Lasse “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen is a legendary name in the world of Dota 2. With a career spanning nearly a decade, he established himself as one of the most consistent and versatile professional players in the scene. Best known for his time with Team Liquid, where he won The International 2017, MATUMBAMAN garnered admiration for his aggressive playstyle and ability to master a wide range of heroes. His impact on Dota 2 is undeniable, leaving a lasting legacy even after his retirement in 2022. This article delves into MATUMBAMAN’s career, achievements, iconic plays, and his influence on the game.
MATUMBAMAN – Biography and Early Career
Born on March 3, 1995, in Finland, Lasse “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen started his professional Dota 2 career in 2014. His first major success came at the Assembly Summer 2014 LAN tournament, where he played for the team Veni, Vidi, Vici. His remarkable performances on heroes like Tinker and Ember Spirit helped secure his recognition in the competitive scene.
Following this, MATUMBAMAN played for several teams, including 4 Anchors + Sea Captain and 5Jungz. His exceptional skills led to significant attention, and in October 2015, he joined Team Liquid alongside JerAx, Fata-, MinD_ContRoL, and KuroKy. This roster would go on to become one of the most dominant squads in Dota 2 history, remaining together for an impressive 892 days with a stunning 68% win rate.
MATUMBAMAN’s Success with Team Liquid
The Road to The International Victory
During his time with Team Liquid, MATUMBAMAN proved to be a cornerstone of the team’s strategy. His ability to play unconventional heroes and execute aggressive game plans set him apart. His performance leading up to and during The International 2017 was nothing short of phenomenal.
Team Liquid claimed victory at TI7, securing their place in Dota 2 history. This win cemented MATUMBAMAN’s reputation as one of the most formidable carry playersin the game. His strength on heroes such as Broodmother, Lycan, and Lone Druid gave Liquid a significant competitive edge, forcing opponents to use valuable bans on his hero pool.
Departure from Team Liquid
In June 2019, Team Liquid decided to part ways with MATUMBAMAN. While it marked the end of an Era, he soon found a new home with Chaos Esports Club. Although his tenure with Chaos Esports was short, it helped him adapt to different team dynamics.
By November 2019, he returned to the top-tier competitive scene, joining Team Secret. His time with Team Secret from 2019 to 2021 saw him continue to be one of the most influential carry players in Dota 2.
Stints with Other Teams and Retirement
Joining Team Secret
After leaving Chaos Esports Club, MATUMBAMAN joined Team Secret in late 2019. He continued to display high-level performances, earning multiple tournament championships and consistently proving his worth as one of the best carry players in the scene.
Return to Team Liquid and Retirement
In November 2021, he made a grand return to Team Liquid, playing alongside a new lineup. Despite facing numerous challenges, MATUMBAMAN once again demonstrated his adaptability and deep hero pool. However, in 2022, he decided to retire from professional Dota 2, marking the end of an incredible career.
MATUMBAMAN’s Achievements and Unique Playstyle
- Six Consecutive The International Appearances: From 2016 to 2021, he consistently qualified for TI, proving his longevity and skill.
- High Win Rate with Signature Heroes: He achieved an outstanding 77.5% win rate with Broodmother.
- Aggressive Farming and Fighting Style: His playstyle emphasized constant pressure on opponents, excelling with heroes like Viper, Bristleback, and Necrophos.
- One of the Biggest Hits in Dota 2 History: He once landed a critical hit exceeding 6,000 damage with Phantom Assassin.
- Multiple Championship Titles: From TI7 victory to winning several Majors, his career was decorated with numerous accolades.
Awards and Recognition
MVP Awards and Legacy
MATUMBAMAN secured multiple MVP awards throughout his career. One of his most notable MVP achievements came during the WePlay Pushka League Season 1: Division 1 in 2020. His clutch performances earned him widespread recognition from analysts, fans, and fellow professionals alike.
Beyond his in-game achievements, MATUMBAMAN’s legacy extends into the broader Dota 2 community. His witty personality and infectious humor made him a fan favorite. His commitment to refining his gameplay and outperforming his opponents solidified his place as one of the greatest Dota 2 players of all time.
Trivia and Cultural Impact
The “Toilet Bowl” Nickname
In the Chinese Dota 2 community, MATUMBAMAN earned a unique nickname: “Toilet Bowl/Bro” (马桶, Mǎ Tǒng). The nickname stemmed from the phonetic similarity between “Matu” and “Mǎ Tǒng,” which translates to “toilet bowl” in Chinese. This playful moniker became widely popular.
Fan-Favorite Personality
Beyond his gaming skills, MATUMBAMAN was known for his cheerful and carefree personality. Whether during streams or post-match interviews, his lighthearted nature and humorous quips made him beloved by the community.
How to Play Like MATUMBAMAN – A Guide to His Playstyle
Mastering Signature Heroes
If you want to channel MATUMBAMAN’s expertise in your own games, start by mastering his signature heroes:
- Broodmother: Focus on efficient farming, split-pushing, and exploiting early power spikes.
- Lycan: Learn to dominate with fast-paced aggression, leveraging Lycan’s mobility.
- Lone Druid: Hone your micro-management skills and perfect your timings.
Developing an Aggressive Playstyle
MATUMBAMAN thrived in the early game, applying high pressure on opponents. Some key strategies include:
- Earning Early Farm Advantage: Establish lane dominance to transition smoothly into an aggressive mid-game.
- Securing Objectives: Instead of passively farming, apply early aggression to take towers and control the map.
- Adapting to Meta Shifts: One of MATUMBAMAN’s greatest strengths was his ability to stay relevant regardless of patch changes.
FAQs About MATUMBAMAN and Dota 2
What made MATUMBAMAN a successful Dota 2 player?
His versatility, aggressive playstyle, and ability to adapt to different team strategies contributed to his success.
Which teams did MATUMBAMAN play for?
He played for Veni, Vidi, Vici, 4 Anchors + Sea Captain, 5Jungz, Team Liquid, Chaos Esports Club, and Team Secret.
What was MATUMBAMAN’s biggest achievement?
Winning The International 2017 with Team Liquid.
Which heroes was MATUMBAMAN famous for?
Broodmother, Lycan, and Lone Druid were among his best heroes.
Did MATUMBAMAN ever win an MVP award?
Yes, he was named MVP in several tournaments, including the WePlay Pushka League.
Why did MATUMBAMAN leave Team Liquid?
Liquid decided to make roster changes in June 2019, leading to his departure.
What was MATUMBAMAN’s best in-game moment?
His 6,000+ critical hit as Phantom Assassin remains one of the biggest hits in Dota 2 history.
How long did he play professional Dota 2?
MATUMBAMAN had an eight-year professional career before retiring in 2022.
What is MATUMBAMAN doing after retirement?
Although retired, he remains involved in the Dota 2 scene through various streams and appearances.
Why is MATUMBAMAN considered a Dota 2 legend?
His achievements, playstyle, and lasting impact on the community solidify his legendary status.
Source: hOlyhexOr
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