Troels “syndereN” Lyngholt Nielsen is a well-known Danish professional Dota 2 player, caster, and analyst with a rich history in the competitive scene. Born on December 24, 1989, syndereN has carved out a significant legacy in both playing and casting, making him one of the most respected figures in the Dota 2 community. His career has been marked by team successes, personal challenges, and a transition into one of the most recognizable analytical voices in the game. In this comprehensive article, we dive deep into his journey from his early competitive days to his current status in the Dota 2 scene.
Early Career – The Rise of syndereN
syndereN’s major breakthrough in the professional Dota 2 scene came in 2011 when he led his team, Wild Honey Badgers, to victory at DreamHack Winter 2011. This triumph earned them recognition and soon after, they were picked up by the esports organization mTw, forming a formidable roster. As the team’s captain, syndereN played a pivotal role in ensuring their continued success.
Under his leadership, mTw won The GD Studio’s Arena #2 and successfully defended their DreamHack championship by emerging victorious at DreamHack Summer 2012, where they notably defeated Na`Vi, one of the strongest teams of that Era. These victories cemented syndereN’s reputation as a skilled leader and competitor.
Team Changes and Challenges
Despite his early successes, syndereN’s journey in competitive Dota was not without its struggles. Internal team disagreements eventually led to his removal as captain, and this upheaval resulted in the disbandment of mTw. Undeterred, he made efforts to rebuild, forming a new mTw squad, but they were unable to secure participation in DreamHack Winter 2012 due to concerns about their overall skill level.
In January 2013, syndereN’s journey with mTw officially ended as the organization ceased operations. Following this,he played under the team name Re-defining Madness; however, due to inconsistent performances and internal struggles, this iteration also disbanded. These setbacks posed significant hurdles in syndereN’s career, forcing him to step away from competitive play for a time.
Return to Competitive Play
After a two-year hiatus from professional Dota 2 (2013-2015), syndereN announced his return in December 2015, forming a new team called Steak Gaming. Unfortunately, the roster struggled to achieve notable results and disbanded just two months later.
Not one to give up, syndereN soon became a part of No Diggity. This roster showed promise and later received sponsorship under Escape Gaming. Their most significant achievement came in 2016 when they managed to qualify for The International 2016. Although they finished in the 13th-16th spot, qualifying for TI was still a remarkable feat for the squad.
Later Teams and Career
Post-Escape Gaming, syndereN continued his journey in competitive Dota 2, joining and forming multiple teams, including Ninjas in Pyjamas, Crescendo, and MidOrFeed. However, these lineups struggled to find lasting success and often disbanded after falling short in major tournaments.
Still determined, syndereN tried to revive No Diggity, but the team faced similar struggles and couldn’t achieve the desired results. In 2018, he attempted another venture with the team Mad Lads, but this initiative also failed to make a significant impact in the scene.
His next venture led him to HAPPYGUYS, a team he joined in September 2018. While this team showed some promise, they failed to leave a lasting mark in major tournaments. Nonetheless, syndereN’s persistence and love for competitive Dota remained evident throughout these years.
Casting and Analytical Career
Apart from his competitive ventures, syndereN has built an impressive career in casting and analysis. His insightful commentary and in-depth game understanding made him one of the most sought-after analysts in the Dota 2 scene.
Co-Casting with Tobi Wan
- syndereN teamed up with legendary Dota 2 caster Tobi Wan for several prestigious events.
- He co-casted The Defense Season 1 and 2, as well as The International 2012.
Involvement with DotaCinema
In January 2014, syndereN was appointed as the “Head of e-Sports” at DotaCinema. During this period, he provided expert analysis for several tournaments, including the XMG Captains Draft Invitational and The International 4 qualifiers. His dedication and expertise earned him an invitation from Valve to The International 4 as an official analyst and personality.
Collaboration with MoonduckTV
syndereN later joined MoonduckTV, a popular Dota 2 production company, where he contributed as an analyst for various events such as the Frankfurt Major and DreamLeague. Additionally, he was part of the TalkDOTA podcast hosted by joinDOTA and Tobi Wan, where he discussed industry trends and game strategies.
Achievements and Legacy
Though syndereN’s competitive track record did not feature championship victories at The International, he built a reputation for guiding fledgling teams to global tournaments. His ability to assemble teams and lead them into major tournament qualifiers is noteworthy.
His achievements as a caster and analyst further solidified his legacy. His detailed breakdowns of team strategies, hero picks, and in-game maneuvers have made him a favorite among viewers and fellow analysts.
How to Become a Dota 2 Analyst Like syndereN
Develop Extensive Game Knowledge
- Study professional Dota 2 matches.
- Understand hero matchups, strategy drafting, and gameplay nuances.
Practice Commentary Skills
- Record yourself analyzing matches.
- Focus on clarity, pacing, and engagement in your commentary.
Engage with the Dota 2 Community
- Join forums, discussions, and social media groups.
- Share insights and participate in debates regarding strategies.
FAQ – syndereN and His Dota 2 Career
Who is syndereN in Dota 2?
syndereN is a Danish professional Dota 2 player, caster, and analyst who has played for multiple teams and provided expert commentary for major tournaments.
Which teams has syndereN played for?
Some of the teams he has been part of include mTw, No Diggity, Escape Gaming, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and HAPPYGUYS.
Has syndereN won The International?
No, but he has participated in The International 2016 with Escape Gaming.
When did syndereN start casting?
syndereN started casting around 2012 and became well-known for co-casting with Tobi Wan during The International events.
What is syndereN’s most significant achievement?
Winning back-to-back DreamHack tournaments in 2011 and 2012 is one of his standout achievements.
Is syndereN still active in Dota 2?
Yes, he continues to be active in the scene as a caster and analyst.
What is syndereN’s role in analysis?
He breaks down professional matches, providing expert insights into team strategies and game mechanics.
Which tournaments has syndereN casted?
He has casted The International, The Defense, DreamLeague, and Frankfurt Major, among others.
What makes syndereN a great analyst?
His deep understanding of Dota 2, clear communication, and ability to explain complex strategies set him apart.
Where can I follow syndereN?
You can follow him on social media platforms like Twitter, Twitch, and YouTube for updates.
Source: joinDOTA
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