Peter “ppd” Dager is one of the most successful and influential figures in the history of Dota 2 esports. Known for his leadership, strategic drafting, and outspoken personality, ppd left a lasting impact on the competitive Dota 2 scene. From his early days in Heroes of Newerth (HoN) to winning The International 2015 with Evil Geniuses, he established himself as a brilliant captain and tactician. Even after stepping away from professional play, his contributions as an esports executive and tournament organizer have shaped the industry. This article delves into his career, legacy, and continued influence on the world of Dota 2.
Early Career – Transition from Heroes of Newerth to Dota 2
Peter Dager started his professional gaming career in Heroes of Newerth (HoN) in 2010. Under the alias “peterpandam” (which eventually became the acronym “ppd”), he competed for teams such as Trademark eSports and compLexity Gaming. During his time in HoN, he achieved impressive results, including a second-place finish at DreamHoN Winter 2012 and DreamHoN Summer 2013.
As Dota 2 began to dominate the MOBA esports scene, many HoN players made the transition, and ppd was no exception. In late 2013, he began competing in Dota 2, starting with lesser-known teams like Stay Free and Super Strong Dinosaurs. His big break came when he joined S A D B O Y S alongside legendary players such as Fear, Arteezy, UNiVeRsE, and zai. The team quickly gained recognition, and on February 21, 2014, Evil Geniuses signed them as their new Dota 2 roster.
Career with Evil Geniuses – Rise to the Top
Early Success with EG
ppd made his LAN debut with Evil Geniuses at the Monster Energy Invitational in March 2014, where they secured victory against Cloud9. Under his leadership, the team established itself as a powerhouse in competitive Dota 2. Their innovative drafting and strong teamwork led them to multiple tournament wins, including The Summit 1.
At The International 2014 (TI4), EG delivered a strong performance, finishing in third place. This result signaled that the team was among the world’s best.ppd’s unique draft strategies, which often favored unconventional heroes like Treant Protector, earned him a reputation as one of the smartest captains in the game.
The International 2015 – Ultimate Triumph
The pinnacle of ppd’s career came in 2015 when EG won The International 2015 (TI5). The team had a remarkable run, with strong performances throughout the tournament. In the grand finals, they faced off against the rising Chinese team CDEC Gaming.
EG secured a 3-1 victory in the finals, claiming the Aegis of Champions and a massive share of the $18 million prize pool. This victory cemented ppd’s status as one of the greatest Dota 2 captains of all time.
Post-TI5 and Departure from Evil Geniuses
Following their TI5 win, EG remained a strong contender in Dota 2. However, they faced challenges, including roster changes and internal conflicts. At The International 2016 (TI6), EG managed to secure a third-place finish, but ppd decided to step away from active competitive play shortly after the tournament.
On December 12, 2016, ppd assumed the role of CEO of Evil Geniuses after the organization gained independence from its parent company. However, his time as CEO was short-lived, as he stepped down in August 2017 to return to competitive play.
Return to Competitive Play – OpTic Gaming and Ninjas in Pyjamas
After leaving EG’s managerial role, ppd formed a new team known as The Dire. The roster was eventually signed by OpTic Gaming. With OpTic, ppd led his team to victory at the Starladder i-League Invitational Season 5 and participated in The International 2018.
When OpTic Gaming withdrew from Dota 2, ppd moved on to lead Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP). Under his leadership, NiP won events such as ESL One Birmingham 2019 and established themselves as a solid Tier 1.5 team. However, despite achieving some success, ppd decided to retire from professional play in April 2020 after NiP disbanded.
Post-Retirement Involvement in Esports
Brief Return with S A D B O Y S
In December 2020, ppd briefly returned to competitive play with a reformed version of S A D B O Y S. However, this comeback was short-lived, and he soon refocused on other aspects of esports.
Administrative and Casting Roles
ppd has remained deeply involved in the Dota 2 community through various roles, including esports advisory positions, tournament casting, and analysis. He worked with Esports Engine as an operations manager and provided commentary during live tournaments such as the Berlin Major.
North American Dota Challengers League (NADCL)
Dedicated to growing the North American Dota 2 scene, ppd launched the North American Dota Challengers League (NADCL). This grassroots initiative aims to provide an inclusive platform for lesser-known players to showcase their skills and advance in the competitive scene.
Personal Life – Frugality and Financial Success
Despite being one of the highest-earning Dota 2 players, ppd is known for his frugal lifestyle. He accumulated approximately $2,168,940 in prize winnings, but he remained modest in his spending habits for many years, once living in a small condo and driving a 1999 Chevy Blazer. After winning TI5, he relocated to San Francisco.
Legacy – Impact on Dota 2 Esports
ppd’s legacy in Dota 2 extends beyond his success as a player. He is widely respected for his strategic mind, leadership skills, and contributions to the esports industry. His influence can still be seen in the drafting and playstyle of competitive teams today.
How to Play Like ppd in Dota 2
- Master Support Heroes – ppd often played hard support, excelling on heroes like Treant Protector and Bane.
- Improve Your Drafting – Focus on understanding hero synergy and counter-picking opponents strategically.
- Enhance Map Awareness – Vision control with wards is crucial to maintaining map dominance.
- Communicate Effectively – Shot-calling and leadership make a difference in games.
- Adapt to the Meta – ppd consistently adjusted his strategies based on the evolving game meta.
FAQ – ppd and Dota 2
What team did ppd win The International with?
ppd won The International 2015 with Evil Geniuses.
Why is ppd called the “Salt King”?
He earned the nickname due to his outspoken and competitive nature.
When did ppd retire from professional Dota 2?
He officially retired in April 2020.
What is ppd’s biggest tournament win?
His biggest victory was The International 2015, where his team won over $6 million.
What role did ppd play in Dota 2?
He was primarily a support player and captain.
Did ppd play any games before Dota 2?
Yes, he played Heroes of Newerth before transitioning to Dota 2.
Why did ppd step down as CEO of Evil Geniuses?
He stepped down in 2017 to return to competitive play.
Is ppd still active in the Dota 2 community?
Yes, he remains involved as an analyst and organizer.
What is NADCL, and why did ppd create it?
The North American Dota Challengers League was created to support aspiring players in NA.
Has ppd ever considered coaching?
He has not taken on a full-time coaching role but has shared strategic insights.
