Hector Antonio “K1” Rodriguez is one of the most influential and accomplished Dota 2 players from Peru. Born on November 10, 2000, K1 has cemented his place in the professional Dota 2 scene with a remarkable career that spans multiple teams and high-profile tournaments. His journey began in 2017, and over the years, he has gained recognition for his incredible carry play, versatility, and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving competitive landscape. As of 2025, K1 continues to demonstrate his prowess in the game, currently representing M80 and competing in top-tier tournaments. In this article, we will delve deep into K1’s career, achievements, playstyle, and ongoing legacy within the world of Dota 2.
K1 – A Journey Through His Dota 2 Career
Early Beginnings – Gorillaz-Pride
K1’s professional journey took off in 2017 when he joined Gorillaz-Pride, marking his entry into the competitive Dota 2 scene. During his tenure with the team, he achieved early success by securing a bronze medal at the “Blood in the Streets Americas” tournament. He later triumphed at the jDota League Season 13 America, earning a prize of $2,000 per tournament. These achievements provided a solid foundation for his future endeavors and showcased his potential as a top-tier carry player.
Pacific Esports and Transition to Majestic Esports
Following his stint with Gorillaz-Pride, K1 briefly played for Pacific Esports before moving to Majestic Esports. This transition proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, as he competed alongside Chris Luck, Wisper, and Dunha1. The team managed to qualify for the OGA Dota PIT Minor 2019, finishing in fourth place and securing a prize reward of $25,000. Their strong performance continued at the StarLadder ImbaTV Dota 2 Minor Season 2, where they once again finished in fourth place.
Breaking Onto the International Stage – Infamous Gaming
One ofthe most defining moments in K1’s career came when he signed with Infamous Gaming. Under this organization, he and his team qualified for The International 2019 (TI9), where they delivered an exceptional performance by securing a 7th-8th place finish. This remarkable achievement earned them over $858,000 in prize money and cemented K1’s reputation as one of the most promising talents in the South American Dota 2 scene.
Dominating the South American Scene – beastcoast
After his tenure with Infamous, K1 moved to beastcoast, a team that would go on to redefine South American Dota. With beastcoast, K1 consistently delivered impressive performances and secured notable finishes at premier tournaments:
- 7th-8th place at MDL Chengdu Major
- 7th-8th place at DreamLeague Season 13: The Leipzig Major
- Victory at ESL One Los Angeles 2020 Online for South America, earning over $100,000
K1’s tenure with beastcoast further solidified his status as a dominant force in the region, playing a key role in the team’s consistent presence at major international competitions.
Moving Forward – Nouns, Heroic, and M80
In May 2023, K1 joined Nouns, where he continued his success by qualifying for The International 2023. The team finished in the 7th-8th position, earning $84,489. His journey continued in January 2024 when he signed with HEROIC, participating in some of the biggest tournaments, including the Riyadh Masters 2024 and The International 2024. Most recently, in December 2024, he joined M80 and is currently competing in the American closed qualification for the FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2025.
K1’s Achievements and Impact in Dota 2
Major Tournament Accomplishments
- The International 2019 – 7th-8th place with Infamous Gaming ($858,000 prize money).
- The International 2021 – 13th-16th place with beastcoast ($600,300 prize money).
- The International 2022 – 7th-8th place with beastcoast ($473,293 prize money).
- The International 2023 – 7th-8th place with Nouns ($84,489 prize money).
- ESL One Los Angeles 2020 Online – 1st place for South America with beastcoast.
- DPC SA 2023 Tour 1 & Tour 2: Division I – 1st place in both tours with Nouns
Remarkable Milestones
- Became the first South American player to reach 10,000 MMR on April 7, 2021.
- Reached 12,000 MMR on February 11, 2023, setting a new benchmark in the region.
K1’s Playstyle and Signature Heroes
K1 is renowned for his carry play, exhibiting a mature and calculated approach to the game. He is known for experimenting with unconventional hero picks to outmaneuver opponents. Some of his signature heroes include:
- Wraith King – Known for his ability to sustain long fights.
- Chaos Knight – A deadly pick offering overwhelming damage.
- Lifestealer – A strategic selection for his tankiness and survivability.
How to Improve Your Carry Gameplay Like K1
Focus on Farming Efficiency
One of K1’s strongest traits is his ability to maximize farm. To replicate his efficiency:
- Prioritize last-hitting and optimizing jungle rotations.
- Use the minimap to track enemy positions and prevent ganks.
Adapt Your Item Builds
K1 is known for adjusting his item builds according to matchups. Focus on building items that enhance survivability and damage output.
Maintain Consistency
K1’s career success lies in his resilience. Practicing regularly and learning from defeats can help you develop a similar mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions About K1 in Dota 2
What teams has K1 played for?
K1 has played for multiple teams, including Gorillaz-Pride, Infamous Gaming, beastcoast, Nouns, Heroic, and M80.
What is K1’s biggest achievement in Dota 2?
One of his biggest achievements is finishing 7th-8th at The International 2019 with Infamous Gaming, securing $858,000 in prize money.
What position does K1 play?
K1 primarily plays as a carry, leveraging his superior farming efficiency and mechanical skill.
How many MMR points has K1 achieved?
He reached 10,000 MMR in April 2021 and became the first South American player to reach 12,000 MMR in February 2023.
Which heroes does K1 excel with?
His signature heroes include Wraith King, Chaos Knight, and Lifestealer.
What team does K1 play for in 2025?
As of 2025, K1 is part of M80, currently competing in qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2025.
What is K1’s total earnings from Dota 2?
His total earnings exceed $696,500.
How does K1 adapt his playstyle?
He is known for experimenting with hero picks to surprise opponents and leveraging strong farming paths for maximum gold gain.
Has K1 won any major tournaments?
Yes, he won ESL One Los Angeles 2020 Online for South America with beastcoast.
What is K1’s current Ensigame ranking?
As of 2025, K1 has an Ensi.Rank of 31 with a 1516.15 Ensi.Score.
