Xu “BurNIng” Zhilei is a legendary name in the Dota and Dota 2 communities, widely regarded as one of the best carry players of all time. His impact on the game spans more than a decade, from dominating DotA tournaments in China to leading teams to victory in Dota 2. Since his professional debut in 2008, BurNIng has won numerous championships and accolades, including multiple GosuAwards and joinDOTA Awards. His expertise with carry heroes, particularly Anti-Mage, has left a lasting legacy that even caught the attention of Dota’s original developer, IceFrog, who named a character after him. Today, BurNIng continues to influence the Dota 2 scene as a co-founder of Team Aster, ensuring that his impact on competitive gaming endures.
Early Life and Introduction to Dota
Xu Zhilei, better known as BurNIng, was born on April 16, 1988, in Tongling, Anhui Province, China. BurNIng’s journey into the world of competitive gaming started in late 2007 when his friends introduced him to Defense of the Ancients (DotA), the Warcraft III custom map that laid the foundation for Dota 2. Initially playing in casual online games, he quickly rose through the ranks and joined various online teams, including TTI, where he honed his skills and built a reputation for himself in the Chinese DotA scene.
Professional Career
Early Teams
BurNIng officially began his professional DotA career in October 2008. He joined CaNt, a Shanghai-based team, where he played alongside future legends like LongDD. However, his time at CaNt was short-lived, and he later moved to CityHunter. During his tenure at CityHunter, the team saw modest success, securing 4th place at IEM IV – Chengdu and a respectable 5-6th place finish atthe SMM Grand National 2009. These early experiences shaped BurNIng’s competitive mindset and prepared him for the greatness to come.
EHOME – Dominating the Competitive Scene
In January 2010, BurNIng made a career-defining move by joining EHOME. This transition marked the beginning of his golden Era in DotA. Under EHOME’s banner, BurNIng played a pivotal role in securing numerous high-profile victories, including:
- ESWC Chinese Qualifiers
- ESWC 2010 Main Event
- IEM V – Shanghai
- SMM Grand National 2010
- World Gamemaster Tournament 2010
The year 2010 was particularly remarkable, as EHOME clinched a total of 10 championship titles. BurNIng’s dominance as a carry player earned him global recognition, setting him apart as one of the greatest DotA players of all time.
Team DK – Transition to Dota 2
In early 2011, BurNIng, alongside his teammate Zhou “KingJ” Yang, departed from EHOME to join Team DK. The move proved to be another milestone in his career, as Team DK went on to win 9 championships that year. BurNIng was instrumental in leading the team to victory, consistently outperforming opponents with his impeccable last-hitting and strategic decision-making.
As Dota 2 emerged, Team DK received an invitation to The International 2012 (TI2). The team finished in 4th place, falling short against powerhouses Natus Vincere and Invictus Gaming. Despite not claiming the Aegis, BurNIng’s performance at TI2 cemented his reputation as a world-class carry player.
The International and Other Major Tournaments
At The International 2013 (TI3), BurNIng initially announced that he would retire after the tournament. However, DK’s 5th-6th place finish left him unsatisfied, leading him to delay his retirement and continue competing. The following year proved to be a successful one, with Team DK triumphing in several key events, including:
- WPC ACE Dota 2 League 2013
- G-League 2013
In The International 2014 (TI4), Team DK put up a strong fight and finished 4th place. This time, BurNIng officially retired on August 17, 2014, marking the end of an era.
Post-Retirement – Brief Comebacks and New Ventures
Although he had retired, BurNIng remained active in the Dota 2 scene. In December 2014, he formed Big God, a team comprised of Dota veterans such as xiao8, rOtK, and LaNm. The team achieved a 4th place finish at the Dota 2 Asia Championships 2015. However, Big God soon disbanded.
In February 2015, BurNIng joined Invictus Gaming (IG) before moving to Vici Gaming (VG) in March. This marked his reunion with former Team DK members, but he never truly returned to his peak competitive form.
BurNIng’s Achievements and Legacy
Major Championships
- ESWC 2010
- IEM V – Shanghai
- WPC ACE Dota 2 League 2013
Prestigious Awards
- GosuAwards Best Carry – 2010, 2012, 2013
- joinDOTA Best Carry – 2013
Records
- Highest GPM (Gold Per Minute) with Anti-Mage
- 3rd Highest GPM for non-Alchemist heroes in professional Dota history
How to Play Like BurNIng – A Guide for Aspiring Carry Players
1. Master Last-Hitting
Focus intensely on securing every creep kill to maximize your gold income. Consistency in last-hitting leads to better item progression.
2. Efficient Farming Patterns
BurNIng was known for his efficiency. Always rotate between lanes and jungle camps to maintain gold flow.
3. Hero Prioritization
To emulate BurNIng, master these heroes:
- Anti-Mage – His signature carry hero
- Faceless Void – Exceptional late-game presence
- Phantom Assassin – A deadly burst-damage hero
FAQ – BurNIng and Dota 2
Who is BurNIng in Dota 2?
BurNIng is a legendary Chinese Dota 2 player known for his exceptional carry play and success with teams like EHOME, DK, and Invictus Gaming.
What is BurNIng’s most famous hero?
Anti-Mage is BurNIng’s most iconic hero, and IceFrog even named a DotA character after him.
Did BurNIng ever win The International?
No, but he achieved multiple top-4 finishes at The International events.
When did BurNIng retire?
He officially retired on August 17, 2014, although he returned briefly for some events.
What team did BurNIng co-found?
BurNIng co-founded Team Aster in 2018, continuing his influence in the Dota 2 scene.
Why is BurNIng considered a great player?
His mechanical skill, farming efficiency, and game knowledge set him apart.
Has BurNIng influenced Dota 2 strategy?
Yes, his carry-oriented playstyle influenced how teams approach late-game strategies.
