Rodrigo “Lelis” Santos is one of the most recognizable figures in the Dota 2 esports scene, particularly within the Brazilian and North American regions. Known for his excellent versatility and strategic gameplay, Lelis has carved out a distinguished professional career that spans over a decade. Often referred to by alternate IDs such as “LESLÃO,” “l e l i s,” and “Liposa,” he has consistently proven himself as an exceptional player in the competitive Dota 2 environment. From his early days with The House is Down to his recent tenure with Into The Breach, Lelis has demonstrated tenacity, adaptability, and an impressive depth of knowledge in the game. This article takes a deep dive into his career, achievements, playstyle, and more.
Rodrigo “Lelis” Santos – Early Life and Background
Born on November 24, 1996, Rodrigo Santos, better known as Lelis, entered the world in the United States. Despite his birthplace, he is most commonly associated with the Brazilian Dota 2 scene, where he first gained recognition as a rising star. As esports grew in popularity throughout South America, Lelis found his calling in professional Dota 2, dedicating himself to mastering the mechanics and strategies of the game.
The Professional Journey of Lelis in Dota 2
The Early Years (2014-2017)
Lelis’s professional career began in 2014 when he joined The House is Down. Though his time with the team was short-lived, it marked the beginning of what would become an illustrious career. In 2015, he played for Keyd Stars, another Brazilian organization, where he started garnering someattention as an emerging talent.
His breakthrough came in 2016 when he joined Midas Club Elite. During this stage, Lelis showcased his skills and built his reputation as a formidable competitor. Despite not qualifying for major tournaments like The Kiev Major 2017 and The International 2017, he had gained enough recognition to propel his career forward.
SG e-sports and paiN Gaming Stint (2017-2019)
In 2017, Lelis joined SG e-sports, a well-known Brazilian organization. This was a critical phase in his career, as he participated in several high-stakes competitions:
- Finished 7th-8th place at ESL One Hamburg 2017.
- Finished 5th-6th place at StarLadder i-League Invitational 3.
Unfortunately, SG e-sports failed to qualify for The International 2018, leading to Lelis’s departure in search of better opportunities.
In late 2018, he became part of paiN X and later paiN Gaming, two organizations that were actively competing on the international stage. His participation in The Kuala Lumpur Major resulted in a 9th-12th finish. Here, he honed his skills further, transitioning into different roles and adopting a more flexible playstyle.
Expanding Beyond South America (2020-Present)
Lelis sought opportunities outside South America to further develop as a player. In 2020, he joined Ninjas in Pyjamas, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he struggled with regional difficulties, leading to an eventual departure.
His biggest breakthrough came when he became a vital component of Quincy Crew in mid-2020. With this North American team, he achieved multiple tournament victories, including:
- Winner of BTS Pro Series Season 2: Americas.
- Winner of ESL One Thailand 2020: Americas.
- Winner of BTS Pro Series Season 3: Americas.
His run with Quincy Crew also saw him participating in The International 2021, where they finished 9th-12th.
Achievements and Milestones
Over the years, Lelis has amassed a significant number of achievements, making him one of the most respected players in the game.
Major Tournament Finishes
- The International 2021 – 9th-12th place.
- The International 2023 – 7th-8th place.
- Multiple BTS Pro Series tournament victories.
Personal MMR Milestones
- Reached 11,000 MMR on June 24, 2022.
- Reached 12,000 MMR on February 7, 2024.
- Reached 14,000 MMR on October 26, 2024.
Signature Heroes and Playstyle
Lelis has evolved into an expert support player, demonstrating superior mechanical skills with several key heroes.
Most Played Heroes
- Rubick
- Clockwerk
- Keeper of the Light
- Batrider
- Sand King
- Dark Seer
Key Strengths
- Excellent positioning and vision control.
- High adaptability to different playstyles.
- Outstanding decision-making in team fights.
How to Play Like Lelis – A Dota 2 Strategy Guide
If you admire Lelis’s playstyle and want to improve your own gameplay, consider implementing the following strategies:
1. Master Vision Control
As a support player, controlling vision is critical. Learn to place observer and sentry wards effectively.
2. Improve Map Awareness
Keep an eye on enemy rotations and movement. Every piece of information counts in a competitive Dota 2 match.
3. Practice Key Heroes
Focus on commonly played support heroes like Rubick and Clockwerk to develop mechanics and positioning.
4. Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is crucial in team coordination. Make callouts and provide information to your teammates.
FAQ – Lelis and Dota 2
Who is Lelis in Dota 2?
Lelis, also known as Rodrigo Santos, is a professional Dota 2 player from Brazil/USA.
What teams has Lelis played for?
Some of his teams include Quincy Crew, Alliance, SG e-sports, and Into The Breach.
What are Lelis’s best heroes in Dota 2?
Some of his signature heroes include Rubick, Clockwerk, Batrider, and Keeper of the Light.
Did Lelis play at The International?
Yes, he played at The International in 2021 and 2023, finishing in the top 12 and top 8, respectively.
How much has Lelis earned from esports?
He has earned approximately $392,836 in total tournament winnings.
What is Lelis’s highest MMR?
His highest recorded MMR is 14,000, achieved in October 2024.
What roles has Lelis played?
He is primarily a support player but has also played as an offlaner.
Why did Lelis leave Nouns?
Nouns suspended its Dota 2 division, leading him to join Into The Breach in early 2025.
What region does Lelis play in?
He has competed in both South and North American regions.
Where can I watch Lelis’s games?
Major tournaments can be followed on Twitch, YouTube, and official Dota 2 esports streams.
Source: ZyoriTV
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