Aleksey “Solo” Berezin is a legendary figure in the world of competitive Dota 2. As one of the most experienced and well-known Russian players, Solo has had a long and tumultuous career marked by both controversy and success. From his early days embroiled in a match-fixing scandal to leading Virtus.pro to multiple Tier 1 victories, Solo’s journey through professional Dota 2 is one of resilience, redemption, and strategic mastery. In this article, we take an in-depth look at Solo’s career, his achievements, setbacks, and his lasting impact on the Dota 2 community.
Early Career and Controversy – The 322 Incident
Born on August 7, 1990, Aleksey Berezin began his professional Dota 2 career playing for various lesser-known teams, including Moscow Five, Eclypsia, United Sexy Boys, XX5 Gaming, and Ice Climbers. However, his rise to fame was initially marred by a significant scandal that would forever impact Dota 2’s competitive history.
On June 16, 2013, Solo was handed a lifetime ban from StarLadder after being caught engaging in match-fixing while playing for the team zRage. He had allegedly placed a bet against his own team and won a meager $322 from the fraudulent match—this number later became infamous in the Dota 2 scene, with “322” now being widely used as slang for throwing matches.
Following uproar in the community and after admitting to his actions, Solo’s ban was reduced to one year. While this incident cast a dark shadow over his career, it did not mark the end of his Dota 2 journey. He was subsequently removed from his team, RoX, and had to rebuild his reputation from the ground up.
Return to Competitive Play – Redemption and Growth
After serving his suspension, Solo gradually made his return to the professional scene by competing with various teams, including RoX.KIS, Team Empire, and most notably, Vega Squadron. His time with Vega Squadron was aturning point, as he helped the team achieve notable victories and started to establish himself as a world-class captain and drafter.
Some of his early post-ban achievements with Vega Squadron include wins in:
- Hitbox EU Championship #2
- Yard G2A Fest Ep.1
- The Mountain Trail Challenge
Vega Squadron also made waves by securing a Wild-Card slot in The International 2015 (TI5) qualifiers. Although they didn’t go far in the main event, the team solidified its status as a rising power in the competitive Dota 2 scene. Solo’s leadership skills were steadily improving, and he was ready for the next step in his career.
Virtus.Pro and Major Success – The Glory Years
In August 2016, Solo joined Virtus.Pro and took on the role of team captain. This marked the beginning of his most successful period in professional Dota 2. Under Solo’s leadership, Virtus.Pro became one of the strongest teams in the world, often dominating the competition in high-stakes tournaments.
Key Achievements with Virtus.Pro
- 2nd Place – Kiev Major 2017: Virtus.Pro fell just short of the championship, losing to OG in the finals of one of the most competitive Dota 2 Majors ever.
- Champions – ESL One Hamburg 2017: Solo was named the Mercedes Benz MVP for his outstanding performance.
- 5th-6th Place – The International 2017 and 2018: Consistently showcasing deep runs at TI.
The team’s aggressive playstyle, combined with Solo’s strategic drafting, allowed them to take down some of the biggest names in the game. Virtus.Pro was consistently one of the top squads in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) rankings, and Solo further cemented his status as one of the best captains in the game.
Post-Virtus.Pro Career – New Challenges and Setbacks
By September 2020, Virtus.Pro had begun to see a decline in results. Solo left the organization after several disappointing performances and decided to explore new opportunities. In September 2021, he joined Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) as team captain. However, this stint was less successful than his previous runs with Vega Squadron and Virtus.Pro.
Although Na’Vi managed some respectable finishes, including a 2nd place in the DPC EEU 2021/2022 Tour 3: Division I, they struggled internationally. Their most notable event was the PGL Arlington Major 2022, where they finished 13th-14th.
Current Team and Recent Performances
As of recent times, Solo has been playing for 9Pandas, a team striving to make a name in the competitive landscape. He remains an influential figure in the Dota 2 scene, both as a player and a strategist. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Solo continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, keeping him relevant in the ever-evolving world of professional Dota 2.
Personal Milestones and Achievements
Records Held by Solo
- Oldest player to compete at The International: As of 2024, Solo played at TI at the age of 33 years and 84 days.
- MMR Milestone: Reached 11,000 MMR on January 24, 2024.
- Prize Money: With total earnings of $2,035,581.34, Solo is ranked #51 globally and #5 in Russia for prize winnings.
How to Play Like Solo – Mastering the Support Role
Understanding Solo’s Playstyle
Solo is known for his exceptional support gameplay and leadership skills. If you want to master the support role, consider the following key aspects:
1. Drafting and Shot-Calling
Successful drafting is one of Solo’s strengths. He understands hero synergies and counters, making him a formidable captain. To improve:
- Study professional drafts and adapt them in your games.
- Communicate clearly with your teammates.
2. Vision Control
Good warding wins games. Solo excels at map control by placing wards in key locations.
- Always carry Observer and Sentry Wards.
- Deny enemy vision with counter-warding tactics.
3. Team Coordination
Solo’s teams thrived because of strong communication and synergy. Work on:
- Calling out enemy movements.
- Ensuring your carries are well-protected.
FAQ – Solo and Dota 2
What does “322” mean in Dota 2?
It refers to Solo’s infamous match-fixing scandal, where he attempted to profit $322 from a thrown game.
Which teams has Solo played for?
Solo has played for teams including Moscow Five, RoX.KIS, Vega Squadron, Virtus.Pro, Natus Vincere, and 9Pandas.
What is Solo’s greatest achievement?
His time with Virtus.Pro, where he led them to multiple Major victories and deep TI runs, is considered his peak.
How much money has Solo earned in Dota 2?
Solo has accumulated approximately $2,035,581.34 in prize winnings.
What role does Solo play?
Solo is primarily a position 5 support, often focusing on drafting strategies and vision control.
What is Solo’s most iconic tournament performance?
His leadership at ESL One Hamburg 2017, where he won the Mercedes Benz MVP award, stands out.
Who are Solo’s notable teammates?
He has played with stars like RAMZES666, No[o]ne, and Lil during his time at Virtus.Pro.
What is Solo’s current team?
As of 2024, Solo plays for 9Pandas.
When did Solo hit 11,000 MMR?
Solo reached 11,000 MMR in January 2024.
Why is Solo considered one of the best captains?
His strategic mindset, strong drafting abilities, and leadership make him one of Dota 2’s top captains.
Source: Esports Stories
Stay updated with reliable Dota 2 news sources. Visit dota2gamers.gg and for more insights about Dota 2.
