Lu “Somnus” Yao, also known as “Maybe,” is one of the most legendary Dota 2 players in the history of the game. Hailing from China, he has built an illustrious career defined by exceptional skill, strategic brilliance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the years, Somnus has consistently proven himself as one of the best midlane players in the competitive Dota 2 scene. His journey through prominent teams such as LGD Gaming, PSG.LGD, and Azure Ray has cemented his place among the greats. This article dives deep into Somnus’s career, achievements, signature playstyle, and impact on the Dota 2 esports scene.
Biography and Early Career – The Beginning of a Legend
Born on December 16, 1995, Lu “Somnus” Yao developed an early passion for competitive gaming. Before making waves in Dota 2, he was an active participant in the Chinese DotA scene. He played for a small team called Greedy, which was later absorbed by the renowned organization Vici Gaming. During this early period, Somnus honed his skills alongside legendary figures like YaphetS and competed in the prestigious in-house games on the Chinese platform YY 90016 under the nickname 海贼王 (One Piece).
His remarkable gameplay and mechanical prowess caught the attention of many, setting the stage for his eventual transition to Dota 2. Unlike many emerging players who rushed into the professional scene, Somnus prioritized his education before committing fully to competitive gaming. That decision momentarily placed his career on hold, but it also allowed him to perfect his skills beyond the public eye.
Professional Career – Dominating the Competitive Scene
Transition to Dota 2 and Early Struggles
Somnus officially transitioned to Dota 2 in 2013, starting his professional journey through the Chinese Dota Elite Community. The league, composed of China’s finest talents, served as an ideal training ground. Despite his potential, he remained teamless until 2014 when LGD Gaming signed him as a replacement for xiao8, who had left for Newbee.
His initialstint with LGD Gaming’s main roster, however, was short-lived. After just two months, he was moved to LGD’s developmental squad, LGD.CDEC. The transfer allowed him to further refine his skills, though he would temporarily step away from the spotlight.
From LGD.CDEC to CDEC Gaming
Not long after, Somnus found himself in CDEC Gaming, an independent squad with notable aspirations. His time with CDEC allowed him the freedom to take on a leadership role, developing invaluable experience as a midlane cornerstone. While the team was not able to achieve the same level of success as top-tier Chinese rosters, it served as an important step in Somnus’s journey.
The turning point arrived in 2015 after the Dota 2 Asia Championships. With LGD Gaming in need of a strong midlaner, they reinstated Somnus into their primary roster, where he would begin forging his legacy.
Rise with LGD Gaming and Partnership with Paris Saint-Germain
Reuniting with LGD Gaming proved to be a defining moment in Somnus’s career. By 2018, the organization had partnered with Paris Saint-Germain to form PSG.LGD, an alliance that would propel them to new heights. As the team’s superstar midlaner, Somnus delivered one outstanding performance after another, being instrumental in PSG.LGD’s deep tournament runs.
- The International 2018 – Second Place: PSG.LGD reached the grand finals but fell just short of claiming the Aegis of Champions, finishing second to OG in a historic 3-2 series.
- The International 2019 – Third Place: Dominating competitions once again, PSG.LGD secured an impressive third-place finish, proving their consistency.
- EPICENTER XL 2018: Somnus helped PSG.LGD secure a championship victory, taking home $100,000.
- MDL Changsha Major 2018: Another tournament where PSG.LGD emerged victorious, adding $80,000 in winnings.
During this period, Somnus established himself as one of the best midlane players in the world. His ability to outmaneuver opponents, dominate the laning stage, and make game-deciding plays became his signature.
Later Career – Elephant, Royal Never Give Up, and Azure Ray
After a successful tenure with PSG.LGD, Somnus briefly joined Elephant.4AM in 2020 before transitioning to Elephant itself. Though anticipated as a powerhouse roster, Elephant was unable to live up to expectations, leading to Somnus later joining Royal Never Give Up (RNG) in 2021.
At RNG, Somnus once again showed glimpses of his former glory, competing at a high level during The International 2022. Following the tournament, he hinted at stepping away from professional play but eventually returned to compete with Azure Ray in 2023, achieving a fourth-place finish at The International 2023.
Signature Heroes – The Somnus Playstyle
Throughout his career, Somnus has been known for his signature heroes, particularly those that emphasize aggression and spell dominance. His highlights include:
- Storm Spirit: A hero that plays directly into Somnus’s aggressive precision, allowing him to control the battlefield.
- Shadow Fiend: With sharp lasthitting skills and excellent spell execution, Somnus thrives with Shadow Fiend.
- Leshrac: Currently holding the record for the most professional matches and wins played as Leshrac.
Notable Achievements and Earnings
Somnus has participated in 93 tournaments, accumulating over $3,311,808.66 in earnings. As of his latest ranking, he stands as the 25th highest-earning player globally and the 4th highest-earning player from China.
How to Play Like Somnus – A Guide for Aspiring Midlaners
Mastering the Midlane
If you’re looking to replicate Somnus’s success, consider these crucial techniques:
- Strong Laning Mechanics: Focus on improving last hits, denies, and lane control.
- Vision and Map Awareness: Knowing when to rotate and apply pressure on sidelanes is key.
- Efficient Farming: Constant farming without neglecting objectives is important for maintaining a lead.
- High-Impact Team Fights: Learn when to commit and disengage in fights.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Somnus and Dota 2
Who is Somnus?
Somnus, also known as Maybe, is a professional Dota 2 player from China known for his expert midlane gameplay.
What teams has Somnus played for?
He has played for Vici Gaming, LGD Gaming, CDEC Gaming, PSG.LGD, Elephant, Royal Never Give Up, and Azure Ray.
What is Somnus’s biggest achievement in Dota 2?
His highest achievement is finishing second in The International 2018 with PSG.LGD.
How much has Somnus earned from Dota 2?
He has earned over $3.3 million from tournaments.
What is Somnus’s most played hero?
He holds a record for most games played and won with Leshrac.
Did Somnus retire?
He hinted at retirement after The International 2022 but returned in 2023 with Azure Ray.
What is Somnus’s current team?
He is currently playing for Azure Ray.
Has Somnus ever won The International?
No, but he has finished second (2018) and third (2019).
Does Somnus stream or coach?
He has primarily focused on competitive play rather than streaming or coaching.
What is Somnus’s playstyle?
He is known for aggressive, high-precision gameplay with spell-based heroes.
