specialist during his days as position four. However, he moved over to Meepo and Terrorblade when he was a carry, then Nature’s Prophet when he last played as a position five support player.
N0tail had a career full of iconic stories
Throughout his iconic career, N0tail was always a compelling player. At Fnatic, he was part of a team that succeeded in another game, Heroes of Newerth. They were outsiders, but they proved they belonged in Dota 2. When that project ended, he moved over to Team Secret alongside his Fnatic teammate Tal ‘Fly’ Aizik.
That project did not end well, which led to the duo parting ways for a few months. They would reunite after The International 2015, creating OG. In the years after, N0tail and Fly led OG to multiple Valve Major victories, but not TI. That led to Fly leaving him in a sudden betrayal, but N0tail picked up the scraps and led OG to the TI8 and TI9 wins.
He is always a big name in the narratives about all-time greats as he experienced plenty of setbacks in his career.
N0tail has a successful career to back his GOAT case
Despite all the setbacks, N0tail maintained his status as one of the most well-known Dota 2 players. The many victories at Valve Majors and TI made him the most successful esports player ever when it came to prize money. He is still unmatched today because of his achievements, which cements him as the greatest Dota 2 player ever.
