Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev is one of the most prominent support players in the Dota 2 competitive scene, known for his leadership, game sense, and skillful drafting. Born on May 16, 1997, in Russia/Uzbekistan, SoNNeikO’s journey in professional Dota 2 has been filled with notable stints in legendary teams such as Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), Vega Squadron, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and many others. Over the years, he has cemented his legacy as one of the best captains in the CIS region, guiding teams to numerous victories and significant tournament placements. This article explores his journey, achievements, statistics, and contributions to Dota 2.
Biography and Early Career
SoNNeikO’s Dota 2 journey started in the highly competitive CIS region, a breeding ground for world-class Dota 2 talent. His career took off when he served as a stand-in support player for various teams, which allowed him to build experience and recognition. His first breakthrough came when he joined Power Rangers in October 2014—an organization that was known for developing fresh CIS talent.
Unfortunately, after Power Rangers lost their sponsorship, SoNNeikO moved on to join Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) in April 2015. It was with Na’Vi that he gained immense recognition as a leading support player, showcasing his ability to make crucial plays and lead his team to success. His time at Na’Vi helped solidify his reputation, and he eventually became the captain and drafter of the squad.
Professional Teams and Timeline
Throughout his career, SoNNeikO has represented a variety of teams, demonstrating his adaptability and leadership abilities. His journey through various rosters is a testament to his prowess as a strategic mastermind and valuable support player.
- Power Rangers (2014-2015)– SoNNeikO’s initial foray into the professional scene.
- Natus Vincere (2015-2016) – The first of many stints with Na’Vi, where he rapidly became a key player.
- Vega Squadron (2016-2017) – A move that allowed him to explore new dynamics in competitive play.
- Natus Vincere (2017-2018) – Returned to lead Na’Vi in another attempt at reclaiming past glory.
- Natus Vincere (2019-2020) – Another stint as the team sought to regain international dominance.
- Ninjas in Pyjamas (2020) – A short contract that saw SoNNeikO competing internationally.
- Live to Win (2020-2021) – A dynamic, aggressive team aiming for top-level competition.
- AS Monaco Gambit (2021) – Further development as an elite captain.
- Winstrike Team (2021-2022) – Played a key role in an up-and-coming CIS team.
- BetBoom Team (2022) – Helped the team make an impact in the scene.
- Darkside (2022-2023) – Another critical stage in his career.
- StoRm (2023) – Short stint as he looked for new opportunities.
- AVULUS (2024-Present) – Currently serving as the captain since August 29, 2024.
Notable Achievements and Tournaments
SoNNeikO’s extensive career includes numerous high-profile tournament placements and victories. Here are some of his most significant accomplishments:
- StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 (2016) – Champion with Na’Vi, defeating Team Secret in the grand finals.
- ESL One Frankfurt 2016 – Secured an impressive second-place finish with Na’Vi.
- DreamLeague Season 5 – Finished as runner-up in this competitive tournament.
- The International 2016 – Represented Na’Vi, but finished in the 13th-16th place bracket.
- MegaFon Winter Clash (2018) – Another strong second-place finish.
- DreamLeague Season 10 (2018) – Finished as runner-up.
- Adrenaline Cyber League 2017 – Another championship title under his belt with Na’Vi.
Statistics and Records
SoNNeikO has numerous statistical achievements that highlight his skill and impact as a support player:
- Highest Average Kills per Game (3.60) – The highest of any support player at The International 2016.
- Highest Average Assists per Game (15.18) – Achieved during Tour 3 of the 2021/22 DPC EEU Upper Division.
- MMR Milestones:
- 10,000 MMR (October 19, 2020)
- 11,000 MMR (February 21, 2022)
- 12,000 MMR (April 13, 2024)
- 13,000 MMR (August 17, 2024)
Earnings and Tournament Winnings
SoNNeikO has earned approximately $413,226.85 from his professional Dota 2 career, with a significant portion of that coming from his time with Na’Vi. His earnings have been accumulated through participation in major tournaments such as The International, StarLadder, ESL One, and DreamLeague.
How to Play Support Like SoNNeikO
SoNNeikO is renowned for his ability to control the tempo of the game as a support player. Here are some key steps to play like him:
- Master Vision Control – Always prioritize warding and de-warding to give your team the best possible vision.
- Be Proactive – Rotate to help your cores, set up kills, and predict enemy movements.
- Initiate Effectively – Play heroes that can engage in fights, such as Rubick, Disruptor, and Earthshaker.
- Develop Strong Game Sense – Adapt to different game scenarios and strategize around enemy weaknesses.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure – As a captain, decision-making is vital; practice analyzing the game objectively.
Frequently Asked Questions about SoNNeikO and Dota 2
What teams has SoNNeikO played for?
SoNNeikO has played for Power Rangers, Natus Vincere, Vega Squadron, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Live to Win, AS Monaco Gambit, Winstrike Team, BetBoom Team, Darkside, StoRm, and his current team, AVULUS.
What is SoNNeikO’s biggest achievement?
Winning StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 with Na’Vi is considered one of his biggest achievements.
How much has SoNNeikO earned from Dota 2?
He has earned approximately $413,226.85 from tournament winnings.
What role does SoNNeikO play?
He primarily plays the support role, often serving as the team captain and drafter.
Has SoNNeikO ever reached 13,000 MMR?
Yes, he reached 13,000 MMR on August 17, 2024.
What were SoNNeikO’s best performances?
Notable performances include StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 and ESL One Frankfurt 2016.
What tournaments will SoNNeikO play in 2024?
He is set to compete in DreamLeague Season 25, PGL Wallachia Season 3, and ESL One Raleigh 2025.
What is SoNNeikO’s playstyle?
He is known for his defensive yet aggressive support playstyle, focusing on team coordination and vision control.
