Dominik “Black^” Reitmeier is a name that resonates deeply within the Dota 2 community. As one of the most talented and versatile carry players in the game’s history, Black^ has carved out a career filled with triumphs, setbacks, and personal struggles. His journey from being a rising star in the European scene to competing on the international stage with powerhouse organizations like Vici Gaming is a testament to his skill and resilience. This article delves into Black^’s career, his personal hardships, his achievements, and his ongoing journey in professional Dota 2.
Early Career and Background
Born in Germany, Black^ initially honed his competitive gaming skills in Heroes of Newerth before making a full transition to Dota 2. His early career began to take shape around 2012-2013 when he joined teams like Mousesports, where he showcased his immense talent as a carry player.
Black^’s skill did not go unnoticed, and he soon attracted attention from top-tier teams. After The International 2013 (TI3), he received an offer to join LGD.int, but personal reasons prevented him from accepting the offer immediately. Despite this, he continued to refine his gameplay, determined to make it to the top.
Personal Challenges – A Story of Perseverance
Black^’s journey has been marked by personal challenges that tested his resilience. One of the most significant events in his life was the loss of his father to cancer. This heartbreaking moment came at a crucial point when he decided to pursue esports professionally. His father’s words of encouragement became a guiding force for him, pushing him to achieve his goals no matter how difficult the road ahead became.
However, Black^ faced yet another obstacle when he was diagnosed with advanced-stage Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He underwent a bone marrow transplant but chose to keep his condition hidden from his family to protect them from additional worry. His road to recovery was long and arduous, but he credits his father’s wisdom and his own unwavering determination for helping him through.
Professional Career Highlights
Joining Team DK and Leading CIS-Game
In 2014, Black^ made one of the biggest moves of his career by joining Team DK as a stand-in for the legendary BurNIng. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, earning him recognition as one of the best carry players in the scene.
Following his time with Team DK, he joined CIS-Game as a captain, a role that tested his leadership abilities. Under his guidance, the team qualified for The International 2014 (TI4), despite being considered massive underdogs.
Vici Gaming – A Career-Defining Period
Black^’s career reached new heights with Vici Gaming (VG), which he joined in 2014. VG was one of the strongest teams at the time, and alongside players like fy, Fenrir, and iceiceice, he proved to be a critical asset.
During his time with Vici Gaming, he won several elite tournaments, including ESL One New York 2014, where VG triumphed over the formidable Evil Geniuses. Black^’s commitment to improving his fluency in Chinese to better communicate with his teammates further demonstrated his dedication to the team.
The Dota Asian Championship and Unexpected Challenges
In 2015, Black^ played a key role in guiding Vici Gaming to the Dota Asian Championship (DAC 2015) Grand Finals. Despite finishing in second place after losing to Evil Geniuses, this was an impressive accomplishment that cemented his reputation as one of the world’s top carry players.
However, shortly after DAC 2015, Vici Gaming made roster adjustments, bringing in Hao and removing Black^ from the team. This unexpected change deeply affected Black^’s confidence, causing him to enter a difficult phase in his career.
Team Faceless and Competitive Hiatus
Determined to regain his top-tier status, Black^ joined the Southeast Asian squad Team Faceless in 2016. Unfortunately, the team struggled to maintain consistency, and internal conflicts emerged. Black^ later admitted that he was not the best teammate during this time, and his relationships with some players, including iceiceice, suffered.
Following the disbandment of Team Faceless in 2017, Black^ took a break from competitive play. He pivoted towards casting and analysis, where his deep game knowledge made him a respected figure in the community.
Return to Competitive Play
Despite several ups and downs, Black^ continued to pursue his competitive ambitions. He briefly played for T1, but ultimately left, citing that the team was not the right fit for him. He later joined LGD.int, marking another chapter in his career.
Earnings and Financial Success
Over the course of his career, Black^ has earned approximately $241,428.89 from 56 tournaments, with his highest single prize sum coming from the Dota Asian Championship 2015 ($73,380.40). He is ranked #1384 in overall esports earnings globally and #31 among German players.
Notable Tournament Achievements
- Dota Asian Championship 2015 – Second place, earning $73,380.40
- i-League Season 1 – Champion, earning $31,000
- The Summit 2 – Champion, earning $26,873
- ESL One New York 2014 – Champion with Vici Gaming
Personal Growth – A Stronger Mentality
In recent years, Black^ has spoken openly about his personal growth. He has sought professional help for mental health struggles and acknowledges past mistakes. With a renewed sense of maturity and confidence, he remains committed to proving himself as one of Dota 2’s elite players.
How to Play Like Black^ in Dota 2
Mastering the Carry Role
- Focus on farm efficiency – prioritize last-hitting and stacking neutral camps.
- Learn to split-push intelligently.
- Master heroes like Terrorblade, Anti-Mage, and Morphling.
- Improve map awareness and decision-making.
FAQ – Black^ and His Legacy in Dota 2
What teams has Black^ played for?
Black^ has played for numerous teams, including Mousesports, Team DK, Vici Gaming, CIS-Game, Team Faceless, T1, and LGD.int.
What was Black^’s biggest Dota 2 achievement?
His biggest achievement came when he finished second place at DAC 2015 with Vici Gaming, earning $73,380.40.
Why was Black^ removed from Vici Gaming?
Vici Gaming made roster changes in 2015 and brought in Hao, which resulted in Black^ being dropped from the team.
What personal hardships has Black^ faced?
Black^ lost his father to cancer and battled Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
What is Black^’s total career earnings?
As of now, Black^ has earned $241,428.89 from professional Dota 2 tournaments.
What heroes is Black^ known for playing?
Black^ is known for his exceptional carries such as Anti-Mage, Morphling, and Terrorblade.
Will Black^ return to professional Dota 2?
Black^ has expressed his desire to continue competing, though he has also taken up roles as an analyst and caster.
Has Black^ played in The International?
Yes, Black^ has competed at TI4 as part of CIS-Game.
What was Black^’s time at Team Faceless like?
While the team had potential, internal issues and inconsistency led to their disbandment in 2017.
Where is Black^ now?
He continues to stay involved in Dota 2 as a player, analyst, and caster.
Source: dota2
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