Aydin “iNsania” Sarkohi is one of the most respected and accomplished Dota 2 players of his generation. Hailing from Sweden, iNsania has carved out a successful career in the professional Dota 2 scene, leading some of the most formidable teams to victory on the international stage. As the captain of Team Liquid, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic prowess, making him a key figure in competitive Dota 2. This article delves deep into his journey, from his early gaming days to his most remarkable achievements, contributions, and even some of his most infamous mistakes.
iNsania – Early Life and Gaming Beginnings
Childhood and Family Background
Born on June 18, 1994, in Uppsala, Sweden, Aydin Sarkohi grew up in a family with strong Iranian roots. His parents, Ali and Salumeh Sarkohi, emigrated from Iran, instilling in him a unique cultural background that intertwined Persian traditions with European influences. He also has a younger sister, Ayda, who has been a supportive presence in his life.
When iNsania was just five years old, his family moved to Dallas, Texas. This transition was a significant shift, and he had to learn English quickly to communicate effectively with his cousins. This international exposure at a young age played a crucial role in shaping his adaptable mentality, which later became a valuable asset in his esports career.
The Introduction to Gaming
iNsania’s journey into gaming began with the Nintendo 64, where he played games with his cousins. Due to parental restrictions, he had access to only a limited selection of games, which meant he played each title extensively. This early exposure nurtured his passion for video games and laid the foundation for his systematic approach to mastering them.
As he grew older, he transitioned from console gaming to PC gaming, eventually discovering *Guild Wars*, which he played competitively on his mother’s work laptop. His ability to compete and excel in the gameignited his desire to explore competitive gaming even further.
Competitive Beginnings in Heroes of Newerth
When iNsania was about 15-16 years old, he made the shift to *Heroes of Newerth* (HoN). He played for a team called BlackFade, which included future Dota 2 stars Maurice “KheZu” Gutmann and Ludwig “zai” Wåhlberg. This was his first experience being part of an organized competitive esports team, and it prepared him for his eventual transition to Dota 2.
Professional Career – The Rise of iNsania in Dota 2
Transition to Dota 2
In 2016, iNsania took the next big step in his career by transitioning to Dota 2. While HoN had been his proving ground, Dota 2 offered greater opportunities and a more developed esports ecosystem. His dedication and strategic mind quickly set him apart, establishing him as a respected figure in the competitive scene.
Teams and Career Growth
Team Doge – The First Step
iNsania’s first official Dota 2 team was *Team Doge*, which he joined in August 2016. Although it was not a long-term project, it helped him learn the intricacies of professional Dota.
SOLIDUDES and ProDota Gaming
From October 2016 to January 2017, he played for *SOLIDUDES* before moving to *Prodota Gaming* in January 2017, where he remained until April.
The Ninjas in Pyjamas Stint
By April 2017, iNsania had joined *Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP)*, a well-known organization in Swedish esports. However, his tenure at NiP was brief, as the team disbanded in June 2017.
Tuho and Alliance
Following NiP, he played for *Tuho* from July to October 2017 before securing a pivotal opportunity with *Alliance* in November 2017. As a part of Alliance, he played a key role in the team’s resurgence, achieving notable placements such as 3rd at OGA Dota PIT Minor 2019 and a 2nd place finish at StarLadder ImbaTV Dota 2 Minor Season 2.
Team Liquid – Leadership and Success
In October 2019, iNsania joined *Team Liquid* as their captain, a role in which he has thrived. Under his leadership, Liquid has remained one of the top teams in the Western European region, consistently performing at the highest level in international tournaments.
Major Achievements and Tournament Earnings
Throughout his career, iNsania has achieved significant success, amassing earnings of nearly $2 million from 117 tournaments.
- 2nd place – Riyadh Masters 2023 ($500,000)
- 3rd place – The International 2022 ($340,762)
- 1st place – The International 2024 ($232,389.20)
- 1st place – ESL One Germany 2020 – Online ($30,000)
Notable Mistakes and Failures
Even the best players make mistakes, and iNsania is no exception. Some of his most infamous blunders have become part of Dota 2 history:
“iNsania Gyro” Incident
At The International 9, iNsania mistakenly selected Gyrocopter due to a misclick. The unintended choice disrupted his team’s draft completely, leading to a difficult match for Team Liquid.
The Holy Locket Drop
At DreamLeague Season 19, iNsania accidentally dropped his Holy Locket in-game, leaving it vulnerable for enemies to deny. This costly mistake significantly impacted Team Liquid’s performance that match.
Outside of Competitive Play
Broadcast Talent and Content Creation
In addition to playing professionally, iNsania has worked as a talent at esports events. He made his debut as a panelist at The International 2021, receiving praise for his insightful analysis.
Podcasting and Streaming
iNsania is a co-host on the *ALL CHAT* podcast alongside Cap and Quinn. He also streams on Twitch occasionally, engaging with the Dota 2 community beyond his competitive matches.
How to Play Like iNsania – A Strategic Guide
Mastering Position 5
As a hard support player, iNsania excels in vision control, strategic drafting, and shot-calling. To emulate his playstyle:
- Focus on warding and map control.
- Communicate extensively with your team.
- Ensure proper itemization based on game needs.
FAQ – Insania and Dota 2 Career
What is Insania’s real name?
His real name is Aydin Sarkohi.
How old is Insania?
Born on June 18, 1994, he is currently 30 years old.
Which teams has Insania played for?
He has played for Team Doge, SOLIDUDES, ProDota Gaming, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Tuho, Alliance, and Team Liquid.
What is Insania’s biggest achievement?
Winning The International 2024 with Team Liquid.
What is iNsania’s playstyle?
He is a strategic and team-oriented hard support.
Why is Insania famous?
He is known for his leadership and exceptional Dota 2 performances.
Has Insania worked as tournament talent?
Yes, he made his analyst debut at The International 2021.
What is the infamous “Insania Gyro” incident?
It was a misclick pick at TI9 that led to a poor draft for his team.
How much has Insania earned from Dota 2?
He has earned nearly $2 million from tournaments.
What podcast does Insania host?
He co-hosts the *ALL CHAT* podcast with Cap and Quinn.
