Infamous Gaming is a household name in the world of South American esports, particularly in the realm of Dota 2. Founded on December 15, 2015, by Christian “Xtian” Roque in the vibrant city of Lima, Peru, the organization has played a key role in elevating South America’s status in competitive gaming. From groundbreaking tournaments to legendary rosters, Infamous Gaming’s journey has been one of resilience, landmark achievements, and perpetual evolution in the ever-demanding esports landscape.
History – Infamous Gaming’s Beginnings
Infamous Gaming emerged on the South American esports scene in late 2015, following the footsteps of Team Unknown, a group that had already made history as the first South American squad to participate in a Valve event at the Frankfurt Major earlier that year. The initial Infamous lineup consisted largely of players from Team Unknown, with ambitions of building a legacy that would bring South America to the forefront of Dota 2 esports.
Early Success
The early years of Infamous Gaming were marked by steady participation in Minor and Qualifier tier tournaments. A major breakthrough came in 2016 when the team conquered the World Electronic Sports Games (WESG) Americas Finals, earning them a coveted spot in the global WESG tournament in Changzhou, China. There, Infamous achieved a commendable fourth-place finish, a result that put them on the international esports map and hinted at the potential for further greatness.
The International – Achieving Historic Milestones
In 2017, Infamous etched its name in history by becoming the first South American Dota 2 team to qualify for The International. The team clinched their spot by winning the South American regional qualifiers for The International 2017. However, despite their groundbreaking presence, Infamous placed 13th-16th after being eliminated by OG in the group stages.
The team’s most remarkable performance at The International came two years later in TI9 (The International 2019), held in Shanghai, China. Infamous defied expectations by finishing in the 7th-8th position, bowing out only after a hard-fought match in the lower bracket against Team Secret. This achievement remains one of the prouder moments for South American esports and a testament to Infamous Gaming’s competitive tenacity.
Chronic Challenges – Roster Changes
One of the defining attributes of Infamous Gaming’s journey has been the frequent changes to their roster. The Dota 2 team has seen several players come and go, including some of the most recognizable names in the scene:
- Accel (Christian Cruz) – A founding member who played an integral role in the team’s development.
- Papita (Mariano Caneda) – A versatile player who contributed significantly during key tournaments.
- Kingteka (Abraham Canez) – Known for his multiple stints with the team.
- Timado (Enzo Gianoli) – A promising young talent who played between 2017-2018.
- EternaLEnVy (Jacky Mao) and Sneyking (Jingjun Wu) – Temporary additions in 2018 that brought global attention.
Frequent roster turnover has often been attributed to performance-related challenges or players deciding to join other competitive teams. Despite these hurdles, Infamous has managed to consistently rebuild and maintain its competitive edge.
Current Status – How Infamous Gaming Stays Relevant
Following multiple team disbandments and reformations, Infamous Gaming has continued to adapt by introducing new talent. Their most recent roster competed in tournaments until August 2024 before further lineup changes were initiated. These attempts underline their commitment to staying competitive in the highly dynamic Dota 2 pro scene.
Infamous R – A Brief Subsidiary Era
In 2023, Infamous Gaming launched a secondary team called Infamous R to foster new talent and expand their influence in the region. Despite initially generating excitement, the team was disbanded on May 8, 2023, after just two months of activity.
Achievements – Building South America’s Esports Legacy
Over nearly a decade, Infamous Gaming has assembled a trophy case that serves as a source of inspiration for South American esports enthusiasts:
- First South American team to qualify for The International (2017).
- Top 8 finish at The International 2019.
- WESG Americas Finals Champions in 2016.
- Participants at premier Pro Circuit events like GESC Indonesia Minor and EPICENTER Major.
How to Support Infamous Gaming
If you’re a fan of South American esports, here’s how you can show your support for Infamous Gaming:
- Follow their social media accounts for the latest updates and roster announcements.
- Watch their live matches and cheer during tournaments.
- Purchase official merchandise to support the organization financially.
- Engage with the Dota 2 esports community to highlight the importance of South American teams.
FAQs – Infamous Gaming in the Dota 2 Scene
What is Infamous Gaming?
Infamous Gaming is a professional South American esports organization best known for its Dota 2 team, founded in 2015 in Lima, Peru.
When was Infamous Gaming established?
The organization was founded on December 15, 2015, by Christian “Xtian” Roque.
What are Infamous Gaming’s biggest achievements?
Their notable successes include being the first South American team to qualify for The International in 2017 and a Top 8 finish at The International 2019.
Who are some notable players that have played for Infamous?
Notable players include Accel, Papita, Kingteka, Timado, and international stars like EternaLEnVy and Sneyking.
What tournaments has Infamous Gaming participated in?
They’ve competed in several major events, including WESG, The International, GESC Indonesia Minor, and EPICENTER Major.
What is Infamous R?
Infamous R was a secondary team launched by Infamous Gaming in 2023 to focus on nurturing new talent but was disbanded within two months.
How much prize money has Infamous Gaming won?
Infamous Gaming has earned approximately $1,647,188 in total prize winnings as of 2024.
Why is Infamous Gaming significant in South America?
Infamous Gaming has paved the way for South American teams in global esports, breaking regional barriers in competitive Dota 2.
How can I watch Infamous Gaming’s matches?
You can catch their games on streaming platforms like Twitch or follow Dota 2 tournament coverage for schedules and updates.
Has Infamous Gaming influenced South American esports?
Yes, their impact has inspired a new generation of South American players by proving that the region can compete at the highest levels of competitive gaming.
Conclusion
Infamous Gaming is more than just a successful South American Dota 2 team; it’s a beacon of growth and inspiration for esports fans across the region. Despite frequent roster changes, the organization continues to push the boundaries of competitive gaming, bringing smiles to its loyal fanbase while fostering South America’s reputation on the global stage. With a history enriched by landmark achievements and an eye toward the future, Infamous remains a team to watch in the evolving esports ecosystem.
