Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng is one of the most talented Dota 2 players from Southeast Asia, renowned for his exceptional mechanical skills and strategic versatility. Born on June 3, 1996, in Malaysia, MidOne’s rise in professional Dota 2 has been marked by a series of record-breaking achievements and significant contributions to some of the most prominent teams in the scene. From being the first Southeast Asian player to reach 8,000 MMR to competing in The International with elite teams like Fnatic, Team Secret, and OG, MidOne has solidified his place in Dota 2 history. This article explores his journey, notable achievements, playstyle, earnings, and influence in the esports industry.
Early Life and Gaming Beginnings
A Childhood Shaped by Video Games
MidOne’s fascination with video games began at an incredibly young age. When he was just 3-4 years old, he played Tetris on a Game Boy, developing his early interest in gaming. As he grew older, he transitioned to console gaming, immersing himself in the legendary Final Fantasy series on the PlayStation 1.
Introduction to DotA and Transition to Dota 2
At the age of 7, MidOne was introduced to PC gaming, playing classics like Sonic and Rayman. However, it was his introduction to DotA (Defense of the Ancients) by his older brother that set the foundation for his esports career. Captivated by the strategy and depth of the game, he quickly became proficient and eventually transitioned to Dota 2, where he honed his skills further.
Professional Dota 2 Career
Fnatic (2015-2016) – Early Success
MidOne’s professional journey began with Fnatic in December 2015. In less than ayear, he led the team to remarkable achievements, including a standout 4th place finish at The International 2016 (TI6). This excellent performance on the global stage solidified his reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s best mid-laners.
Team Secret (2016-2019) – Breaking Records and Winning Titles
In August 2016, MidOne took a big leap in his career by joining Team Secret, one of the most prestigious teams in Dota 2. His tenure with the team was marked by significant victories and record-breaking feats, including:
- Winning major championships such as DreamLeague Season 8, The Chongqing Major, and MDL Disneyland Paris Major.
- Becoming the first player to reach 8,000 MMR on the Southeast Asia server in April 2016.
- Setting MMR records by reaching 9,000 MMR in February 2017 and 10,000 MMR in July 2017.
During this period, MidOne established himself as a highly versatile mid-laner, capable of playing aggressive tempo-setting heroes like Ember Spirit and Invoker.
OG (2020-2021) – Role Experimentation
In January 2020, MidOne joined OG, the two-time TI-winning powerhouse. Interestingly, he experimented with different roles within the team, sometimes playing carry and even offlane. However, this period was filled with inconsistencies, and by March 2021, he parted ways with OG.
Team SMG (2021-2023) – Leading a SEA Roster
MidOne continued his journey in Southeast Asia by joining Team SMG in April 2021. He played a crucial role in shaping the team’s strategy, leading them in competitive events across the region. Though SMG did not reach the heights of his previous teams, his leadership was instrumental in the team’s development.
Return to Team Secret (2023-Present)
On November 9, 2023, MidOne made a surprising return to Team Secret. Currently, he remains a key part of the roster, bringing in experience and adaptability as he seeks to reclaim past glory.
Major Achievements and Notable Records
Key Tournament Performances
- 4th place at The International 2016 with Fnatic.
- 4th place at both The International 2018 and The International 2019 with Team Secret.
- Winner of three major Dota 2 tournaments: DreamLeague Season 8, The Chongqing Major, and MDL Disneyland Paris Major.
MMR Milestones
- First player from Southeast Asia to reach 8,000 MMR (April 2016).
- One of the early players to hit 9,000 MMR and 10,000 MMR (2017).
Personal Records
- Known for his exceptional Ember Spirit and Invoker plays.
- Has competed in over 79 professional tournaments, earning $1,851,031.44 in prize money.
How to Play Like MidOne – A Guide for Aspiring Players
Focus on Core Mid-Lane Skills
- Mechanics: Master last-hitting and denying to gain a lane advantage.
- Map Awareness: Keep an eye on enemy movements to react swiftly.
Hero Specialization
MidOne excels with heroes like:
- Ember Spirit: Flexible and mobile, allowing for aggressive plays.
- Invoker: Requires high skill but provides immense utility in team fights.
Decision-Making and Playstyle
- Find Your Tempo: Control the game’s pace with calculated aggression.
- Team Coordination: Communicate effectively with teammates and adapt strategies on the fly.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About MidOne in Dota 2
What makes MidOne a great Dota 2 player?
His mechanical skill, deep hero pool, and ability to carry games make him a top-tier mid-laner.
Which teams has MidOne played for?
Over the years, he has played for Fnatic, Team Secret, OG, and Team SMG.
What is MidOne’s total earnings?
MidOne has accrued $1,851,031.44 from tournament prize winnings.
What are MidOne’s most famous heroes?
His most iconic heroes include Ember Spirit, Invoker, and Storm Spirit.
Has MidOne won The International?
No, but he has achieved top-four finishes in TI6, TI8, and TI9.
When did MidOne join Team Secret?
He initially joined Team Secret in 2016 and returned in 2023.
Has MidOne played in multiple roles?
Yes, in OG, he played as both carry and offlane in addition to mid.
Where is MidOne from?
MidOne is from Malaysia.
What rank is MidOne?
He was one of the first SEA players to achieve 10,000 MMR.
What is MidOne’s educational background?
He studied mechanical engineering at Multimedia University in Malaysia.
