Joakim “Akke” Akterhall is one of the most respected figures in the Dota 2 esports scene. A Swedish professional player with a storied career, Akke made his mark in both DotA and Dota 2, showcasing his exceptional skill as a support player. Best known for his time with Alliance, he played a pivotal role in securing victory at The International 2013, one of the most prestigious tournaments in esports history. Beyond his illustrious gaming career, Akke has also successfully transitioned into the tech industry as a full-stack developer while maintaining a strong connection with the gaming community.
Biography and Early Career – From DotA to Esports Stardom
Born on May 26, 1988, Akke’s journey into gaming started in high school when his classmate and long-time friend, Jonathan “Loda” Berg, introduced him to DotA in 2005. The duo quickly became immersed in competitive inhouse matches, forming their first serious team, “Team Team” (T_T), in 2006. Alongside Swedish players Bogdan, Renji, and Kwom, they achieved early success by winning an ESL qualifier.
Eventually, Team Team evolved into “Jukes on You” (JoY) and gained sponsorship from Meet Your Makers (MYM). This marked Akke’s first taste of premier-level competition as JoY went on to win the MYM Prime Defending #3 tournament in 2006.
Domination in DotA – Early Glory with SK Gaming
After proving his competitive prowess, Akke teamed up with Loda once again to reform Team Team. Their undeniable synergy and talent caught the attention of SK Gaming, a dominant organization in the esports scene. Under Loda’s captaincy, SK Gaming quickly rose to prominence, winning major tournaments such as the Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) in 2008 and DreamHack Summer.
Despite his success, Akke chose to step away from competitive gaming in late 2008 to focus on completing his university studies. This hiatus, however, was short-lived as his passion for gaming remained strong.
Transition to Heroes of Newerth and Return to Dota
After a brief break from esports, Akke transitioned to Heroes of Newerth (HoN), another competitive multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Reuniting with Loda, they competed with KDGaming and later with Online Kingdom, claiming victory in the HoN Super Series in 2011. His performance as a support player earned him the 2011 GosuGamers HoN Award for Best Support Player.
Despite success in HoN, Akke’s true calling was Dota. As Dota 2 gained popularity, he made the switch back to the game that had defined his early career. The next chapter would cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
The Rise of Akke in Dota 2 – Alliance and The International 2013 Championship
Returning to Dota 2 in late 2011, Akke joined eXperience Gaming alongside Loda. Their talent was quickly recognized, leading to an opportunity with Counter Logic Gaming (CLG). However, it was with No Tidehunter—a roster that would later become Alliance—where Akke found his true home.
In April 2013, No Tidehunter officially rebranded as Alliance, featuring an all-star lineup consisting of:
- Loda (Carry)
- s4 (Mid)
- AdmiralBulldog (Offlane)
- EGM (Support)
- Akke (Support)
The chemistry amongst these players was unparalleled, and they quickly established themselves as among the best teams in the world. Their pinnacle moment came at The International 2013 (TI3), where Alliance defeated Na’Vi in the grand finals, securing a massive $1.4 million prize. Akke’s role as a support was instrumental in their victory, showcasing flawless execution and game sense.
Post-TI3 Success and Later Years in Competitive Play
Following their TI3 win, Alliance continued to dominate international tournaments, winning prestigious events such as:
- G-1 Champions League Season 5
- DreamHack Summer 2013
- StarLadder StarSeries
- World Cyber Arena 2015
- StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 1
However, after a few years atop the Dota 2 scene, Alliance started to struggle with inconsistent performances. In 2016, Akke made the difficult decision to leave the team, exploring other opportunities with Horde and Crescendo before becoming largely inactive in professional play.
Achievements and Awards – A Decorated Career
Akke’s career is adorned with numerous accolades, recognizing his immense contributions to the game:
- The International 2013 – Champion (Alliance)
- G-1 Champions League Season 5 – Champion
- DreamHack Summer 2013 – Champion
- World Cyber Arena 2015 – Champion
- StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 1 – Champion
- GosuAwards Dota 2 2013 – Best Support
- Team Liquid Dota 2 Awards 2013 – Best Supporter & Team of the Year
Life Beyond Dota – Software Development and Personal Pursuits
Apart from his gaming career, Akke holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, which he completed in 2011. His passion for technology led him to a career in software development, and he is currently working as a full-stack developer at Nørdlight.
On a personal level, Akke became a father on September 25, 2017. Despite stepping away from professional esports, he remains engaged with the gaming community through social media and occasional appearances.
Notable Records and Trivia
- Akke holds the record for the most professional matches played and won as Keeper of the Light.
- He is the first player to win a professional Dota 2 match with 0 creep score (as Skywrath Mage at TI6).
- Akke is a three-time Swedish Nintendo Champion (2004, 2006, 2012).
How to Play Like Akke – A Guide for Aspiring Support Players
Master the Art of Vision Control
Ward placement and vision control are crucial in competitive play. Study Akke’s warding strategies to gain insights into professional-level map control.
Perfect Your Support Hero Pool
Akke excelled at heroes like Keeper of the Light and Chen. Learning these heroes and understanding their mechanics can drastically improve your skill as a support player.
Stay Calm Under Pressure
Great support players maintain composure during intense moments. Observe Akke’s decision-making in high-stakes games and implement similar levels of patience in your own matches.
Frequently Asked Questions – Akke and Dota 2
What is Akke best known for in Dota 2?
Akke is best known for winning The International 2013 with Alliance as one of the world’s top support players.
Which teams did Akke play for in his career?
He played for SK Gaming, CLG, Alliance, Horde, and Crescendo in his career.
What heroes did Akke specialize in?
Akke was widely known for his mastery of Keeper of the Light, Chen, and Enchantress.
Did Akke win any awards outside of Dota 2?
Yes! He is a three-time Swedish Nintendo Champion in 2004, 2006, and 2012.
Why did Akke leave professional Dota 2?
Akke left professional play to focus on his family and pursue a career in software development.
What is Akke doing now?
He currently works as a full-stack developer and remains connected with the gaming community.
Did Akke ever play any other esports titles?
Yes, he played Heroes of Newerth before fully transitioning into Dota 2.
What made Akke a special support player?
His exceptional vision control, strategic ward placements, and in-game leadership made him legendary.
Has Akke considered coaching?
While he hasn’t taken an official coaching role, he has provided insights and analysis for the community.
How did Akke and Loda meet?
They met in high school and started playing DotA together, forming a lifelong esports partnership.
Akke remains an iconic figure in Dota 2 history, inspiring both fans and new generations of support players who aspire to reach the professional level.
