Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev is one of the most renowned and respected players in the competitive Dota 2 scene. Known for his exceptional carry play, strategic prowess, and adaptability across multiple roles, RAMZES666 has earned a reputation as a dominant force in both regional and international tournaments. Since his professional debut in 2015, he has played for some of the most prestigious teams in Dota 2 history, such as Virtus.pro, Evil Geniuses, and Tundra Esports. Along the way, he has accumulated numerous accolades, including major tournament victories, record-breaking in-game statistics, and prestigious personal milestones like being the first CIS player to reach 10,000 MMR. This article explores his journey from a young prodigy to an elite Dota 2 competitor, offering insight into his gameplay, records, and contributions to the esports industry.
Early Career – The Rise of RAMZES666
Born on April 25, 1999, in Russia, Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev showed promise as a Dota 2 player from a young age. His professional career officially began in 2015 when he joined ScaryFaceZ at the age of 16. His impressive performances quickly caught the attention of the CIS Dota 2 scene, leading him to be recruited by CIS Rejects in September of the same year. This roster was soon signed by Team Spirit, a well-known organization in the region.
With Team Spirit, RAMZES666 participated in The Shanghai Major 2016, marking his first appearance in a Valve-sponsored tournament at just 16 years old. Although the team finished in 13th-16th place, the experience was invaluable for the young talent, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the scene.
Major Team Transfers and Achievements
Joining Team Empire
In March 2016, RAMZES666 made a significant move to Team Empire. With his new squad, he successfully led them through the European Qualifier for The Manila Major 2016. Despite a 9th-12th place finish at the event, this period was crucial for his professional growth, providing him with more opportunities to compete at the highest level.
Virtus.pro Era – Dominating the Scene
One of the most important turning points in RAMZES666’s careercame in August 2016 when he joined Virtus.pro. This transition kickstarted what would become one of the most successful eras in CIS Dota 2 history. Virtus.pro rapidly established itself as a top-tier team under his leadership, qualifying for nearly every major international tournament. Notably, the team secured victories at BTS Europe #4 and The Summit 6. At The Boston Major 2016, they achieved a respectable 5th-8th place finish, further proving their strength.
Notable Achievements with Virtus.pro
During his tenure with Virtus.pro, RAMZES666 was instrumental in their dominance at various tournaments. Some of his most significant achievements with the team include:
- Winning ESL One Katowice 2018: A major tournament where Virtus.pro cemented themselves as one of the world’s strongest teams.
- The Kuala Lumpur Major: He was named MVP with outstanding individual stats, including a 7.84 KDA and leading in experience per minute (XPM) and gold per minute (GPM).
- The Bucharest Major: Another championship victory that solidified Virtus.pro’s place at the top.
Later Career and Team Changes
Transition to Evil Geniuses
In September 2019, after three incredibly successful years with Virtus.pro, RAMZES666 made the bold decision to join Evil Geniuses as an offlaner. This move was met with excitement, as fans anticipated the synergy between him and the North American powerhouse.
While at Evil Geniuses, he secured a fourth-place finish at the MDL Chengdu Major and finished second at DreamLeague Season 13: The Leipzig Major. However, despite some strong performances, Evil Geniuses failed to secure major tournament victories during his tenure.
Short Stints with Other Teams
After leaving Evil Geniuses, RAMZES666 briefly played for Just Error and Dota Team, though these stints were relatively short-lived and unsuccessful. In April 2021, he joined Natus Vincere, replacing GeneRaL as the team’s offlaner. Despite some promising matches, he struggled to replicate his earlier success.
In May 2022, he returned to Virtus.pro, hoping to revive his career. Unfortunately, this stint was not as successful as his first, leading him to seek new opportunities. He later moved to HellRaisers and then joined 9Pandas, where he finally regained some of his earlier form, securing third place at the ESL One Berlin Major 2023 and 5th-6th place at the Bali Major 2023.
Recent Teams and Performances
Joining L1GA TEAM
On January 5, 2024, RAMZES666 joined L1GA TEAM, competing alongside other experienced players in various events. The team participated in the Closed Qualifier for BB Dacha Dubai 2024 and the Games of the Future 2024 but did not achieve significant success.
Transformation with Tundra Esports
In May 2024, RAMZES666 joined Tundra Esports as a rented player. His stint with Tundra was highly impactful, as he played a crucial role in securing a fourth-place finish at the Riyadh Masters 2024 and helped the team qualify for The International 2024.
At The International 2024, RAMZES666 and Tundra Esports embarked on a remarkable journey, reaching the lower bracket finals before being eliminated by Gaimin Gladiators.
Records and Milestones
RAMZES666 has set numerous records throughout his career:
- First CIS player to reach 10,000 MMR: Achieved on November 10, 2017.
- Fourth player in the world to reach 10,000 MMR.
- Reached 12,000 MMR on May 7, 2024.
- Won five Majors, sharing a record with Puppey, No[o]ne, 9pasha, and Solo.
- Held the highest average KDA at the Kiev Major 2017 (11.24).
- Recorded the highest kills per game average (9.75) at The Bucharest Major.
- Made top 3 at 13 Major tournaments, a record set at the Berlin Major 2023.
How to Play Like RAMZES666
Mastering the Carry Role
- Prioritize farming efficiency to maximize gold and experience gain.
- Master key meta heroes such as Terrorblade, Luna, and Morphling.
- Work on last-hitting and map awareness to avoid unnecessary deaths.
- Communicate effectively with teammates to secure objectives and position for fights.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About RAMZES666 in Dota 2
Who is RAMZES666?
RAMZES666 is Roman Kushnarev, a professional Dota 2 player from Russia known for his exceptional carry plays.
How did RAMZES666 start his career?
He began in 2015 with ScaryFaceZ before joining Team Spirit and later Virtus.pro.
Why did RAMZES666 leave Virtus.pro?
He left in 2019 to explore opportunities with Evil Geniuses and transition to an offlane role.
What are RAMZES666’s biggest achievements?
He has won 5 major tournaments and was the first CIS player to reach 10,000 and 12,000 MMR.
What teams has RAMZES666 played for?
He has played for Virtus.pro, Evil Geniuses, Natus Vincere, 9Pandas, HellRaisers, and Tundra Esports.
What is RAMZES666’s playstyle?
He is an aggressive carry player known for his strong laning phase and efficient farming.
What is RAMZES666’s latest team?
He is currently playing for Tundra Esports as a rented player.
How many Majors has RAMZES666 won?
He has won five Majors, making him one of the most decorated players in the scene.
Is RAMZES666 the best CIS player?
He is widely regarded as one of the best CIS Dota 2 players in history.
What is RAMZES666’s MMR record?
He was the first CIS player to reach 10,000 MMR and has also achieved 12,000 MMR.
