Dota 2 has seen many legends rise through the ranks, but few have left as lasting an impact as Wang “Banana” Jiao. A pioneer of Chinese Dota, Banana played a crucial role in shaping the competitive scene, not only as a skilled player but also as a mentor and coach. His journey from the early days of DotA to becoming a world champion at The International 2014 reflects a career filled with triumphs, strategic brilliance, and Perseverance. In this article, we dive deep into the career, achievements, and legacy of one of China’s most influential Dota 2 figures.

Who Is Banana? – A Legend in Dota 2

Wang “Banana” Jiao is a former professional Dota and Dota 2 player from China. Born on July 5, 1987, he became an integral part of the first generation of Chinese professional Dota esports athletes. Over the years, he transitioned from a top-tier player to a respected coach, influencing the direction of the competitive scene.

Banana’s skill set primarily revolved around support roles, where he showcased mastery of heroes that enabled his team’s success. Throughout his career, his adaptability and deep game knowledge made him a sought-after player for numerous elite Chinese teams.

Early Career – DotA and First Tournament Wins

Banana’s esports career began in the late 2000s, back in the days of WarCraft III’s Defense of the Ancients (DotA). Competing with some of the top Chinese teams, he quickly made a name for himself in the competitive scene. His journey saw him play for teams like xFy, Nirvana.cn, and Radiance, achieving remarkable success domestically and internationally.

Notable Achievements in Early DotA

  • Alienware Dota League 2009 – Champion
  • The DotA Razer Global Challenge – Winner
  • World DotA Championship 2010 – Champion

These early victories established Banana as a formidable player, capable of performing under pressure and guiding teams to victory.

Transition to Dota 2 – New Challenges, New Teams

In the early 2010s, as Valve released Dota 2, Banana made the transition alongside many other veteran DotA players. His early Dota 2 career saw him join teams like Online Kingdom, For.Love, TongFu, and Invictus Gaming, where he continued to impress with his understanding of the game.

TongFu and The International 2013

One of Banana’s standout moments came when he competed with TongFu at The International 2013. Under his leadership and coordination skills, the team managed to secure an impressive 4th place finish, walking away with over $200,000 in prize money.

This success proved that Banana was not only a strong support player but also a crucial orchestrator of team strategy.

Joining Newbee – The International 2014 Champion

March 2014 marked a turning point in Banana’s career. He joined Newbee, replacing the legendary ZSMJ. This move would soon change Dota 2 history forever.

The International 2014 Victory

The year 2014 witnessed one of the most dominant runs in The International’s history. With Banana as a core support player, Newbee dismantled the competition and emerged as the TI4 Champions, securing $5,028,308 in prize money. At the time, this was the largest single prize awarded in esports history.

This victory placed Banana among the top esports earners globally and cemented his legacy in Dota 2’s history books.

Later Career – Coaching and Team Transitions

Following his triumph at TI4, Banana continued competing and later transitioned into coaching. His career took him through multiple prestigious organizations, including:

  • LGD Gaming
  • LGD.Forever Young
  • Newbee (returning stint)
  • Royal Never Give Up (Coach)

His transition to coaching allowed him to shape the next generation of Dota 2 players. His hands-on experience and extensive knowledge of the game made him a key mentor in the Chinese professional scene.

Major Achievements and Career Earnings

Banana’s career is filled with accolades and tournament victories. Below are some of his most notable achievements:

Significant Tournament Wins

  • The International 2014 – 1st Place ($5,028,308)
  • The International 2013 – 4th Place ($200,000+)
  • AMD Premier League Season 1 – Champion
  • Dota 2 Super League – Champion
  • MarsTV Dota 2 League 2014 – Champion
  • World Cyber Arena 2014 – Champion
  • National Electronic Sports Open 2014 – Champion

His total earnings from competition alone are estimated to be between $1,192,049 – $1,277,943, a testament to his success in the esports industry.

How to Play Like Banana in Dota 2

If you want to emulate Banana’s playstyle, here’s a step-by-step guide to improving your support gameplay:

Step 1: Master the Support Role

Banana excelled as a support player, controlling the game through vision, rotations, and utility-based heroes. Start by learning heroes like Rubick, Lion, and Visage.

Step 2: Prioritize Map Control

Good warding and dewarding are critical. Invest in Observer and Sentry Wards to ensure your team has vision dominance.

Step 3: Learn Rotations & Lane Control

One of Banana’s key strengths was his rotational game. Study professional matches to understand when and where to gank.

Step 4: Communicate with Teammates

As a support, clear and concise communication is vital. Keep your team updated with enemy movements and key objectives.

Step 5: Study Banana’s Gameplay

Watch replays of Banana’s games to understand high-level support play. Analyze his item choices and decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions – Banana and Dota 2

Who is Wang “Banana” Jiao?

Banana is a former professional Dota and Dota 2 player from China, best known for winning The International 2014 with Newbee.

What teams did Banana play for?

Banana played for teams such as xFy, Nirvana.cn, Radiance, Online Kingdom, For.Love, TongFu, Invictus Gaming, LGD Gaming, and Newbee.

What was Banana’s biggest achievement?

Banana’s biggest achievement was winning The International 2014 with Newbee.

How much prize money has Banana won?

Banana has earned over $1.2 million from competitive Dota 2 tournaments.

What role did Banana play?

Banana primarily played as a support, with excellent game sense and vision control.

Is Banana still playing Dota 2?

While retired from competitive play, Banana is currently involved in coaching and mentoring in the Chinese Dota 2 scene.

Which heroes did Banana play the most?

Banana was renowned for playing heroes such as Rubick, Lion, Visage, and Chen.

What made Banana a great player?

His ability to anticipate opponent moves, provide vision, and control the game as a support made him one of the top players in China.

Did Banana ever coach a Dota 2 team?

Yes, he has coached for Royal Never Give Up, among other teams.

Where can I watch Banana’s games?

You can find many of Banana’s competitive matches on video platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

Banana remains an iconic figure in Dota 2, revered for his contributions to the scene as both a player and a coach. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring support players worldwide.