Kanishka “BuLba” Sosale, known simply as “Sam” in the Dota 2 community, is one of the most influential figures in the professional Dota scene. As both a player and coach, BuLba has left a lasting legacy, influencing North American Dota for over a decade. From starting his career in the original DotA to becoming a respected strategist behind world-class teams such as Evil Geniuses and Shopify Rebellion, BuLba’s journey is a testament to Perseverance, skill, and adaptability. This article takes a deep dive into his career, achievements, and the impact he has had on the Dota 2 competitive scene.
Early Career – Beginnings in DotA
BuLba’s career in esports began in 2007 during the Era of the original DotA. As a promising North American player, he made a name for himself in various in-house leagues, competing against some of the best talents in the region. One of his earliest notable achievements was being part of Team USA in the MYM Prime Nations 3 tournament, where they pulled off an upset victory against a formidable Ukrainian lineup.
Despite significant achievements, BuLba briefly stepped away from competitive gaming as DotA started to decline in favor of other games. However, his passion for the game never faded, and he eagerly awaited the release of Dota 2, intending to make a comeback in the new esports landscape.
Transition to Dota 2
BuLba transitioned to Dota 2 in 2011, co-founding the team EZ Style alongside PowerNet. The team initially competed in various small tournaments, such as the ROCCAT GosuCup #4, before being picked up by It’s Gosu eSports. However, the roster was short-lived, leading BuLba to seek new opportunitieswith larger organizations.
In May 2012, BuLba joined Evil Geniuses, one of North America’s premier teams. Representing EG, he participated in The International 2012 (TI2), marking his first appearance at the most prestigious Dota 2 event. Unfortunately, EG finished with a 9th-12th place placement, leading to roster changes and his eventual departure from the team in September of the same year.
Team History – BuLba’s Competitive Journey
BuLba’s career spans numerous teams, where he showcased his flexibility across different roles and playstyles. Here’s a breakdown of the teams he played for:
- Evil Geniuses (2012): Joined in May, played at TI2, and left in September.
- Team Liquid (2012-2014): Joined in December 2012; notable achievements include winning RaidCall Dota 2 League Season 2 and finishing top eight at TI3.
- Team Tinker (2014-2015): Achieved second place at the Dota 2 Champions League Season 4.
- mousesports (2015): A brief stint with mousesports.
- Digital Chaos (2015-2016, 2017): Played twice under this banner, showcasing his adaptability.
- Evil Geniuses (2016): Rejoined EG in March.
- Team Secret (2016): Joined in June, but returned to Team Liquid in September as a support player.
- Team Onyx (2017): Co-founded Team Onyx with DeMoN before rejoining Digital Chaos.
Coaching Career – A Strategic Mind
After his playing career saw ups and downs, BuLba transitioned into coaching in 2015, aligning with Evil Geniuses. His strategic depth proved invaluable as EG clinched the champion title at The International 2015 (TI5), one of the biggest accomplishments in Dota 2 history.
BuLba remained an integral part of EG’s coaching staff until November 2022, when the entire Evil Geniuses roster transitioned to Shopify Rebellion. He continued his coaching role under this new banner, further solidifying his expertise as an analyst and tactician.
Achievements and Statistics
Tournament Successes
- Winner of RaidCall Dota 2 League Season 2.
- Champion of the Curse Dota 2 Invitational and American Dota League Season 1.
- Top-eight finish at The International 2013 with Team Liquid.
The International Performances
- Best playing result: 7th-8th place at The International 2013 with Team Liquid.
- Best coaching result: Champion of The International 2015 with Evil Geniuses.
Specialized Hero – Clockwerk Mastery
BuLba is renowned for his exceptional Clockwerk gameplay. He holds the record for the most premium/professional matches played and won as Clockwerk, a testament to his deep understanding of positioning and initiation.
Personal and Miscellaneous Facts
- Nationality: American/Indian.
- Diet preference: Vegetarian.
- Favorite cheese: Pepper jack.
- Role versatility: Has played mid, offlane, and support throughout his career.
How to Play Like BuLba in Dota 2
Understanding His Playstyle
BuLba’s playstyle has varied from aggressive rotations as a support to calculated initiations as an offlaner. Studying his Clockwerk plays can teach aspiring players valuable positioning and trap-setting skills.
Steps to Emulate BuLba’s Playstyle
- Master initiators: Heroes like Clockwerk, Sand King, and Earthshaker excel at BuLba’s approach.
- Map awareness: Always keep an eye on enemy rotations and anticipate ganks.
- Efficient itemization: Items like Force Staff and Blink Dagger are crucial for his hero pool.
- Team communication: BuLba was known for his strategic input, so keep team coordination in mind.
FAQ – BuLba and His Dota 2 Legacy
What teams has BuLba played for?
BuLba has been part of notable teams like Evil Geniuses, Team Liquid, Team Secret, Digital Chaos, and Shopify Rebellion.
Why is BuLba famous in Dota 2?
He is renowned for his consistent play as well as his coaching contributions, including coaching Evil Geniuses to a TI5 victory.
What is BuLba’s strongest hero?
Clockwerk is considered his signature hero, with the highest number of victories in pro play.
When did BuLba start playing Dota?
He started competing in DotA in 2007 before transitioning to Dota 2 in 2011.
What role did BuLba play the most?
He has played as an offlaner and support, though he also had stints in the mid-lane earlier in his career.
Did BuLba win The International?
As a coach, he won TI5 with Evil Geniuses. As a player, his best TI finish was 7th-8th place with Team Liquid in 2013.
What is BuLba doing now?
He is currently coaching Shopify Rebellion’s Dota 2 squad.
Has BuLba ever played in the European Dota scene?
Yes, he briefly played under the Team Secret banner in 2016.
Is BuLba still considered a top Dota 2 coach?
Yes, his strategic influence remains significant in North American Dota.
How much has BuLba earned in his career?
He has earned a total of $213,434.82 from 70 tournaments, ranking him among the top esports earners in the US.
Source: DotaBlast
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