Abed Azel Yusop, known in the Dota 2 community simply as “Abed,” is one of the most skilled and influential players to emerge from Southeast Asia. Hailing from the Philippines, Abed has become a household name in professional Dota 2, thanks to his incredible mechanical skills, strategic gameplay, and record-breaking MMR achievements. His journey from a young prodigy playing in an internet café to competing on the biggest international stages speaks volumes of his dedication and talent. In this article, we will explore Abed’s career, his major achievements, his playing style, and what sets him apart from other players in the Dota 2 scene.
Early Life and Introduction to Dota 2
Abed was born on August 2, 2000, in Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines. His exposure to gaming began at a young age, as his parents owned a local internet café where he spent countless hours perfecting his skills. He started playing the classic DotA (Defense of the Ancients) at the age of 7 before transitioning to Dota 2 in 2014.
Even as a teenager, Abed displayed an exceptional understanding of the game. His mastery of heroes such as Meepo and Invoker quickly made him a standout player in the Southeast Asian community. By the age of 13, he had already established himself as one of the highest-ranked players in the region. Despite initial parental concerns about his gaming obsession, his family’s support grew as his potential became apparent.
Professional Career – The Rise of Abed
Early Teams and Breakthrough with Execration
Abed’s professional career officially began in 2015 when he joined MSI-EvoGT, a team that later rebranded to Trackmate. However, his breakthrough moment came in January 2016 when he joined Execration. Initially, he declined their offer due to school commitments, but he eventually accepted and went on to make an immediate impact.
Abed’s performance at The International 2016 showcased his raw talent, particularly in a match against compLexityGaming where he went a flawless 18-0 as Meepo. This performance cemented his reputation as one of the best midlaners in the region.
Joining Fnatic – Establishing Himself as a Midlane Star
In November 2017, Abed joined Fnatic, a move that would significantly elevate his career. During his time with Fnatic, he consistently delivered exceptional performances, helping the team secure strong regional and international results. Notable achievements during his stint with Fnatic include:
- Second place at DOTA Summit 8
- Fourth place at ESL One Katowice 2018
- Second place at DreamLeague Season 9
His dominance in the midlane and his hero pool versatility made him a formidable force in the competitive scene. However, Abed was hungry for even greater accomplishments.
North American Chapter – Joining Evil Geniuses
In September 2019, Abed took on a new challenge by joining Evil Geniuses (EG), a powerhouse in the North American Dota 2 scene. EG’s roster at the time was considered one of the strongest in the world, boasting the highest combined MMR of any team.
Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Abed and EG managed to secure notable results, including:
- Fourth place at the MDL Chengdu Major
- Second place at the ONE Esports Dota 2 World Pro Invitational Singapore
- Second place at the DreamLeague Season 13: The Leipzig Major
After his stint with EG, he moved on to Shopify Rebellion in December 2022, where he continued to shine until November 2023.
Return to Southeast Asia – Blacklist International and Beyond
In November 2023, Abed decided to return to Southeast Asia and joined Blacklist International. His presence brought hope to the team, as they competed in major tournaments such as ESL One: Kuala Lumpur 2023 and PGL Wallachia Season 1. However, visa issues restricted his participation in some events.
In 2024, Blacklist International qualified for the Riyadh Masters. As of February 2025, Abed has transitioned to Aurora Gaming, marking another chapter in his illustrious career.
MMR Records and Individual Milestones
Abed is widely recognized for his exceptional MMR achievements. He has repeatedly shattered the Solo matchmaking rating (MMR) records, becoming:
- The first Filipino player to reach 9,000 MMR in March 2017
- The first global player to reach 10,000 MMR in June 2017
- The first player under Valve’s new medal system to achieve 10,000 MMR again in June 2019
- The first player to reach 11,000 solo MMR in May 2020
These achievements solidified his status as one of the highest-skilled and most consistent Dota 2 players in history.
Overcoming Criticism and Proving His Worth
With his soaring MMR achievements, Abed faced scrutiny, with some critics alleging that he relied on “MMR assassins” to boost his ranking artificially. However, Abed repeatedly proved his worth in high-stakes competitive matches, shutting down any doubts about his skill level.
How to Play Like Abed in Dota 2
Master His Signature Heroes
- Meepo – Requires high APM and precise micro-control
- Invoker – Demands deep game knowledge and combo execution
- Storm Spirit – Exceptional mobility-based hero
- Void Spirit – Quick bursts of damage with elusive moves
Develop a Strong Laning Phase
Abed’s ability to dominate the midlane is a key factor in his success. Players looking to emulate his midlane prowess should focus on:
- Last-hitting and denying efficiently
- Applying pressure to the enemy midlaner
- Perfecting creep equilibrium and rune control
FAQs – Abed and Dota 2
Who is Abed?
Abed Azel Yusop is a Filipino professional Dota 2 player known for his exceptional mechanical skill and record-breaking MMR achievements.
What teams has Abed played for?
Abed has competed for teams such as Fnatic, Evil Geniuses, Shopify Rebellion, and Blacklist International. As of 2025, he plays for Aurora Gaming.
What makes Abed special in Dota 2?
His remarkable hero pool, exceptional laning skills, and unmatched mastery of micro-intensive heroes like Meepo set him apart.
What is the highest MMR Abed has achieved?
Abed became the first player to reach 11,000 solo MMR, setting a remarkable milestone in Dota 2 history.
Has Abed ever won The International?
No, while Abed has competed in multiple TI events, he has not yet secured a championship victory.
What is Abed’s best hero?
Meepo and Invoker are considered his best and most iconic heroes.
Is Abed the best midlaner?
While subjective, many consider him one of the best midlaners in the world due to his consistency and skill.
When did Abed start playing Dota 2 professionally?
He started his professional career in 2015 with MSI-EvoGT.
What is Abed’s biggest tournament achievement?
Some of his biggest achievements include second-place finishes at the WePlay AniMajor 2021 and ONE Esports Singapore Major.
Will Abed continue competing professionally?
As of 2025, Abed continues to compete at the highest level with Aurora Gaming.
