Zhang “Eurus” Chengjun, also known as “Paparazi灬,” is a legendary figure in the world of professional Dota 2. As one of the most skilled players to emerge from the Chinese competitive scene, Eurus has left an indelible mark on the game with his incredible mechanical prowess, strategic gameplay, and record-breaking achievements. Rising through the ranks with teams like Vici Gaming and Xtreme Gaming, he cemented his place as one of the best carry and mid-lane players in history. This article delves into his inspiring journey, from his early days to his retirement in July 2023, highlighting his most significant achievements, playstyle, and impact on the Dota 2 community.
Biography and Early Career – The Rise of a Dota 2 Prodigy
Zhang “Eurus” Chengjun was born on June 27, 1996, in China. From an early age, he exhibited a passion for computer games, particularly Dota 2. His journey into professional gaming began in 2015 when he joined Immortal Magneto, marking his entry into the competitive Dota 2 scene.
Early Team History and Competitive Journey
- Immortal Magneto (2015-06-01 — 2015-09-04) – This was Eurus’s first professional team, providing him with a platform to hone his skills.
- Team FanTuan (2015-09-04 — 2016-01-20) – A stepping stone that allowed him to compete against stronger teams in China.
- Invictus Gaming (2016-01-20 — 2016-03-19) – Joining a well-established organization, Eurus gained more experience at a higher competitive level.
- iG.Vitality (2016-03-19 — 2017-09-06) – He showcased his talent on a global stage playing for Invictus Gaming’s secondary squad.
Eurus’s breakthrough moment came when he joined Vici Gaming in 2017. This was a turning point in his professional career.
The Vici Gaming Era– Establishing Greatness
From 2017 to 2020, Eurus played for Vici Gaming, where he became widely regarded as one of the best carry players in the world. His precise mechanics, incredible farming efficiency, and ability to clutch team fights made him a key player for Vici Gaming.
Major Achievements with Vici Gaming
- DreamLeague Season 11 (2019) – Champion
- EPICENTER Major (2019) – Champion
- ONE Esports Invitational Singapore (2019) – Champion
- The International 2019 – 5th-6th Place
- DAC 2017 and DAC 2018 Solo Tournaments – Winner
These victories solidified his reputation as one of the finest individual players in the Dota 2 scene. His dominance continued until 2020, when he took a brief inactive period before joining Elephant.
The Elephant and Xtreme Gaming Journey
In November 2020, Eurus made a surprising move by joining Elephant, a Super-team created to challenge the dominance of PSG.LGD and other top-tier teams. While Elephant didn’t achieve the success expected, Eurus’s performances continued to impress.
Notable Performances in Elephant and Xtreme Gaming
- Outstanding matches against PSG.LGD and other major teams.
- Continued to innovate with his hero pool and item builds.
After spending a year with Elephant, Eurus moved to Xtreme Gaming in November 2021. He remained with the team until announcing his retirement in July 2023.
A Record-Breaking Legacy – MMR Achievements
One of Eurus’s most extraordinary accomplishments was his record-breaking MMR milestones. He was a pioneer in pushing the ranked matchmaking rating (MMR) system to new limits.
MMR Records Set by Eurus
- First player to reach 8000 MMR in China (2016)
- 10,000 MMR – August 30, 2020
- 11,000 MMR – July 1, 2021
- 13,000 MMR – May 18, 2024
- 14,000 MMR – July 21, 2024
- 15,000 MMR – September 18, 2024
These numbers highlight Eurus’s dedication, mechanical proficiency, and mastery of Dota 2’s evolving meta.
Playing Style and Signature Heroes
Eurus primarily played the Carry role but also took Mid Lane when required. His style revolved around high-efficiency farming, impeccable positioning, and game-changing team fight performances.
Most Iconic Heroes
- Sven – Known for quick farming and devastating damage in team fights.
- Morphling – Excelled at high skill-cap hero mechanics.
- Ember Spirit – Versatile and capable of both magical and physical damage builds.
Retirement and Legacy
On July 31, 2023, Eurus announced his retirement from competitive Dota 2. His impact was undeniable, having inspired a generation of Chinese and international players through his incredible career.
How to Play Like Eurus in Dota 2
Want to master Eurus’s playstyle? Follow these key steps:
- Focus on Creep Score (CS) to optimize your farm.
- Perfect your hero pool based on meta trends.
- Learn positioning strategies for team fights.
- Master itemization for different match scenarios.
- Consistency is key – practice and watch replays.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Eurus in Dota 2
Who is Eurus in Dota 2?
Eurus, also known as “Paparazi灬,” is a retired professional Dota 2 player from China, considered one of the best carry players in the game’s history.
What teams did Eurus play for?
He played for Immortal Magneto, Team FanTuan, Invictus Gaming, iG.Vitality, Vici Gaming, Elephant, and Xtreme Gaming.
What are Eurus’s biggest achievements in Dota 2?
Some of his biggest wins include the DreamLeague Season 11, EPICENTER Major 2019, and DAC 2017 & 2018 Solo Tournaments.
Which role did Eurus primarily play?
He played as a carry for most of his career but occasionally played mid lane as well.
Which heroes was Eurus famous for?
He was known for Sven, Morphling, and Ember Spirit, among others.
When did Eurus retire from professional Dota 2?
Eurus retired on July 31, 2023, after playing his last season with Xtreme Gaming.
Why was Eurus considered one of the best Dota 2 players?
His ability to carry games, emphasis on mechanics, and numerous tournament victories made him a legendary player.
What is Eurus’s highest MMR achievement?
He reached 15,000 MMR, setting a world record in 2024.
Did Eurus ever win The International?
No, but he placed 5th-6th at The International 2019.
What was Eurus’s total career earnings?
He earned approximately $1,250,015 in prize money during his career.
