Johan “N0tail” Sundstein is one of the most celebrated names in Dota 2 history. As a two-time The International (TI) champion and the highest-earning esports player of all time, his impact on the game and the esports industry at large is undeniable. From his humble beginnings in Heroes of Newerth (HoN) to leading OG in back-to-back TI victories, N0tail’s journey epitomizes hard work, innovation, and an unrelenting passion for the game. This article delves deep into the life and career of N0tail, exploring his early days, team transitions, achievements, and the legacy he has cemented in competitive gaming.
Early Life and Introduction to Gaming
Born on October 8, 1993, in Denmark to Faroese parents, Johan Sundstein developed an interest in video games at a very young age. His journey into the world of gaming began with titles like Mario on the Nintendo Game Boy and Pokémon. These early gaming experiences played a pivotal role in shaping his love for competitive play. As his skills developed, it became evident that he had an innate talent for strategy and team-based games.
At the age of 15, N0tail made the bold decision to leave high school and fully commit to his esports journey. This decision, though risky, turned out to be the foundation of one of the most successful careers in the industry.
Heroes of Newerth – The Beginning of a Pro Career
N0tail’s professional esports career started in Heroes of Newerth, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the game’s youngest and most skilled players. He played the Solo mid role and formed an unofficial team alongside Jascha “NoVa” Markuse and Tal “Fly” Aizik, under the guidance of Fnatic’s manager, Danijel “StreeT” Remus.
This roster achieved significant success, winning four consecutive DreamHack events and standing out as one of the most dominant teams in Heroes of Newerth history. However, with the HoN competitive scene in decline, N0tail and his teammates found themselves at a crossroads.
Transition to Dota 2
In 2012, N0tail transitioned from HoN to Dota 2 alongside his Fnatic teammates, including Fly, NoVa, and Adrian Kryeziu. Initially, the transition proved to bea difficult challenge. However, the team’s Perseverance paid off when they secured victory at the Thor Open LAN in December 2012.
Fnatic made a lasting impression in various Dota 2 tournaments, with their most notable accomplishment being a respectable 7-8th place finish at The International 2013. Despite this achievement, the team struggled to break into the upper tiers of competition, leading N0tail to explore new opportunities.
Team Changes and Climatic Success
Fnatic to Team Secret and Cloud9
Following his time with Fnatic, N0tail joined Team Secret in 2014. Playing alongside legendary figures like Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, Gustav “s4” Magnusson, and Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi, he found himself among some of the best minds in Dota 2. However, his time with Secret was short-lived, as he was replaced by Artour “Arteezy” Babaev.
Following this unexpected change, he moved to Cloud9. Unfortunately, his stint with C9 was marked by underwhelming performances and disappointing tournament results, leading to yet another transition in his career.
The Birth of OG – A Historic Era
In August 2015, N0tail rebuilt his competitive career by co-founding (monkey) Business alongside his longtime friend Fly. This team later rebranded as OG and became one of the most dominant forces in Dota 2 history.
Some of OG’s most incredible achievements under N0tail’s leadership include their victory at The Frankfurt Major 2015 and becoming the first team in Dota 2 history to successfully defend a Major title.
Back-to-Back The International Championships
The peak of N0tail’s competitive career came with OG’s historic back-to-back victories at The International 2018 and 2019. These two championships solidified OG’s legacy as one of the greatest teams in Dota 2 history.
OG’s Underdog Run – The International 2018
Prior to TI8, OG had to rebuild after a major fallout with Fly, who left for Evil Geniuses. Despite this setback, N0tail led the revamped OG roster through the open qualifiers. Against all odds, OG triumphed at TI8, defeating PSG.LGD in a legendary five-game grand final.
Defending the Crown – The International 2019
OG returned to TI9 stronger than ever, bulldozing their way through the tournament with an aggressive, unorthodox playstyle. They once again defeated PSG.LGD in the upper bracket and bested Team Liquid in the grand finals, securing back-to-back titles—an unprecedented achievement in Dota 2 history.
N0tail’s Impact on Dota 2
A Legendary Support Player
Throughout his Dota 2 career, N0tail primarily played the position 5 support role, excelling at drafting and in-game leadership. His most played hero is Io, with which he boasts an impressive 74% win rate over more than 140 matches. His strategic mind and innovative approach to gameplay have had a lasting impact on Dota 2 strategy.
Highest-Earning Esports Player
With over $7 million in career tournament winnings, N0tail holds the title of the highest-earning esports player of all time. His success in Major tournaments and The International has earned him a place among the elites in competitive gaming history.
Personal Life and Biography – Character Beats Talent
Outside competitive gaming, N0tail is known for his humble and supportive personality. His leadership style emphasizes the importance of teamwork, respect, and perseverance.
In 2024, he released his biography titled “Character Beats Talent,” which details his journey from childhood to his esports success. The Danish edition has already been published, with an English version set for release soon.
How to Play Like N0tail in Dota 2
Master the Position 5 Role
- Prioritize vision control by placing wards effectively.
- Communicate with teammates to enable playmaking opportunities.
- Study hero synergies to understand when to draft Io effectively.
- Engage in shot-calling and support your team through strategic decision-making.
Develop a Winning Mindset
- Emphasize teamwork and trust in your teammates.
- Remain adaptable and always strive for personal growth.
- Learn from losses and treat every match as a learning opportunity.
Study OG’s Gameplays
Watch OG’s replays and observe N0tail’s movements, item choices, and communication habits. Understanding his approach can help improve your own playstyle.
FAQ – N0tail and Dota 2
What team did N0tail first play Dota 2 with?
N0tail began his Dota 2 career with Fnatic’s European squad in 2012.
How many times has N0tail won The International?
N0tail has won The International twice, in 2018 and 2019.
Which team did N0tail leave to form OG?
He left Cloud9 and formed OG alongside Fly in 2015.
Why is N0tail famous in the Dota 2 community?
He is known for his leadership, innovative playstyle, and historic back-to-back TI victories with OG.
What is N0tail’s most played hero?
His most played hero is Io, boasting a 74% win rate over 140 matches.
How much prize money has N0tail earned?
He is the highest-earning esports player, with over $7 million in prize money.
What book did N0tail release?
In 2024, he released “Character Beats Talent,” detailing his esports journey.
How did N0tail transition from HoN to Dota 2?
With the competitive HoN scene in decline, N0tail and his team moved to Dota 2 under Fnatic in 2012.
What role did N0tail play in OG?
He mainly played position 5 support and was the team captain and strategist.
What are OG’s biggest achievements with N0tail?
OG won back-to-back TI titles in 2018 and 2019, marking the first-ever repeat victory in TI history.
