Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling is one of the most influential figures in the Dota 2 professional scene. From his early beginnings as a player to his later success as a coach, Aui_2000 has left an indelible mark on the game. His journey has been one of resilience, strategic genius, and continuous growth. Whether it was his triumph at The International 2015 with Evil Geniuses or his tactical acumen as a coach, Aui_2000’s career is a testament to skill and Perseverance. This article delves deep into his early life, professional achievements, coaching career, and his ongoing contributions to Dota 2.
Early Life and Introduction to Dota
Aui_2000 was born on October 2, 1992, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His introduction to the gaming world came at a young age when he discovered DotA at the age of nine. Although he played the game casually at first, his passion for strategy and competition began to form early on. It wasn’t until his time at the University of British Columbia that he truly started to hone his skills, competing under the alias ValiditySAGA as part of the Starcraft club.
Despite his burgeoning interest in competitive gaming, Aui_2000’s early journey was far from easy. While attending university, he worked two jobs—one as a preschool janitor and another as a stocker in a supermarket—to support himself. Meanwhile, his parents initially had concerns about his career in eSports. However, as his talent became more apparent and his successes increased, they embraced his passion and supported his decision to go professional.
Professional Dota 2 Career
PotM Bottom and Team Dignitas
Aui_2000’s professional Dota 2 career officially began in 2012 when he joined the North American squad PotM Bottom as a carry player. Their impressive performances caught the attention of big organizations, leading to their acquisition by Team Dignitas in September 2012. It was here that Aui_2000 made an important transition from a carry position to a support role.
With Team Dignitas, Aui_2000 participated in several high-stakes tournaments. The team notably madeit to The International 2013 (TI3), where they finished in the 9th-12th position. While not the highest placement, it was an important milestone in his career, solidifying his presence in the upper echelons of professional play.
Cloud9 and First Major Success
In February 2014, Aui_2000 signed with Cloud9, a powerhouse organization looking to make a mark in Dota 2. With Cloud9, he refined his skills as a support player and helped the team secure multiple top placements in competitive events. Their biggest achievement during his tenure was a 5th-6th place finish at The International 2014 (TI4).
Joining Evil Geniuses and TI5 Glory
In early 2015, Aui_2000 was picked up by Evil Geniuses (EG), replacing former player zai. This move proved to be one of the most crucial moments in his career. Shortly after joining, he contributed to EG’s dominant victory at the Dota 2 Asia Championships (DAC 2015), earning over $250,000 in prize money.
Later that year, Aui_2000 and Evil Geniuses achieved the pinnacle of competitive Dota 2—winning The International 2015 (TI5). The team defeated CDEC Gaming in the grand finals, securing the championship and earning a massive $1,326,932.14 as his share of the prize pool. His performance at TI5 cemented his legacy as one of the best support players in the game.
Post-TI5 Challenges and Team Digital Chaos
Despite his monumental success, Aui_2000 faced an unexpected setback when he was removed from Evil Geniuses shortly after their TI5 victory. Determined to continue competing, he formed his own team, Digital Chaos. However, the squad struggled to achieve significant results, leading him to rejoin EG in 2016. Unfortunately, after a rocky performance at the Manila Major, he was once again removed from the roster.
Later Playing Career – Team NP, Forward Gaming, and Beyond
Post-EG, Aui_2000 played for multiple teams, including Team NP, Cloud9 (once again), and Forward Gaming. His experience and leadership brought value to each squad, though he was unable to replicate his previous international success. Regardless, his reputation as a highly skilled and knowledgeable support player remained intact.
Transition to Coaching
As his time as a professional player wound down, Aui_2000 transitioned into coaching. He first took on coaching responsibilities at Forward Gaming and later served as Newbee’s coach at The International 2019 (TI9).
By 2021, he had expanded his role in the Dota 2 community beyond coaching, offering his insights as a broadcast analyst and commentator at major events such as the WePlay AniMajor and The International 10 (TI10). His deep understanding of the game made him a natural at breaking down strategies and making high-level gameplay more accessible to viewers.
As of 2023, Aui_2000 is coaching Team Falcons, sharing his expertise to guide the next generation of Dota 2 players.
Achievements and Prize Money
Over the span of his illustrious career, Aui_2000 has amassed total prize earnings of $2,073,582.54 from 89 tournaments. His most significant prize win came from The International 2015, securing over $1.3 million from the event.
Notable Tournament Performances
- The International 2015: Champion (Evil Geniuses) – $1,326,932.14
- Dota 2 Asia Championships 2015: Champion (Evil Geniuses) – $256,831.60
- The International 2014: 5th-6th (Cloud9) – $131,173.20
- The Boston Major 2016: 5th-8th (Digital Chaos) – $25,000
How to Improve as a Support Player in Dota 2
Pick the Right Heroes
Understanding the meta and picking strong supports can drastically impact your chances of success.
Master Vision Control
Warding properly is crucial in Dota 2. Make sure you’re placing vision in areas that benefit your team and dewarding enemy wards efficiently.
Communicate Effectively
Good communication is key to coordinating movements and securing objectives with your team.
Learn from Pros
Watch gameplay from professional players like Aui_2000 to understand positioning, decision-making, and itemization.
FAQ – Aui_2000 and Dota 2
Who is Aui_2000?
Aui_2000 is a professional Dota 2 player and coach from Canada, known for winning The International 2015 with Evil Geniuses.
Why is Aui_2000 famous in Dota 2?
He is renowned for his success as a support player, particularly his TI5 victory and his later transition into coaching and analysis.
What teams has Aui_2000 played for?
Aui_2000 has played for Team Dignitas, Cloud9, Evil Geniuses, Digital Chaos, Team NP, Forward Gaming, and more.
What is Aui_2000 doing now?
As of 2023, Aui_2000 is coaching Team Falcons, helping them improve their competitive performance.
How much prize money has Aui_2000 earned?
He has earned a total of $2,073,582.54 from 89 tournaments.
What role did Aui_2000 play in Dota 2?
He primarily played support but also started his career as a carry before transitioning.
Has Aui_2000 ever coached a TI team?
Yes, he coached Newbee at The International 2019.
What was the biggest moment of his career?
Winning The International 2015 with Evil Geniuses.
What nationality is Aui_2000?
He is Canadian.
Where can I watch Aui_2000’s games?
You can find replays on Dota 2 platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Valve’s official library.
