Liangzhi “Kaka” Hu is one of the most prominent and respected Chinese Dota 2 players in the professional scene. Known for his exceptional game sense, clutch plays, and leadership abilities, Kaka has been a staple in China’s competitive Dota 2 ecosystem for years. His journey from a high-MMR pubstar to a world-class support player and drafter has made him a fan favorite. With appearances at The International, multiple major victories, and an unrivaled consistency in competitive play, Kaka has solidified his place as a Dota 2 Legend. This article explores his career, achievements, and impact on the game.
Kaka – Early Career and Rise as a Pubstar
Before stepping into the professional scene, Kaka was already well known in China as a high-MMR pubstar. His impressive ladder performances and strategic gameplay caught the attention of professional teams, setting the foundation for his pro career. With his exceptional mechanical skill and deep understanding of the support role, Kaka quickly earned a reputation as one of the best upcoming players in the Chinese Dota 2 scene.
Kaka’s Professional Career – Timeline and Major Teams
HyperGloryTeam (2014-2015)
Kaka made his professional debut with HyperGloryTeam in 2014. During his tenure with the team, he achieved early success, including victories in regional tournaments. Some of HyperGloryTeam’s notable results during his time included:
- WVW National Electronic Sports Classic Season 1 – Champions
- Participation in premier events suchas WEC 2014 and i-League Season 2
- Securing a 7th-8th place finish at the Dota 2 Asia Championships 2015, winning $115,335
EHOME (2015-2016)
On September 1, 2015, Kaka joined EHOME, one of China’s most historic esports organizations. His impact on the team was immediate, helping them secure strong finishes in multiple domestic and international competitions:
- The Frankfurt Major 2015 – 4th Place
- Champions of Dota 2 Radiant and Dire Cup 2015
- Winning Shanghai Open Season 1 and MDL Winter 2015
Newbee (2016-2018)
After the Shanghai Major 2016, Kaka joined Newbee as their captain and drafter. Under his leadership, Newbee enjoyed a resurgence in form, even achieving a 29-0 winning streak. Some career-defining moments with Newbee included:
- Grand Finalists at The International 2017 – Secured a 2nd place finish and won $3,950,067
- Runners-up at EPICENTER after breaking their 29-0 streak with a loss to OG
Keen Gaming (2018-2019)
On September 10, 2018, Kaka moved to Keen Gaming, staying with the team for a year until September 2019. While this period was not as remarkable as his time with EHOME or Newbee, he continued to showcase his skills as a top-tier support player.
Invictus Gaming (2019-2021)
Joining Invictus Gaming in September 2019, Kaka’s career saw a resurgence. His tenure included one of his biggest achievements:
- 4th place finish at The International 2021 – iG won $2,401,100
- Victory at ONE Esports Singapore Major 2021
Subsequent Teams
After Invictus Gaming, Kaka played for multiple teams:
- Royal Never Give Up (RNG) – Played between April 27, 2022, and December 5, 2022
- Xtreme Gaming – Joined on March 8, 2023, and left on July 7, 2023
- Team Aster – His last known team, where he played from July 7, 2023, to November 11, 2023
Achievements and Major Milestones
MMR Milestones
- First Chinese player to reach 9,000 MMR on August 30, 2016
- Achieved 10,000 MMR on March 20, 2024
Major Tournament Wins
- ONE Esports Singapore Major 2021 (Tier 1)
- ESL One Genting 2018 (Tier 2)
- Perfect World Masters 2017 (Tier 2)
- Nanyang Dota 2 Championships Season 2 (Tier 1)
- MarsTV Dota 2 League 2015 Winter (Tier 1)
TI Performances
Kaka has been a standout performer at The International:
- 2nd place at TI7 with Newbee – Won $3,950,067
- 4th place at TI10 with Invictus Gaming – Won $2,401,100
Individual Records
- All-time leader in pro matches played as Nyx Assassin
- Most wins as Nyx Assassin in competitive play (78 wins, 118 matches)
How to Play Like Kaka in Dota 2
Mastering the Support Role
- Prioritize vision control by placing deep wards
- Understand the importance of rotations and ganking
- Maximize spell efficiency in fights for best outcomes
Signature Heroes
- Nyx Assassin
- Earth Spirit
- Earthshaker
Mindset and Leadership
- Be vocal and communicative with teammates
- Analyze replays to improve decision-making
- Stay calm under pressure, especially in high-stakes situations
FAQ – Kaka in Dota 2
Who is Kaka in Dota 2?
Kaka, real name Liangzhi Hu, is a professional Dota 2 player from China known for his role as a support and captain.
What teams has Kaka played for?
Kaka has played for numerous teams, including HyperGloryTeam, EHOME, Newbee, Invictus Gaming, Keen Gaming, RNG, Xtreme Gaming, and Team Aster.
What is Kaka’s biggest achievement in Dota 2?
Kaka’s biggest achievement was securing second place at The International 2017 with Newbee.
What heroes does Kaka specialize in?
Kaka is well known for playing Nyx Assassin, Earth Spirit, and Earthshaker.
Has Kaka won The International?
No, Kaka has not won The International, but he finished second in 2017 and fourth in 2021.
