Sun “Agressif” Zheng is a name that resonates with Dota 2 fans, particularly those who followed the professional scene during its golden years. As a former Chinese professional Dota 2 player, Agressif was known for his explosive carry performances and his key role in CDEC Gaming’s incredible run at The International 2015. His journey through multiple top-tier teams such as LGD Gaming, Team VGJ, and Invictus Gaming solidified his reputation as one of China’s most formidable carry players. This article explores his career, achievements, notable matches, and his contributions to the Dota 2 community.
Agressif – Early Career and Rise in the Dota 2 Scene
Born on November 11, 1991, in China, Agressif’s journey to becoming a professional Dota 2 player started in 2013. His early days were crucial in shaping him into the skilled player that the world later recognized.
New Element – The Beginning
Agressif’s first recorded professional stint was with New Element, a lesser-known team in the Chinese Dota 2 scene. He joined the squad on August 20, 2013, and played until November 25, 2013. Although his time with New Element was short, it helped him gain experience in a competitive atmosphere.
LGD.CDEC – The First Major Step
Following his departure from New Element, Agressif joined LGD.CDEC on April 25, 2014. This was an important move as CDEC was LGD Gaming’s development squad and provided a platform for young Chinese talents to prove their worth. He remained with LGD.CDEC until October 14, 2014, after which he transitioned to the main CDEC Gaming team.
Agressif and CDEC Gaming – A Cinderella Story at The International 2015
The most well-known part of Agressif’s career came during his time with CDEC Gaming. The team fought their way through challenges to become one of the most formidableforces in competitive Dota 2.
The International 2015 – From Wildcards to Runners-up
Initially, CDEC Gaming was not a team widely tipped for success. Unlike other iconic Chinese teams like Vici Gaming and LGD, CDEC had to battle their way through the wild card stage after finishing second in the Chinese Qualifiers. No one expected CDEC to make a deep run, but Agressif and his team defied the odds.
- CDEC dominated the group stage, securing a direct slot in the Upper Bracket.
- They went unbeaten through the upper bracket, defeating teams like Cloud9 and Evil Geniuses.
- Agressif was a standout performer, excelling on heroes like Ember Spirit, Phantom Lancer, and Gyrocopter.
Despite a HEROIC effort, CDEC fell to Evil Geniuses in the Grand Final with a 1-3 score, earning second place and a massive prize of $2,856,590. This achievement was one of the biggest surprises in TI history and propelled Agressif to international fame.
Post-TI 2015 Achievements with CDEC
After The International 2015, CDEC Gaming continued to impress in several tournaments:
- ESL One New York 2015 – Top 4 finish
- MLG World Finals 2015 – 3rd-4th Place
- The Frankfurt Major 2015 – 5th-6th Place
- ECL 2015 Dota 2 Autumn – Champion
Despite not replicating their TI 2015 success, they stayed competitive in the scene for a while.
LGD Gaming and New Challenges
On March 18, 2016, Agressif moved to LGD Gaming, one of the most prestigious Dota 2 teams in China. His stint with LGD saw him win titles like:
- ECL Autumn 2015
- Dota2 Professional League Season 2 – Secondary
Additionally, he secured a 4th place finish at The Manila Major 2016, proving that he could still compete at the highest level.
Later Career – Team VGJ, For The Dream, and Invictus Gaming
Following his time with LGD, Agressif joined several other teams:
- Team VGJ (September 2016 – September 2017)
- For The Dream (September 2017 – February 2018)
- Invictus Gaming (February 2018 – Retirement)
Although he continued to play in various tournaments, Agressif never quite recaptured the magic of his TI 2015 run. However, he capped off his career with a first-place finish at the World Cyber Arena 2017 with Invictus Gaming.
Agressif’s Notable Heroes and Playstyle
Agressif was best known for playing hyper-aggressive carry heroes. His mechanical skills and aggressive positioning made him a formidable opponent. His signature heroes included:
- Ember Spirit
- Phantom Lancer
- Gyrocopter
- Lifestealer
His ability to dominate lanes and transition effectively into the late game was one of his trademarks, making him a feared carry across multiple TI events.
Personal Achievements – 10,000 MMR Milestone
Despite retiring, Agressif continued to play Dota 2. On February 3, 2023, he reached the 10,000 MMR milestone, a tremendous accomplishment for any high-level player.
FAQ – Agressif Dota 2
What teams did Agressif play for?
Agressif played for New Element, LGD.CDEC, CDEC Gaming, LGD Gaming, Team VGJ, For The Dream, and Invictus Gaming.
What is Agressif’s real name?
His real name is Sun Zheng.
What is Agressif’s most famous tournament performance?
His best performance was at The International 2015, where he finished second with CDEC Gaming.
Has Agressif won any TI championships?
No, but he finished as the runner-up at The International 2015.
What were Agressif’s signature heroes?
His most well-known heroes were Ember Spirit, Phantom Lancer, and Gyrocopter.
When did Agressif retire?
He retired after his stint with Invictus Gaming in 2018.
Did Agressif play for LGD Gaming?
Yes, he played for LGD Gaming from March 2016 to August 2016.
What is Agressif’s biggest career prize?
His largest prize was from The International 2015, where he earned $2,856,590 with CDEC Gaming.
Is Agressif still involved in Dota 2?
There has been no recent activity suggesting he is active in the competitive scene.
Did Agressif ever reach 10,000 MMR?
Yes, he reached 10,000 MMR on February 3, 2023.
How to Play Like Agressif – A Dota 2 Guide
Step 1: Select the Right Heroes
- Pick heroes that suit Agressif’s aggressive playstyle, such as Ember Spirit or Phantom Lancer.
Step 2: Master Lane Control
- Focus on last hitting and denying effectively.
- Zone enemies out with strong harass tactics.
Step 3: Make Aggressive Rotations
- Use early rotations to secure objectives.
- Pressure lanes to create space for your team.
Step 4: Excel in Team Fights
- Engage with perfect positioning.
- Use spells effectively to maximize damage output.
Agressif’s impact on Dota 2 remains legendary, and his aggressive playstyle continues to inspire players worldwide.
