Michał “Nisha” Jankowski is one of the most decorated and skilled Dota 2 players in the world. Hailing from Poland, Nisha has carved out a legacy through extraordinary gameplay, versatility, and strategic prowess in the competitive Dota 2 scene. From his early beginnings in regional tournaments to winning the most prestigious esports title, The International, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel. This article delves into his journey, achievements, playing style, and impact on the professional Dota 2 landscape.
Early Career – The Rise of a Prodigy
Nisha’s journey into the world of competitive Dota 2 started at a young age. He played alongside his brother in small teams such as Supream and later in Lets Do It. Their potential was soon recognized, and the duo joined the German esports organization ALTERNATE aTTaX. Despite significant efforts, they were unable to qualify for The International 2015. However, this early experience laid the groundwork for Nisha’s future success.
Over the next few years, he competed in several regional tournaments, notably winning multiple ProDotA Cup Europe tournaments. These victories helped solidify his reputation as one of the rising stars in the European Dota 2 scene.
Joining Team Secret – A Career-Defining Move
In 2018, Nisha made a groundbreaking move by joining Team Secret, one of the best Dota 2 teams in the world, under the guidance of legendary captain Clement “Puppey” Ivanov. As the team’s new midlaner, Nisha quickly proved his worth by delivering incredible performances on high-stakes stages.
Achievements with Team Secret
- Winner of ESL One Hamburg 2018
- Champion of The Chongqing Major
- Victorious at ESL One Katowice 2019
- Winner of MDL Disneyland Paris Major
- Champion of DreamLeague Season 13: The Leipzig Major
- Major contributor to Team Secret’s streak of seven consecutive tournament wins
During his tenure with Team Secret, Nisha played a crucialrole in securing multiple championships. His adaptability allowed the team to strategize around his favorite heroes, including Ember Spirit, Morphling, and Storm Spirit.
TI 2021 & 2022 – Chasing the Aegis
Under Nisha’s leadership, Team Secret placed third in The International 2021, marking one of their best finishes in the premier tournament. The following year, they made it to the grand finals at The International 2022 but fell just short, securing second place. Despite the loss, Nisha’s performances were nothing short of spectacular, proving that he was among the best players in the world.
Transition to Team Liquid – A New Era
At the end of 2022, Nisha made another bold move by joining Team Liquid. Many were eager to see how he would perform in a new environment—and he did not disappoint. He adapted seamlessly to his new team, delivering standout performances in multiple major tournaments.
Major Achievements with Team Liquid
- Silver medalist at Lima Major 2023
- Runner-up at ESL One Berlin Major 2023
- Second place at Bali Major 2023
- 5th-6th place at The International 2023
- Runner-up at BetBoom Dacha Dubai 2024
- Champion of The International 2024
Winning The International 2024 was the pinnacle of Nisha’s career. In the grand final, Team Liquid faced Gaimin Gladiators and emerged victorious, making Nisha one of the rare players to lift the Aegis of Champions.
Impact and Mentorship
Nisha has often credited his development and growth as a player to his time in Team Secret, where he learned from veterans like Puppey, Ludwig “zai” Wåhlberg, and Lasse “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen. His dedication to constant improvement has made him not just an exceptional player but also a mentor to emerging Dota 2 talent.
Playing Style – Adaptability and Precision
One of Nisha’s greatest strengths is his versatility. Throughout his career, he has flexibly played both midlane and safelane roles based on the team’s strategies. His wide hero pool allows him to adapt to various playstyles and execute winning strategies.
Signature Heroes
- Ember Spirit
- Morphling
- Storm Spirit
These heroes perfectly align with Nisha’s ability to outmaneuver opponents and deliver explosive plays in crucial moments.
Recent Performances
In the last few months, Nisha has continued to showcase dominant performances. In the past 90 days alone, he has secured $68,000 in prize earnings from five tournaments, further proving that he remains at the top of his game.
How to Play Like Nisha – A Beginner’s Guide
Step 1: Master the Fundamentals
Before trying to mimic Nisha’s playstyle, ensure you have a strong understanding of core mechanics such as last-hitting, map awareness, and efficient farming.
Step 2: Learn His Signature Heroes
Focus on perfecting heroes like Ember Spirit and Morphling. Study his replays to understand positioning, skill builds, and itemization choices.
Step 3: Optimize Map Movement
Nisha excels at rotating efficiently around the map. Practice reading enemy movement and anticipate ganks to contribute more effectively to your team’s strategy.
Step 4: Stay Calm Under Pressure
One of Nisha’s defining traits is his unshakable composure. In high-pressure situations, staying calm and making calculated decisions can turn the tide of a game.
FAQ – Nisha and Dota 2
Who is Nisha in Dota 2?
Nisha, whose real name is Michał Jankowski, is a Polish professional Dota 2 player known for his versatility and exceptional gameplay.
Which teams has Nisha played for?
Nisha has played for teams such as Lets Do It, ALTERNATE aTTaX, Team Secret, and Team Liquid.
Has Nisha won The International?
Yes, Nisha won The International 2024 with Team Liquid, making him one of the most successful Dota 2 players.
What is Nisha’s highest tournament earnings?
His largest single tournament prize was $720,320 from The International 2021.
Where does Nisha rank in overall earnings?
He is currently ranked #23 in highest overall Dota 2 earnings and #1 in Poland.
What are Nisha’s best heroes?
Nisha is known for his Ember Spirit, Morphling, and Storm Spirit plays.
Which role does Nisha play?
He has primarily played as a midlaner but has also taken on the safelane role when necessary.
How did Nisha start his professional career?
He began playing with his brother in small teams before joining Lets Do It and ALTERNATE aTTaX.
Who influenced Nisha’s career?
He has credited players like Puppey, Matumbaman, and Zai for shaping his professional career.
What makes Nisha a top-tier player?
Nisha’s adaptability, decision-making, and exceptional skill execution set him apart as one of the best Dota 2 players today.
