Farith “Matthew” Puente Huamancaja is a name that resonates with Dota 2 fans, particularly in the South American competitive scene. Born on July 19, 1998, in Peru, Matthew has established himself as a formidable support player and an influential in-game leader. His deep understanding of the game, strategic prowess, and mechanical skills have made him a crucial figure in the teams he has played for. Over the years, Matthew has been a part of various renowned organizations, achieving significant milestones in tournaments and consistently proving his mettle on the international stage. This article dives into the life and career of Matthew, elaborating on his team history, notable achievements, playstyle, earnings, and what lies ahead for him in competitive Dota 2.
Matthew – Early Career and Rise in Competitive Dota 2
Matthew’s journey in professional Dota 2 began in 2015 when he joined Unknown.xiu, a Peruvian squad that aimed to make waves in the South American Dota 2 scene. His impressive potential as a support player was evident early on, and he quickly became a sought-after talent in the region.
From 2015 to 2017, Matthew played for multiple teams, including Luccini, Mad Kings, and Not Today. These transitions were crucial in shaping his playstyle and honing his skills. A brief return to Unknown.xiu in 2017 led him to secure a spot in Infamous, which would prove to be a turning point in his career.
Matthew – Team History and Tournament Success
Infamous and Early International Recognition (2017-2018)
Matthew’s first significant tenure with Infamous (March – September 2017) saw him competing in high-profile tournaments. He and his team qualified for the The International 2017, finishing in the 13-16th place bracket. Although their run wasn’t long, Matthew gained valuable experience playing against the best teamsin the world.
He briefly joined Digital Chaos.SA in September 2017 before moving to Sacred (October 2017 – January 2018). Sacred participated in Dota Summit 8, managing an 8-9th place finish. Soon after, Matthew found himself returning to Infamous in March 2018, this time as the team captain.
Thunder Awakening and Regional Domination (2018-2022)
One of Matthew’s most impactful stints was with Thunder Predator (now Thunder Awaken). Across several periods (November 2018 – March 2019, November 2019 – December 2020, and October 2021 – November 2022), he contributed to the organization’s dominance in the South American region.
Under his leadership, Thunder Awaken won multiple DPC SA 2021/2022 Tours and performed admirably in international tournaments. Matthew’s sharp decision-making skills helped them achieve a commendable 5-6th place at The International 2022, marking one of the best performances by a South American squad in TI history.
Evil Geniuses and BOOM Esports (2022-2024)
In November 2022, Matthew joined Evil Geniuses, a team that had recently acquired South American players to revamp its roster. Throughout 2023, he participated in all major tournaments, securing a 4th-place finish at the ESL One Berlin Major 2023. His ability to execute team strategies and support his cores remained integral to the team’s success.
Following his tenure with Evil Geniuses, he briefly played for BOOM Esports (November 2023 – January 2024 & July 2024 – August 2024). Though some tournaments were disappointing, BOOM finished 3rd in Elite League Season 2, showcasing Matthew’s experience in high-pressure matches.
Matthew’s Latest Chapter – Team Waska (2024-Present)
In August 2024, Matthew joined Team Waska, a new organization aiming to leave its mark in South American esports. His leadership and support play will be crucial as the team competes in upcoming events, including the PGL Wallachia Season 3 scheduled for March 2025.
Matthew – Key Achievements and Tournament Highlights
- PGL Arlington Major 2022 – Highest average assists per game (16.81).
- The International 2022 – 5-6th place finish with Thunder Awaken, earning $662,543.
- ESL One Berlin Major 2023 – 4th place finish with Evil Geniuses.
- DPC SA 2023 Tour 3: Division I – Tournament winner with Thunder Awaken.
- BTS Pro Series Season 10: Americas – First place with Thunder Awaken.
Matthew – Playstyle and Signature Heroes
Matthew is widely recognized for his proficiency in the support role. His ability to initiate fights, control vision on the map, and create opportunities for his team makes him a standout player.
Notable Statistics
- Ranked first in assists per game at PGL Arlington Major 2022.
- Career win rate of 54.62% across 6,077 matches.
- Versatile support player (74% of recorded games), with occasional off-lane and safe lane roles.
Signature Heroes
- Earth Spirit
- Tuskar
- Rubick
- Nyx Assassin
How to Play Support Like Matthew in Dota 2
Mastering the Support Role
To emulate Matthew’s playstyle, follow these key tips:
- Vision Control: Place strategic Observer and Sentry Wards to ensure your team has crucial map information.
- Initiating Fights: Use heroes like Earth Spirit and Nyx Assassin to disrupt enemy formations.
- Roaming and Ganking: Apply pressure across the map by assisting your cores with early-game rotations.
- Team Coordination: Communicate effectively to execute strategies successfully.
- Itemization: Opt for support-centric items like Force Staff, Glimmer Cape, and Blink Dagger based on game situations.
Matthew Dota 2 – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Matthew’s real name?
His full name is Farith Jeafehe Puente Huamancaja.
Which country is Matthew from?
Matthew is from Peru.
What role does Matthew play in Dota 2?
He primarily plays as a support and sometimes takes on the role of team captain.
Which teams has Matthew played for?
Some of his notable teams include Infamous, Thunder Predator, Evil Geniuses, and BOOM Esports.
What is Matthew’s highest tournament earning?
His biggest prize pool earnings came from The International 2022, where his team finished 5-6th, earning $662,543.
What is Matthew’s total career earnings?
As of the latest stats, Matthew has earned around $407,904 in prize winnings.
What is Matthew’s best Dota 2 performance?
His best result was a 5-6th place finish at The International 2022 with Thunder Awaken.
Which heroes does Matthew specialize in?
Matthew is renowned for his performances on Earth Spirit, Rubick, and Nyx Assassin.
Is Matthew still active in competitive Dota 2?
Yes, he is currently playing for Team Waska.
When is Matthew’s next tournament?
He is scheduled to compete in PGL Wallachia Season 3 in March 2025.
