Artsiom “Fng” Barshak is one of the most notable Dota 2 players from the CIS region. A veteran of the game, Fng has demonstrated remarkable skill, leadership, and Perseverance throughout his career. Hailing from Belarus, he has competed for various high-profile teams such as Natus Vincere, Virtus.pro, Gambit Esports, and Alliance. His journey from a young, aspiring gamer to a celebrated figure in professional Dota 2 is nothing short of inspiring. This article explores Fng’s career trajectory, his achievements, and his impact on the game.
Early Career – Power Rangers to Natus Vincere
Fng’s professional journey started in August 2013 when he joined the Belarusian organization Power Rangers. This move allowed him to showcase his ability as a support player, gaining attention within the Dota 2 esports scene. His leadership skills and strategic gameplay were evident, making him a standout player to watch.
In August 2014, Fng left Power Rangers to join Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), one of the most prestigious teams in the Dota 2 scene. Despite the high expectations, his tenure at Na’Vi was short-lived. On November 7, 2014, it was announced that he would be leaving the team. Although brief, his time with Na’Vi helped him gain valuable experience and recognition.
Virtus.pro – First Stint and CIS Dominance
Shortly after leaving Na’Vi, Fng found a new home with Virtus.pro’s Polar squad on December 20, 2014. This acquisition was a game-changing move for Virtus.pro, as Fng’s leadership and playstyle brought newfound stability to the team.
Virtus.pro dominated the CIS region for months under Fng’s leadership, showing impressive results in tournaments. However, after failing to qualify for The International 2016 (TI6) and facing multiple roster changes, Fng parted ways with Virtus.pro.
Vega Squadron and Team Spirit – Post-TI6 Shuffle
Following his departure from Virtus.pro, Fng joined Vega Squadron in the aftermath of TI6. Unfortunately, the teamstruggled to acquire a spot in the Boston Major, leading to Fng’s eventual departure.
Later in December 2016, Fng transitioned to Team Spirit. Although this period didn’t bring any major victories, it proved to be an essential phase in his career, refining his skills and deepening his strategic approach to the game.
Gambit Esports – A New Chapter
In December 2018, Fng joined Gambit Esports, initially playing for their secondary squad before moving up to the main team. Under his leadership, Gambit Esports saw significant improvements, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the CIS region. He remained with the team until May 2020, helping them achieve strong results in multiple tournaments.
Alliance – European Competition
In May 2020, Fng took a step outside the CIS scene and joined the European organization Alliance. His time with Alliance was one of the most successful periods in his career. He played a pivotal role in helping the team secure strong finishes in various regional and international tournaments. He remained with Alliance until October 2021.
CIS Rejects and Virtus.pro Return
Following his departure from Alliance, Fng joined CIS Rejects from November 2021 to May 2022, continuing to compete at a high level.
In March 2023, he made a return to Virtus.pro, marking his second stint with the organization. However, by July 2024, he was placed on the inactive roster with Dmitry “JANTER” Nikulin taking over his role as the support player.
Major Achievements and Tournament Earnings
The International – A Groundbreaking Moment
In 2015, Fng became the first Belarusian professional Dota 2 player to compete at The International (TI). His participation at The International 2015 earned him a significant prize of $239,584.97, making it the largest single earnings of his career.
Other Notable Tournaments
- The International 2021 – 9th-12th place ($160,080)
- The Frankfurt Major 2015 – 7th-8th place ($21,000)
- The International 2023 – 7th-8th place ($16,897.80)
Overall Earnings
As of 2024, Fng has accumulated total earnings of $853,120.41 from 124 tournaments, making him the highest-earning Belarusian player and placing him at #245 globally.
How to Improve as a Support Player like Fng
Understand Team Communication
Fng’s ability to lead teams comes from excellent communication. If you want to improve as a support, always keep your team informed about enemy movements and objective control.
Ward Placement Strategy
One of the key aspects of Fng’s support gameplay is vision control. Learning where to place wards efficiently can give your team a massive advantage.
Adaptability
One major reason behind Fng’s long career is his adaptability to different metas. Always be open to learning new strategies and playstyles.
FAQs – Fng and Dota 2
Who is Fng in Dota 2?
Fng, also known as Artsiom Barshak, is a professional Dota 2 player from Belarus, known for his role as a support player and captain.
Which teams has Fng played for?
Fng has played for multiple teams, including Power Rangers, Natus Vincere, Virtus.pro, Vega Squadron, Team Spirit, Gambit Esports, Alliance, and CIS Rejects.
What is Fng’s highest tournament earning?
His highest tournament earning came from The International 2015, where he won $239,584.97.
Why did Fng leave Virtus.pro in 2024?
In July 2024, Fng was moved to Virtus.pro’s inactive roster, with Dmitry “JANTER” Nikulin taking over his position.
What role does Fng play in Dota 2?
Fng primarily plays the support role, specializing in drafting and in-game leadership.
What makes Fng a great leader in Dota 2?
His strong communication skills, ability to adapt to different metas, and strategic decisions contribute to his leadership.
Did Fng ever win The International?
No, Fng has participated in multiple TIs but has not won the championship.
What team did Fng achieve his highest ranking with?
He achieved his highest placement and strongest performances with Virtus.pro and Alliance.
Is Fng retired?
As of 2024, Fng is on Virtus.pro’s inactive roster but has not officially announced his retirement.
What is Fng’s legacy in Dota 2?
Fng is widely respected for his impact on CIS Dota, both as a leader and as one of the most dedicated support players in the scene.
Conclusion
Fng’s journey in Dota 2 has been extraordinary. From his early days at Power Rangers to leading some of the biggest teams in both the CIS and European scenes, his strategic mind and leadership have left a lasting mark on the game. Whether he makes a triumphant return to competitive play or transitions into a mentorship role, his influence in the Dota 2 scene remains undeniable.
