Pavel “9pasha” Khvastunov is a renowned Russian Dota 2 player, recognized for his exceptional performance as an offlaner. Born on June 30, 1992, 9pasha has made significant contributions to the competitive Dota 2 scene, particularly during his time with Virtus.pro. With multiple championship victories, including five Valve Majors, he is regarded as one of the top offlaners in the game’s history. This article delves deeply into his professional journey, achievements, playstyle, and personal life, offering a comprehensive overview for fans and esports enthusiasts.
Biography and Career – The Rise of 9pasha in Dota 2
9pasha’s professional Dota 2 career began in 2014. Over the years, he played for various teams, refining his skills and gaining recognition as a formidable player. His journey through different competitive rosters helped shape him into one of the most respected offlaners in Dota 2.
Early Career and Entry into Professional Dota 2
9pasha’s first known team was UrsaStroitHram, where he played in early 2013. However, his career truly gained momentum in 2014 when he joined BUHLO-UroPb. His time with the team was brief, as he played from November 2014 to November 24, 2014.
Breakthrough with Vega Squadron
The defining moment in his early career came when he joined Vega Squadron on November 24, 2014. Initially playing in the Carry role, 9pasha transitioned to the Offlane position after the arrival of Mag~ in the spring of 2015. He remained an integral part of Vega Squadron until March 22, 2016, gaining recognition for his aggressive playstyle and intelligent game sense.
Short Stints with Polarity and Fantastic Five
Following his departure from Vega Squadron, 9pasha briefly played for Polarity from March 25, 2016, to June 5, 2016, where he continued to play the Carry role. Shortly after, he joined Fantastic Five from July 29, 2016, to August 4, 2016, marking his return to the Offlane role.
Virtus.pro Era – The Peak of His Career
Themost successful period of 9pasha’s career came with Virtus.pro, where he played from August 4, 2016, to September 5, 2019. His time with Virtus.pro was marked by remarkable achievements, including victories in eight LAN tournaments and five Valve Majors. He played over 600 matches with Virtus.pro, making him an indispensable part of their success. However, his performances at The International did not meet expectations, with placements of 5-6th twice and 9-12th once.
Joining Natus Vincere
After leaving Virtus.pro, 9pasha signed with Natus Vincere on September 5, 2019. He remained with the team until September 18, 2020. While his time at Na’Vi was relatively short and did not yield major victories, he continued to showcase his prowess as a competitive player.
Later Years and Final Teams
Following a brief period of inactivity, 9pasha joined Prosti Esli in March 2021, where he played until June 15, 2021. He later had two stints with CIS Rejects from November 17, 2021, to April 24, 2022, and again from May 29, 2022, to June 12, 2022. His last known professional team was Pari Parni, where he played from June 12, 2022, to September 16, 2022.
Roles and Playstyle – 9pasha’s Strengths as a Dota 2 Player
9pasha’s career is characterized by his versatility, allowing him to play both Offlane and Carry roles. However, he is predominantly known for his expertise as an offlaner.
Offlane Dominance
As an offlaner, 9pasha specialized in teamfight initiation and space creation for his team. His understanding of positioning and ability to survive challenging lanes made him a formidable laning presence.
Carry Experience
Earlier in his career, particularly during his time with Vega Squadron and Polarity, he played the Carry role. This experience contributed to his deep understanding of farm prioritization and resource allocation.
Achievements and Earnings – 9pasha’s Success in Competitive Dota 2
- Five Valve Major Wins – As a part of Virtus.pro, 9pasha won five Valve Major tournaments.
- Over 600 Matches with Virtus.pro – His tenure with Virtus.pro saw him playing more than 600 games.
- 973 Wins & 658 Losses – He boasts an impressive win rate of approximately 60%.
- $1.7 Million in Winnings – Throughout his career, 9pasha amassed total earnings of around $1.7 million.
Personal Life and Trivia – Interesting Facts About 9pasha
Origin of His Nickname
His nickname “9pashaebashu” contains a Russian slang term meaning “I am wrecking,” which later got shortened to “9pasha.”
Love for Phoenix
9pasha is an avid fan of the hero Phoenix, often using its image as his avatar on social media.
Personal Struggles
Before achieving success, he played from an internet café due to not having a working PC. He later fulfilled his dream of buying a new PC after his team won ESL One New York 2015.
Marriage
9pasha is married, though he prefers to keep his personal life private.
How to Play Offlane Like 9pasha – A Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose Versatile Heroes – 9pasha often played heroes like Doom, Centaur, and Phoenix. Pick heroes that can initiate team fights and control the game.
- Master Laning Mechanics – Surviving the offlane requires understanding creep manipulation, vision placement, and trading effectively.
- Create Space for Your Team – A good offlaner should apply pressure to enemies and create room for the carry to farm safely.
- Itemization Based on Game Needs – Understand when to go for teamfight items like Blink Dagger or defensive items like Pipe of Insight.
- Be a Strong Initiator – Position yourself well in fights to catch multiple opponents with your initiations.
FAQ – Everything About 9pasha and Dota 2
Who is 9pasha?
9pasha is a Russian professional Dota 2 player, primarily known for his offlane role.
What teams has 9pasha played for?
He has played for teams such as Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere, and Vega Squadron.
What is 9pasha’s biggest achievement?
His biggest achievements include winning five Valve Majors with Virtus.pro.
Is 9pasha still playing Dota 2 competitively?
As of 2024, he is not actively playing for any major team.
What is 9pasha’s estimated career earnings?
9pasha has earned approximately $1.7 million from his Dota 2 career.
Why is 9pasha known for his Offlane role?
He excels in initiating fights and controlling the game’s tempo from the Offlane position.
What was his role in Virtus.pro?
He was the primary offlaner and a key component in Virtus.pro’s dominance.
What heroes does 9pasha prefer?
He enjoys playing heroes like Phoenix, Doom, and Centaur.
Did 9pasha ever play Carry?
Yes, he played the Carry role during his time with Vega Squadron and Polarity.
What is 9pasha’s current status?
He is not actively competing but remains involved in the Dota 2 community.
