When it comes to legendary Dota 2 players, the name “Faith” stands out prominently in the competitive scene. However, there are two notable players who have used this alias: Zhang “Faith_bian” Ruida and Zeng “Faith” Hongda. Both have had remarkable yet vastly different careers, making significant impacts on the Dota 2 esports landscape. Faith_bian is celebrated for his versatility, achievements with Wings Gaming and PSG.LGD, and unwavering competitive spirit, while Faith had an early peak with Invictus Gaming and Newbee but saw his career tarnished by a match-fixing scandal. This article provides an in-depth look at both players, their careers, achievements, and lasting legacies in the Dota 2 community.
Faith_bian – A Dota 2 Legend
Biography and Early Career
Zhang “Faith_bian” Ruida, also known as Bach, was born on March 21, 1998, in China. His Dota 2 career started in 2014 with Speed Gaming.cn. Despite being a relatively unknown team, Faith_bian’s potential was evident early on. Later that year, he joined Wings Gaming, which was still finding its footing in the professional scene. However, Wings Gaming struggled with consistency, leading to Faith_bian briefly leaving the team before rejoining in 2015 after they failed to qualify for The International 2015.
Wings Gaming – Victory at The International 2016
Faith_bian’s career reached its pinnacle with Wings Gaming in 2016. The team adopted an unpredictable and aggressive playstyle, utilizing a vast hero pool that made them difficult to counter. Their strategic depth and versatile drafts allowed them to dominate The International 2016 (TI6), where they defeated Digital Chaos 3-1 in the Grand Finals to claim the prestigious Aegis of Champions. Faith_bian played a crucial role as an offlaner, offering consistent engagements and space creation for his team.
Post-TI6 Career with EHOME
Following their TI6 victory, Wings Gaming faced internal struggles that led to the team’s disbandment. Faith_bian and his teammate y` joined EHOME in 2017, a reputable Chinese organization. Despite having a strong lineup, EHOMEexperienced mixed results. They won The Bucharest Minor in 2019 and secured a 5th-6th place finish at the Chongqing Major. However, they failed to qualify for The International 2019, marking a setback in Faith_bian’s career.
PSG.LGD – The Quest for a Second TI Title
In September 2020, Faith_bian signed with PSG.LGD, a move that revitalized his career. With PSG.LGD, he won several notable tournaments, including the WePlay AniMajor and the OGA Dota PIT Invitational. PSG.LGD entered The International 2021 (TI10) as heavy favorites and reached the Grand Finals. Despite an extraordinary run, they fell to underdog Team Spirit 3-2 in a thrilling series.
Retirement and Return to Competitive Play
Following TI11 in 2022, Faith_bian announced his retirement from professional Dota 2 to pursue a career as a pianist. However, his passion for the game brought him back to the competitive scene in December 2023, when he joined Azure Ray under the ID “Bach.” His return has been met with anticipation, and fans eagerly await his next chapter in the Dota 2 esports scene.
Faith_bian’s Notable Achievements
- Winner of The International 2016 with Wings Gaming
- Winner of Northern Arena BEAT Invitational, ESL One Manila 2016
- PSG.LGD’s core offlaner during their TI10 second-place finish
- MVP at Riyadh Masters 2022
- Reached 10,000 MMR on September 6, 2021
- Had a perfect 6-0 record on Magnus at The International 10
Faith – A Highly Talented Yet Controversial Figure
Early Career and The International 2012 Triumph
Born on February 6, 1992, Zeng “Faith” Hongda began his competitive Dota 2 career with TyLoo before making a name for himself with Invictus Gaming (iG). As a support player, Faith excelled at creating opportunities for his team. His biggest achievement came at The International 2012 (TI2), where iG triumphed over Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) in the Grand Finals to secure the championship.
Switching Teams and Success with Newbee
After leaving iG, Faith joined several top-tier teams in China, including LGD.cn and TongFu, before eventually landing with Newbee. With Newbee, Faith once again reached the pinnacle of professional Dota 2 competition. Newbee finished second at The International 2017 (TI7), falling short against Team Liquid in the Grand Finals. Despite this loss, Faith played a crucial role in guiding Newbee to multiple championships, including victories in the Dota2 Professional League Season 2 and Galaxy Battles.
Match-Fixing Scandal and Competitive Ban
In early 2020, a match-fixing scandal rocked the Dota 2 community, and Newbee was at the center of controversy. Investigations revealed that Faith and his teammates were involved in match-fixing during the qualifiers for the StarLadder Minor Season 3. As a result, Valve permanently banned Faith and the entire Newbee roster from all future Valve-sponsored tournaments in January 2021, effectively ending his competitive career.
Faith’s Achievements Before the Ban
- Winner of The International 2012 with Invictus Gaming
- Second place at The International 2017 with Newbee
- Winner of ESL One Frankfurt 2014, WPC 2014
- Champion of the Dota2 Professional League Season 2 and Galaxy Battles
How to Improve Like Faith_bian in Dota 2
Mastering Hero Pool and Playstyle
Faith_bian’s strength lies in his diverse hero pool and flexibility. Players looking to emulate him should:
- Experiment with different offlane heroes.
- Adapt to various playstyles based on the meta.
- Study professional matches and drafts.
Focusing on Team Coordination
Faith_bian’s success wasn’t just about individual skill but also about teamwork. Here’s how you can improve:
- Communicate effectively with teammates.
- Understand your role in the team’s strategy.
- Watch professional games to learn optimal coordination.
FAQs About Faith in Dota 2
Who is Faith_bian in Dota 2?
Faith_bian, also known as Zhang “Faith_bian” Ruida, is a Chinese Dota 2 player known for winning The International 2016 with Wings Gaming and his tenure with PSG.LGD.
Why did Faith_bian retire from Dota 2?
Faith_bian announced his retirement in 2022 to pursue a career as a pianist but returned to competitive play in December 2023.
What teams did Faith_bian play for?
Faith_bian played for Speed Gaming.cn, Wings Gaming, EHOME, PSG.LGD, and Azure Ray.
Who is Faith in Dota 2?
Zeng “Faith” Hongda is another Chinese Dota 2 player known for winning The International 2012 with Invictus Gaming.
Why was Faith banned from competitive Dota 2?
Faith was permanently banned in 2021 due to a match-fixing scandal while playing for Newbee.
What was Faith’s role in Dota 2?
Faith played as a support, providing vision, saving teammates, and initiating fights.
How many TIs has Faith_bian won?
Faith_bian won The International 2016 with Wings Gaming.
What is Faith_bian’s current team?
As of 2024, Faith_bian plays for Azure Ray under the alias “Bach.”
Has Faith_bian ever reached 10,000 MMR?
Yes, Faith_bian achieved 10,000 MMR on September 6, 2021.
Which teams did Faith play for?
Faith played for TyLoo, LGD.cn, TongFu, Invictus Gaming, and Newbee.
