Ren “old eLeVeN” Yangwei is a renowned Chinese professional Dota 2 player known for his aggressive offlane playstyle and deep strategic understanding of the game. Born on December 7, 1995, he has been an active part of the professional Dota 2 scene since 2013. Over the years, he has played for several elite teams, including EHOME, Vici Gaming, PSG.LGD, and Keen Gaming, leaving a lasting mark on competitive Dota 2. With multiple top finishes at The International and other premier tournaments, old eLeVeN has established himself as a formidable offlaner. This article delves into his career trajectory, key achievements, personal milestones, and impact on the Dota 2 esports landscape.
old eLeVeN – Early Career and Rise in Competitive Dota 2
old eLeVeN started his professional Dota 2 journey in 2013, joining his first recorded team, Subvert. Although this team failed to make a significant mark and disbanded shortly after elimination in the Fengyun Dota 2 Tournament, it was the beginning of what would be a tremendous career.
Following his short stint with Subvert, he moved to U5 in June 2014. Unfortunately, the team underperformed in the Dota 2 Secondary Pro League, leading to his departure in August of the same year. Despite initial setbacks, his time with these early teams allowed him to develop his playstyle and gain invaluable experience in professional circuits.
The Breakthrough with EHOME
The turning point in old eLeVeN’s career came in March 2015 when he joined EHOME. At the time, EHOME was rebuilding after the departure of legendary offlaner rOtK, and old eLeVeN quickly stepped up as a worthy replacement. Under EHOME, he rose to prominence, showcasing his talent at tournaments such as the Nanyang Dota 2 Championships and ESL One New York 2015.
His performance in international competitions solidified his status asone of China’s most reliable offlaners. Even after brief exits from EHOME, he would return to the team on multiple occasions, sometimes as a substitute, until his final departure in September 2017.
Major Achievements with EHOME
- Placed 5th-6th at The International 2016, earning $934,761.
- Consistently ranked among China’s top offlane players.
- Helped EHOME secure qualifying spots in various premier tournaments.
Dominance with LGD Gaming and Vici Gaming
Between 2017 and 2019, old eLeVeN played for powerhouse organizations like LGD Gaming and Vici Gaming. During this Era, he refined his style, often playing highly disruptive heroes that could dictate the pace of the game.
While loaned to LGD Gaming, he contributed to several deep tournament runs. When he transitioned to Vici Gaming, his impact was even more pronounced, helping the team secure multiple notable victories.
Key Accomplishments During This Period
- The International 2017 – 4th Place with Vici Gaming, earning $1,728,154.
- Mars Dota 2 League 2017 – Champion, winning $112,500.
- ESL One Katowice 2018 – 2nd Place, earning $200,000.
Later Years and Stints with Keen Gaming and Xtreme Gaming
In September 2018, old eLeVeN joined Keen Gaming, a team looking to establish itself on the international stage. This period saw him display mastery over teamfight-centric offlaners, making Keen Gaming a formidable opponent in the Chinese region.
His biggest accolade while with Keen Gaming came at ESL One Mumbai 2019, where he helped secure victory and a prize of $135,000.
From 2020 onwards, old eLeVeN bounced between PSG.LGD, Vici Gaming (again), Xtreme Gaming, and most recently KEV, which he left in May 2024.
Personal Achievements and Contributions
MMR Milestone
On October 20, 2021, old eLeVeN achieved an impressive milestone by reaching 10,000 MMR. This achievement placed him among the elite players in Dota 2, demonstrating his exceptional skill and understanding of the game.
Record for Highest Death Rate
At The International 2019, old eLeVeN set a unique record by averaging 7.06 deaths per game, the highest of any core player in the tournament. While high deaths are usually viewed negatively, they often represented his playstyle—sacrificing himself to create space for his team’s core players.
How to Play Like old eLeVeN – Offlane Guide
Hero Pool and Playstyle
old eLeVeN is known for playing initiation-heavy offlane heroes. Some of his signature heroes include:
- Tidehunter – Often played as a front-line tank and initiator.
- Beastmaster – Utilized for exceptional map control and tempo-setting.
- Batrider – Known for aggressive pickoffs and mobility.
- Doom – A go-to pick for disrupting enemy carries.
Key Strategies
- Position Aggressively: Play up in the lane to pressure enemy supports.
- Maximize Map Presence: Rotate to help mid-lane when needed.
- Enable Your Cores: Create space by drawing aggro.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About old eLeVeN and Dota 2
Who is old eLeVeN?
old eLeVeN, whose real name is Ren Yangwei, is a Chinese professional Dota 2 player known for his versatile offlane play.
What are old eLeVeN’s biggest achievements?
His biggest accomplishments include a 4th-place finish at The International 2017 and victories at Mars Dota 2 League 2017 and ESL One Mumbai 2019.
Which teams has old eLeVeN played for?
He has played for multiple teams, including EHOME, PSG.LGD, Vici Gaming, Keen Gaming, Xtreme Gaming, and KEV.
What is old eLeVeN’s playstyle?
He is known for his aggressive, teamfight-oriented offlane play, often using heroes like Tidehunter, Beastmaster, and Doom.
Has old eLeVeN won The International?
No, but he has placed highly, finishing 4th in The International 2017 and 5th-6th in both 2016 and 2021.
When did old eLeVeN reach 10,000 MMR?
He reached 10,000 MMR on October 20, 2021.
What is his most recent team?
His most recent team was KEV, which he left in May 2024.
What is old eLeVeN’s Dota 2 role?
He primarily plays the offlane role.
What record does he hold at The International?
He holds the record for the highest average deaths per game (7.06) at The International 2019.
Is old eLeVeN still competing?
As of May 2024, he is not actively playing for any team.
Conclusion
old eLeVeN’s career has been filled with momentous achievements, countless clutch plays, and an aggressive approach to offlane domination. With multiple stints in China’s best teams and a legacy of deep tournament runs, he remains a memorable player in competitive Dota 2 history. Whether or not he returns to professional play, his impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
