The Rise of a Legend
Few names in Dota 2 history carry as much weight as Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi. A TI winner, three-time Major champion, and the first player to surpass 9,000 MMR, Miracle- has long been regarded as one of the most dominant midlaners to ever grace the game. But how good was Prime Miracle- really?
Unlike many professional players, Miracle- wasn’t always immersed in gaming. He spent much of his early life outdoors until he discovered Dota Allstars at an internet café with his brothers. By the age of 13, he was already playing alongside professional players like MISERY on the same servers. His talent was undeniable, and his meteoric rise was just beginning.
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OG Era: Dominating the Mid Lane
Miracle’s breakthrough moment came when he joined Monkey Business in 2015. This team, later rebranded as OG, would become one of the most dominant teams in Dota 2 history.
The Frankfurt Major: First Taste of Glory
OG faced an uphill battle at The Frankfurt Major 2015. Struggling with the 6.85 meta, they barely made it through the group stage, starting their playoff run from the lower bracket. However, Miracle- had other plans. His Shadow Fiend was so dominant that teams began banning it out of respect. His Invoker and Alchemist soon became legendary, producing highlight-worthy plays that showcased his deep hero pool and mechanical brilliance.
“At his first major, Miracle- solidified his reputation as one of the best midlaners in the world.”
– Justeezy
OG made a legendary lower bracket run, defeating teams like Fnatic, Mineski, and Evil Geniuses, eventually taking down Team Secret in the Grand Finals. Miracle- finished the series with 39 kills, 15 deaths, and 49 assists, proving that he wasnot just a rising star—he was already among the best.
The Manila Major: Establishing a Dynasty
Winning one Major is tough, but winning two back-to-back? That’s legendary. At The Manila Major 2016, OG set out to defend their title. They dominated the tournament, with Miracle- dropping zero deaths against Na’Vi in their opening match.
OG secured another Grand Finals appearance, with Miracle- putting on a clinic with Templar Assassin, Juggernaut, and Invoker. His map awareness, mechanical skills, and ability to create space were unparalleled. OG went on to become the first team in Dota history to win two Majors, cementing their place as the most dominant team of the time.
The Fall at TI6 and the Move to Team Liquid
Despite OG’s dominance in Majors, The International 2016 (TI6) would be a turning point in Miracle’s career. OG entered as the tournament favorites, but a shocking first-round loss to MVP Phoenix sent them to the lower bracket. There, they faced TNC, an underdog Southeast Asian team. In one of the biggest upsets in Dota 2 history, OG was eliminated.
This loss led to the disbanding of OG’s core roster, with Miracle- joining Team Liquid in hopes of achieving his ultimate goal: winning The International.
The TI7 Lower Bracket Run
Miracle- and Team Liquid struggled at first, even failing to qualify for The Boston Major 2016. However, they quickly rebounded, winning multiple Tier 1 events leading up to The International 2017 (TI7).
Despite finishing first in their group, Liquid fell to Invictus Gaming in the upper bracket, sending them to the lower bracket—a familiar place for Miracle-. This time, he and Liquid made one of the greatest lower bracket runs in TI history, defeating Team Secret, Virtus.pro, and LGD before sweeping Newbee 3-0 in the Grand Finals.
Miracle- was nothing short of unstoppable, outplaying legendary players like BurNIng and Paparazi with his Invoker and Death Prophet. His leadership, mechanical skill, and ability to carry high-pressure games made him the undisputed MVP of TI7.
“Miracle- was the Messi of Dota 2—consistent, innovative, and dominant.” – Justeezy
This victory made Team Liquid the first team in history to sweep the Grand Finals of The International, forever solidifying Miracle’s legacy.
The Later Years: Still a Force to Be Reckoned With
After their TI7 victory, Liquid continued to be a dominant force, finishing second at TI9 after an incredible loser’s bracket run. However, following their TI9 defeat, the team left Liquid and rebranded as Nigma Galaxy.
Since then, Miracle- has shifted from midlane to carry role, still producing moments of brilliance but struggling to replicate his prime dominance. While his individual skill remains top-tier, Nigma has faced challenges in maintaining consistent tournament success.
How Good Was Prime Miracle-?
At his peak, Miracle- was arguably the best midlaner to ever play Dota 2. He had everything:
- Versatility: Able to dominate with a wide hero pool including Invoker, Templar Assassin, Alchemist, and Shadow Fiend.
- Clutch factor: Time and time again, he carried his team through high-stakes matches.
- Innovation: Revolutionized Invoker play and introduced unique item builds and strategies.
- Consistency: Maintained top-tier stats across multiple Majors and The International.
For a period between 2015-2018, Miracle- was the most feared player in Dota 2. His impact on the game is undeniable, and even today, fans still long to see him return to his TI-winning form.
Prime Miracle- was a once-in-a-generation talent—a player who changed the way Dota 2 was played and created some of the greatest moments in esports history. Whether or not he is the absolute GOAT is up for debate, but one thing is certain—he will always be remembered as one of Dota 2’s all-time greats.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miracle- the greatest Dota 2 player of all time?
While subjective, many consider Miracle- one of the greatest players ever due to his TI7 victory, multiple Major wins, and unmatched individual skill.
Why did Miracle- leave OG?
After OG’s TI6 loss, the roster fell apart, leading Miracle- to join Team Liquid, where he went on to win TI7.
What role does Miracle- play now?
He has transitioned from midlane to carry, currently playing for Nigma Galaxy.
What are Miracle-’s most famous heroes?
His Invoker, Templar Assassin, Alchemist, and Shadow Fiend are some of the most feared in Dota 2 history.
Does Miracle- still play at a high level?
Yes, but Nigma Galaxy has struggled to find consistent success in recent years.
Source : Justeezy
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