Zhang “Faith_bian” Ruida is a legendary Dota 2 player from China, known for his exceptional talent as an offlaner. Born on March 21, 1998, Faith_bian has been a defining presence in the professional Dota scene, securing victories in some of the most prestigious tournaments, including The International 2016 with Wings Gaming. His journey through teams such as EHOME and PSG.LGD further cemented his legacy, showcasing his versatility and strategic brilliance. However, his path has not been without its ups and downs, with a brief retirement in 2022 before making a surprise return in 2023 under the alias “Bach.” His ability to adapt and consistently perform at the highest level makes him one of the most respected players in Dota 2 history.
Early Career – The Beginnings of Faith_bian
Faith_bian’s journey in the professional Dota 2 scene began in 2014 when he joined Speed Gaming.cn on March 18, 2014. This was his first taste of the competitive landscape, an experience that would shape his approach to the game. However, it was his move to Wings Gaming in October 2014 that marked the start of something truly remarkable.
Joining Wings Gaming
Wings Gaming was an up-and-coming team that would later become one of the most dominant forces in Dota 2. Faith_bian quickly made his mark, demonstrating a profound understanding of the offlane role. His ability to control tempo, execute strategic plays, and draft flexible heroes made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Rise to Stardom with Wings Gaming
In 2016, Faith_bian helped Wings Gaming ascend to the pinnacle of professional Dota 2. The team’s playstyle was unique, often catching opponents off guard with unpredictable drafts and innovative strategies.
Major Tournament Wins
- ESL One Manila 2016 – Wings Gaming secureda major victory, setting the stage for greater success.
- The Summit 5 – This win further solidified their reputation as a formidable team.
- The International 2016 Victory – The crowning achievement of Faith_bian’s career came with a triumphant 3-1 victory over Digital Chaos in the Grand Finals, earning him his first Aegis of Champions.
The International 2016 win was not just a victory for Wings Gaming but a revolutionary moment for Dota 2. Faith_bian and his teammates displayed unorthodox strategies that left fans and analysts in awe. His ability to master a vast hero pool was particularly evident, as he played 19 different heroes throughout the tournament.
Post-Wings Gaming – Transition and Challenges
Despite their success, Wings Gaming disbanded due to internal issues. Faith_bian briefly played under the Team Random banner before moving to EHOME in 2017.
Notable Performances with EHOME
- Winner – The Bucharest Minor 2019 – A standout moment in his tenure with EHOME.
- 5th-6th Place – The Chongqing Major 2019 – A respectable finish at a highly competitive event.
Despite these accomplishments, EHOME struggled to maintain consistent form and failed to qualify for The International 2019, marking a tough period in Faith_bian’s career.
Revival with PSG.LGD – Faith_bian’s International Success
Faith_bian’s career saw a resurgence when he joined PSG.LGD in September 2020. With a renewed sense of purpose, he was ready to take on the world once again.
Achievements with PSG.LGD
- 3rd Place – Singapore Major 2021 – A strong showing early in the year.
- Champion – WePlay AniMajor 2021 – PSG.LGD dominated, showcasing incredible synergy.
- Champion – OGA Dota PIT Invitational – Another major victory in a string of successes.
- Runner-Up – The International 2021 – Despite being tournament favorites, PSG.LGD fell to Team Spirit in an intense 2-3 Grand Finals.
Retirement and Unexpected Return
Following a stellar career, Faith_bian announced his retirement from professional play after The International 2022, citing a desire to focus on other passions, including music. However, in December 2023, he made a dramatic return, signing with Azure Ray under the alias “Bach.”
Legendary Playing Style and Signature Heroes
Faith_bian is renowned for his strategic flexibility and diverse hero pool. Unlike many offlaners who stick to a limited hero set, Faith_bian’s adaptability has set him apart throughout his career.
Signature Heroes
- Slardar – A hero he has consistently performed well with.
- Magnus – Frequently used in initiating powerful team fights.
- Beastmaster – Dominates the map with vision and control.
Post-Retirement Efforts – Faith_bian as an Analyst
In addition to his playing career, Faith_bian also contributed to the Dota 2 community as an analyst. His insights and knowledge of the game made him a valuable presence on both the Chinese and English-speaking panels.
Notable Events as an Analyst
- The International 2019 – Made his analyst debut.
- ESL One Berlin Major 2023 – Provided in-depth game analysis.
- Riyadh Masters 2023 – Continued to share strategic insights.
How to Improve Your Offlane Game Like Faith_bian
If you aspire to play like Faith_bian, here’s a step-by-step guide to improving your offlane strategy.
Step 1 – Master the Laning Stage
Learn how to balance aggression and survivability. Faith_bian excels at zoning out enemy carries while securing farm.
Step 2 – Expand Your Hero Pool
To reach the highest level, practicing multiple heroes is crucial. Faith_bian’s TI6 performance with 19 different heroes is a testament to this.
Step 3 – Improve Map Awareness
As an offlaner, being aware of enemy rotations and controlling vision is critical. Faith_bian leverages this skill to make game-winning plays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faith_bian and Dota 2
Who is Faith_bian?
Faith_bian is a Chinese professional Dota 2 player known for his offlane expertise and championship-winning performances.
Which team did Faith_bian win The International with?
He won The International 2016 with Wings Gaming.
Why did Faith_bian retire?
He retired in 2022 to pursue other interests, including music.
When did Faith_bian return to Dota 2?
He returned in December 2023, joining Azure Ray.
What is Faith_bian’s most played hero?
Some of his signature heroes include Slardar, Magnus, and Beastmaster.
How did Faith_bian perform at TI11?
TI11 was his last tournament before retirement, where PSG.LGD had a strong showing but did not win.
What is Faith_bian’s highest MMR?
He reached 10,000 MMR on September 6, 2021.
Did Faith_bian ever work as an analyst?
Yes, he has worked as an analyst at various tournaments, including TI2019 and ESL One Berlin Major 2023.
Is Faith_bian still active in professional Dota 2?
Yes, as of 2024, he competes under the ID “Bach” for Azure Ray.
What are Faith_bian’s biggest achievements?
Winning The International 2016 and multiple major tournaments with PSG.LGD.
Source: hOlyhexOr
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