Marcus “Ace” Folke Hoelgaard Christensen is a Danish professional Dota 2 player renowned for his versatility and skill in multiple roles. Born on January 19, 1994, Ace has cemented himself as a prominent figure in the competitive Dota 2 scene. He has played for numerous teams, demonstrating exceptional proficiency with heroes like Meepo, Razor, and Lone Druid. Currently a core player for Gaimin Gladiators, Ace continues to prove his excellence in various international tournaments. This article delves into his career, achievements, playing style, and statistics, providing an in-depth look at one of Dota 2’s most seasoned professionals.
Career – The Journey of Ace in Dota 2
Ace began his Dota 2 career in 2012, initially competing for smaller Danish teams and slowly making his way into the professional scene. Over the years, he played for several well-known teams, earning a reputation as a reliable and versatile player.
Early Years (2012-2016)
- Gamer University and 3DMAX (2012) – Ace started getting recognized while playing for these teams, where he developed his core skills.
- Team Life, mousesports, and Meet Your Makers (2013-2014) – Moving through these teams helped him gain valuable esports experience.
- Lianghao, Flipsid3 Tactics, and Danish Bears (2014-2016) – Danish Bears was particularly important as it showcased him in European competitions.
Rise to Prominence (2016-2020)
- The Imperial (2016) – The Imperial performed solidly in regional tournaments, elevating Ace’s recognition.
- Cloud9 (2017, 2020) – Playing for Cloud9 gave Ace international exposure.
- Team Secret (2017-2018) – A crucial phase where Ace competed at the highest levels of Dota 2.
- Ninjas in Pyjamas (2018-2019) – Continued to establish his standing as a world-class player.
- 5men (2020)– A project that saw some competitive success.
Recent Success with Gaimin Gladiators (2021-Present)
In 2021, Ace played for Hellbear Smashers and later joined Team Tickles. In February 2022, Team Tickles was signed by Gaimin Gladiators, and Ace has remained a crucial member of the roster ever since. His recent successes with the team have solidified his position as one of the strongest European players.
Achievements and Notable Performances
Ace has achieved several remarkable milestones throughout his career, ranking among the most successful Dota 2 players in recent years.
- Riyadh Masters 2024: Crowned champion with Gaimin Gladiators, securing a massive prize of $1,500,000.
- The International 2023: Finished second, earning $405,637, marking his best TI finish.
- Lima Major and Berlin Major 2022/2023: Clinched these consecutive majors, proving his dominance in the pro scene.
Playing Style and Hero Pool
Ace is known for his flexible playstyle, seamlessly shifting between different roles and adjusting to his team’s needs. His hero pool features unique and unconventional picks, making him a challenging opponent.
Signature Heroes
- Meepo: Known for his mechanical mastery, Ace is one of the best Meepo players in the professional scene.
- Razor: His high-impact Razor performances consistently pressure enemies in laning and fights.
- Lone Druid: Has utilized this hero effectively, securing key victories with his precise micro-management skills.
Underlord – His Riyadh Masters 2024 Success
One of Ace’s standout performances was his Underlord play at the Riyadh Masters 2024. He achieved an incredible 90% win rate, going 9-1 with the hero. His strategic approach revolved around:
- Scaling efficiently through farming and map control.
- Utilizing Underlord’s global presence with his ultimate.
- Itemizing systematically to counter enemy threats.
- Focusing on Firestorm and Atrophy Aura as core abilities.
Performance and Statistics
Analyzing Ace’s current and historic performance numbers showcases his consistency and effectiveness.
Overall Career Statistics
- Total Matches: 2704
- Win Rate: 56.80%
- KDA: 4.13
Performance in the Last Year
- Matches: 248
- Win Rate: 54.84%
- KDA: 3.67
Recent Three-Month Form
- Matches: 73
- Win Rate: 52.05%
- KDA: 3.73
Personal Life and Background
Ace’s gaming journey started with soccer and Counter-Strike before he fully committed to Dota 2. His brother, Link, was also involved in Dota 2, and the two played together in Ace’s early career.
How to Play Like Ace in Dota 2
1. Master Versatile Heroes
To emulate Ace, practice heroes like Meepo, Razor, and Lone Druid, ensuring you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and counterplay strategies.
2. Focus on Efficient Farming
Ace tends to outfarm his opponents by securing resources effectively. Learn how to maximize jungle efficiency and lane equilibrium.
3. Adapt to Different Team Roles
Ace has played multiple roles throughout his career. To follow in his footsteps, enhance your versatility by practicing both carry and mid heroes.
4. Study Professional Matches
Analyze Ace’s professional games to understand his decision-making, map movements, and itemization timing.
FAQ – Ace and Dota 2
What is Ace’s real name?
Ace’s real name is Marcus Folke Hoelgaard Christensen.
When did Ace start playing Dota 2 professionally?
Ace started his professional Dota 2 career in 2012.
Which teams has Ace played for?
Ace has played for several teams, including Team Secret, Cloud9, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and currently Gaimin Gladiators.
What are Ace’s biggest achievements?
Some of his most notable achievements include winning Riyadh Masters 2024 and placing second at The International 2023.
What is Ace’s main role in Gaimin Gladiators?
Ace primarily plays as an offlaner for Gaimin Gladiators.
Which hero is Ace best known for?
Ace is known for his Meepo, Razor, Lone Druid, and Underlord performances.
How successful is Ace in tournaments?
Ace has a track record of strong performances in international tournaments, securing multiple Major wins.
What is his highest tournament prize?
His highest tournament prize came from winning Riyadh Masters 2024, earning $1,500,000.
Does Ace create Dota 2 content?
Ace is primarily focused on competitive play but remains active on social media, sharing game highlights.
Where can I watch Ace’s games?
Ace’s matches can be watched live on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube when he participates in tournaments.
