Daryl “iceiceice” Koh Pei Xiang is a name that has become synonymous with the professional Dota 2 scene. Hailing from Singapore, iceiceice is widely regarded as one of the most talented and entertaining players in the game’s history. With a career spanning over a decade, he has played for some of the most prestigious teams in the world and achieved remarkable success across multiple international tournaments. His journey from a multi-game esports competitor to one of Dota 2’s finest offlane players is a story of resilience, exceptional skill, and a charismatic personality that has made him a fan favorite. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating career of iceiceice, exploring his early days, achievements, playstyle, and his impact on the Dota 2 community.
Biography and Early Career – How iceiceice Started
Daryl Koh Pei Xiang, better known as iceiceice, was born on June 17, 1990, in Singapore. Before he cemented his legacy in Dota 2, iceiceice was actively involved in various competitive games. He played StarCraft II professionally, showcasing his exceptional strategic thinking and rapid decision-making skills. Additionally, he dabbled in games like League of Legends and Heroes of Newerth at a high level, proving his versatility in the esports arena.
His ability to adapt to different game titles and still remain competitive is a testament to his raw gaming talent. However, it was Dota 2 that provided the stage where iceiceice would truly thrive and make a name that would be recognized worldwide.
Professional Dota 2 Career – Teams and Achievements
Scythe.SG – Early Success
iceiceice’s entry into Dota 2 began with Scythe.SG, a Singaporean team that participated in the inaugural The International 2011. The team managed animpressive third-place finish, earning $150,000 in prize money. This performance helped establish iceiceice as a serious competitor in the Dota 2 scene and caught the attention of top-tier teams across the world.
Team Zenith – A Step Towards Stardom
With Scythe.SG disbanding, iceiceice moved to Team Zenith. During his time with Zenith, he played at The International 2012, where the team finished in the 5th-6th position. In the following year, despite a disappointing run by Zenith at The International 2013, iceiceice showcased his individual brilliance by winning the 1v1 Solo championship, defeating Mushi in the finals.
Team DK – The Rise to Global Recognition
After leaving Zenith, iceiceice joined Team DK, which would become one of the most dominant teams during his tenure. With DK, he secured numerous tournament victories, including:
- 2013 WPC ACE Dota 2 League – Champion
- G-League 2013 – Champion
- StarLadder StarSeries Season 9 – Champion
Team DK’s strong performance in international competitions culminated in their 4th place finish at The International 2014. However, following this, the roster disbanded, prompting iceiceice to seek new opportunities.
Vici Gaming – More Success in China
Following Team DK’s disbandment, iceiceice joined Vici Gaming and continued his streak of impressive performances. With VG, he won:
- i-League Season 1 – Champion
- The Summit 2 – Champion
Additionally, Vici Gaming finished in 2nd place at the Dota 2 Asia Championships 2015 and secured 4th place at The International 2015, once again proving his ability to guide teams toward deep tournament runs.
EHOME and Team Faceless – A Return to SEA
After his time in China, iceiceice returned to Southeast Asia, joining EHOME. With the team, he qualified for The International 2016 via the Wild Card and finished in the 5th-6th position. Seeking more independence, he co-founded Team Faceless, which quickly became a powerhouse within the SEA Dota 2 scene.
Despite their dominance in regional competitions, Faceless failed to qualify for The International 2017, leading to the team’s disbandment.
Mineski and Fnatic – The Southeast Asian Powerhouses
Following the disbandment of Team Faceless, iceiceice joined Mineski, where he played alongside Mushi. Later, he transitioned to Fnatic, a team that consistently competed in major tournaments. However, both teams struggled to achieve strong placings at The International events.
Playstyle and Impact on Dota 2
iceiceice is renowned for his unique and unpredictable playstyle. As an offlaner, he thrives on high-risk, high-reward plays, often making aggressive moves that catch opponents off guard. Some of his most iconic hero picks include:
- Timbersaw – His most famous hero, known for his fearless aggression.
- Earthshaker – A hero he has mastered through years of competitive play.
- Broodmother – Used to apply unexpected pressure on opponents.
Aside from his mechanical skill, iceiceice is also known for his personality. His interviews and interactions are often filled with humor, sarcasm, and trolling, making him one of the most entertaining players in the scene.
How to Play Like iceiceice in Dota 2
Mastering His Playstyle
To play like iceiceice, here are some key aspects to focus on:
- Be Unpredictable – Make unexpected and aggressive moves.
- Understand Resource Management – Sustain yourself in the offlane with calculated trades.
- Develop a Deep Hero Pool – Be proficient with a variety of heroes.
- Communicate Effectively – Coordinate with teammates for aggressive plays.
FAQ – Everything About iceiceice and Dota 2
Who is iceiceice?
iceiceice, real name Daryl Koh Pei Xiang, is a professional Dota 2 player from Singapore known for his exceptional skills as an offlaner.
Which teams has iceiceice played for?
iceiceice has played for numerous teams, including Scythe.SG, Team Zenith, Team DK, Vici Gaming, EHOME, Team Faceless, Mineski, and Fnatic.
What is iceiceice best known for?
He is best known for his aggressive playstyle, unpredictable moves, and humorous personality.
What is iceiceice’s most famous hero?
Timbersaw is widely considered his signature hero.
Has iceiceice ever won The International?
No, but he has multiple top 4 finishes, including 3rd place at The International 2011.
Why is iceiceice so popular?
His combination of skill, humor, and entertaining personality makes him a fan favorite.
What happened to Team Faceless?
Team Faceless disbanded after failing to qualify for The International 2017.
Is iceiceice a streamer?
Yes, he occasionally streams and creates content for Dota 2 fans.
What was his best tournament finish?
His highest The International placement was 3rd place in 2011 with Scythe.SG.
Is iceiceice still active in 2024?
As of 2024, he occasionally competes but is also involved in streaming and content creation.
Sources : hOlyhexOr
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