Andreas “Cr1t-” Franck Nielsen is a name that resonates deeply within the Dota 2 community. This Danish professional player has carved out a legacy as one of the finest support players in the game’s history. His journey from a casual DotA enthusiast to a world-class competitor is nothing short of inspirational. Known for his strategic prowess, impeccable team coordination, and mastery of heroes like Earth Spirit and Rubick, Cr1t- continues to make waves in the competitive Dota 2 scene. In this comprehensive article, we delve into Cr1t-‘s career, achievements, and impact on the game while providing insights into his gameplay and contributions to his teams. Whether you are a long-time fan or someone looking to learn more about the esports prodigy, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Biography and Early Career
Born on July 13, 1996, in Denmark, Andreas Franck Nielsen, widely known as Cr1t-, developed a passion for gaming at an early age. Introduced to Dota by his cousin through Warcraft III custom maps, he found himself drawn to the strategic depth of the game. His journey into competitive Dota 2 began in June 2012 when he joined “We haz Asian” as a mid-lane player.
Over the next few years, Cr1t- went through a series of team changes, including stints with H2k Gaming, DD.Dota, Lions Pride, Team Life, mousesports, and Meet Your Makers. While these early years helped him develop his gameplay, they did not yield major tournament victories. However, his dedication and enthusiasm for the game set the foundation for future success.
Breakthrough and Success
Joining OG and Major Victories
Cr1t-‘s big break came afterThe International 2015 when he joined “(monkey) Business” in August 2015, a team that would later become OG. His transition to OG proved career-defining, as the team became one of the most dominant forces in Dota 2.
- The Frankfurt Major 2015: Cr1t- and OG rose from the lower bracket to claim victory, marking his first significant tournament win.
- The Manila Major 2016: OG dominated once again, reinforcing their status as the best team in the world.
- ESL One Frankfurt 2016: Another major victory cemented OG’s legacy and Cr1t-’s reputation as an elite support player.
Despite a promising run, OG placed 9th-12th at The International 2016. Nevertheless, Cr1t-‘s exceptional support skill, particularly his gameplay on Earth Spirit and Rubick, earned him recognition as one of the best in his role.
Joining Evil Geniuses
In September 2016, Cr1t- joined Evil Geniuses (EG) as their new captain, replacing ppd. This new role presented additional leadership responsibilities, but Cr1t- embraced the challenge. Under his leadership, EG secured several high-profile victories:
- Mars Dota 2 League 2016 Autumn: A commanding performance led to a championship victory.
- The International 2018: EG secured a strong 3rd-place finish.
- The International 2019: The team ended in 5-6th place.
Cr1t-’s tenure with EG further cemented his reputation as one of the best support players in Dota 2 history.
Recent Career
Shopify Rebellion and Transition to Team Falcons
In December 2022, Cr1t- joined Shopify Rebellion and achieved several notable finishes:
- BTS Pro Series Season 14: Winning the Americas division.
- Lima Major 2023: Securing 4th place.
- DreamLeague Season 21: Taking 2nd place.
In November 2023, Cr1t- transitioned to Team Falcons, a newly formed esports organization. With Falcons, he achieved remarkable success, including victories at:
- ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023: A dominant championship run.
- Pinnacle 25 Year Anniversary Show: Another major achievement.
- DreamLeague Season 23 and Season 24: Consecutive victories that showcased the team’s dominance.
- BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024: A hard-fought tournament win.
Team Falcons continued their impressive streak, placing in the top 3 at Riyadh Masters 2024 and securing 4th place at The International 2024.
Achievements and Statistics
Cr1t- has amassed an extensive list of achievements throughout his career:
- The Manila Major 2016 MVP Award: Recognized for his standout performance.
- GosuGamers Best Duo Support (2016): Awarded alongside Fly.
- Highest Average Assists Per Game: Held at multiple major tournaments.
- MMR Milestones:
- 10,000 MMR (April 2020)
- 11,000 MMR (October 2020)
- 12,000 MMR (September 2022)
- 14,000 MMR (October 2024)
How to Play Like Cr1t- in Dota 2
Cr1t- is renowned for his exceptional support play. Here’s how you can emulate his style:
1. Master Key Support Heroes
- Earth Spirit: One of his signature heroes, excelling in initiation and disable.
- Rubick: Strong playmaking capabilities with spell steals.
- Tusk: Effective for early game aggression.
2. Focus on Team Coordination
Effective communication and teamwork are essential in playing like Cr1t-. Always prioritize vision control and be proactive in supporting your cores.
3. Perfect Your Positioning
Positioning in team fights separates good supports from great ones. Always be ready to save teammates with Force Staff or Glimmer Cape.
FAQ – Cr1t- and Dota 2
What teams has Cr1t- played for?
He has played for OG, Evil Geniuses, Shopify Rebellion, and Team Falcons.
What is Cr1t-‘s role in Dota 2?
He primarily plays position 4 (soft support) in competitive matches.
Which heroes is Cr1t- known for?
He is famous for playing Earth Spirit, Rubick, and Tusk.
What are Cr1t-‘s biggest achievements?
Winning multiple majors with OG and securing high placements at The International with Evil Geniuses.
When did Cr1t- reach 14,000 MMR?
He reached 14,000 MMR in October 2024.
Has Cr1t- won The International?
No, but he has placed highly at multiple editions.
What is Cr1t-‘s nationality?
He is Danish.
Did Cr1t- ever play as a core?
Yes, in his early career, he played as a mid-laner before transitioning to support.
Where is Cr1t- playing in 2025?
He is currently with Team Falcons.
What is Cr1t-’s playstyle?
He is an aggressive roaming support with excellent map awareness.
Conclusion
Andreas “Cr1t-” Franck Nielsen has left an enduring mark on competitive Dota 2. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the best support players in history, his journey is an inspiration to many aspiring gamers. Whether dominating on Earth Spirit or leading his teams to victory, Cr1t-‘s gameplay continues to captivate Dota 2 enthusiasts worldwide. As he forges ahead with Team Falcons, the future remains bright for this legendary support player.
Source: Kyubashi
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