Erik “tOfu” Engel has emerged as one of the most talented and dedicated support players in the Dota 2 esports scene. From his humble beginnings in Germany to competing on some of the biggest international stages, tOfu’s journey is a testament to Perseverance, skill, and passion for the game. Whether it’s his high MMR achievements or his consistent performance in professional tournaments, tOfu has carved out a reputation as a formidable player in the Dota 2 landscape. This article delves into his early life, career transition, major achievements, and what makes him one of the most exciting players to watch in the professional Dota 2 circuit.
Early Life and Gaming Beginnings
Born on August 14, 1996, Erik “tOfu” Engel holds both German and Korean nationality. His initial exposure to the competitive gaming scene wasn’t in Dota 2 but in other esports titles.
Starting in League of Legends
Before stepping into the world of Dota 2, tOfu pursued a career in League of Legends (LoL). He started playing LoL competitively in 2012 for German teams. While he displayed talent, he never managed to secure major titles or breakthrough achievements in the game. Eventually, he took a break from professional gaming, seeking new challenges and opportunities.
A Brief Stint in Counter-Strike
Alongside his LoL career, tOfu also played Counter-Strike: Source at a competitive level. His experience in multiple gaming genres helped him develop strong mechanical skills, strategic thinking, and team coordination—all of which would later prove crucial in his Dota 2 journey.
Transition to Dota 2
tOfu’s path to Dota 2 was rather unconventional. During a year-long backpacking trip through Asia, he came across a poster for The International, Dota 2’s most prestigious tournament. This encounter sparked his interest in the game, and upon returning to Germany, he began playing Dota 2seriously.
From Kitchen Table to DPC Leagues
Initially, tOfu played Dota 2 from his kitchen table, grinding through the ranks. As he honed his skills, he set his sights on competing in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), working his way up through various amateur and semi-professional leagues.
Professional Dota 2 Career
Breaking Into the Scene with EURONICS Gaming
In May 2020, tOfu officially began his professional Dota 2 career when he joined EURONICS Gaming. While it was an important stepping stone, his big breakthrough came after he joined Hellbear Smashers in early 2021.
Success with Hellbear Smashers
tOfu made waves with Hellbear Smashers, leading them to victory in several competitions, including:
- Two seasons of the Gilgir Snow Sweet Snow
- DreamLeague Season 14 EU DPC: Lower Division
These victories showcased his potential as a high-level support player capable of impacting the game’s outcome significantly.
From Team Tickles to Gaimin Gladiators
In November 2021, tOfu transitioned to Team Tickles, a move that further accelerated his career. The team performed exceptionally, earning a slot in the upper division and securing second place in the debut season. They also triumphed at the DreamLeague Season 16 DPC WEU: Regional Finals.
In February 2022, Gaimin Gladiators signed the roster of Team Tickles, giving tOfu an even bigger stage to showcase his skills. Under Gaimin Gladiators, tOfu and his teammates achieved several significant milestones, including:
- Second place in the DPC league
- Top 4 finish at ESL One Stockholm 2022
- A respectable 7-8th place finish at The International 2022
Achievements with Gaimin Gladiators
tOfu’s career skyrocketed during the 2022/2023 season as Gaimin Gladiators dominated several major tournaments:
- Lima Major 2023 – Champions
- Berlin Major 2023 – Champions
- Bali Major 2023 – Champions
- DreamLeague Season 19 & 20 – Champions
His most notable achievement came at The International 2023 (TI12), where Gaimin Gladiators reached the grand finals. They ultimately finished in second place after a thrilling series against Team Spirit.
Continued Success in 2024
Despite initial challenges in 2024, tOfu and his team continued to perform remarkably well:
- DreamLeague Season 23 – Second Place
- Riyadh Masters 2024 – Champions ($1,500,000 prize)
- The International 2024 – Second Place ($388,721 prize)
MMR Milestones
tOfu is not just a top-tier professional player; he also consistently ranks among the world’s best in Dota 2’s matchmaking system. His journey through MMR milestones showcases his individual prowess:
- 10,000 MMR – May 31, 2021
- 11,000 MMR – July 7, 2022
- 12,000 MMR – September 15, 2023
- 13,000 MMR – May 25, 2024
Current Role and Future Plans
As of 2024, tOfu continues to play as a support for Gaimin Gladiators. His team remains highly active in premier tournaments, including the ongoing DreamLeague Season 25 and upcoming events like FISSURE UNiVeRsE: Episode 4.
Financial Success
Through his dedication and consistent top-tier performances, tOfu has accumulated significant prize winnings. His total career earnings stand at an estimated $1,319,029, highlighting his immense success in professional Dota 2.
Fun Facts About tOfu
- His nickname, “tOfu,” stands for “The One Fluffy Unicorn.”
- He has expressed deep emotional connections to Dota 2 tournaments, citing The International as a crucial motivating factor in his career.
How to Improve as a Support Player Like tOfu
Master Map Awareness
As a support, understanding enemy movements and placing effective wards are crucial to your team’s success.
Improve Positioning
Avoid unnecessary deaths by staying behind your cores and playing intelligently around vision.
Master Key Support Heroes
Learn to play top-tier support heroes like Lion, Rubick, and Undying to maximize your impact.
FAQ – tOfu in Dota 2
Who is tOfu?
tOfu is a professional Dota 2 player from Germany, playing as a support for Gaimin Gladiators.
What is tOfu’s real name?
His real name is Erik Engel.
Which team does tOfu currently play for?
He currently plays for Gaimin Gladiators as a support.
How much prize money has tOfu won?
tOfu has earned approximately $1,319,029 from professional Dota 2 tournaments.
When did tOfu start playing Dota 2 professionally?
He began his professional Dota 2 career in May 2020 with EURONICS Gaming.
What does tOfu’s nickname mean?
His nickname stands for “The One Fluffy Unicorn.”
What are tOfu’s biggest achievements?
Winning multiple majors and securing second place at The International 2023 and 2024.
What roles does tOfu play?
He primarily plays as a support in Dota 2.
Has tOfu reached 13K MMR?
Yes, he achieved 13,000 MMR on May 25, 2024.
Where can I follow tOfu?
You can follow his professional career on platforms like Liquipedia and social media.
