Aliwi “w33” Omar is a name that resonates with every Dota 2 enthusiast. A highly skilled mid-laner known for his exceptional Meepo plays and strategic in-game decisions, w33 has carved a lasting legacy in the competitive esports scene. Born in Romania with Syrian roots, he has competed at the highest levels, securing top finishes in major international tournaments. Currently, he is associated with Nigma Galaxy, continuing to be an influential figure in the Dota 2 community.
Who is w33? – A Deep Dive into His Background
Early Life and Education
Aliwi “w33” Omar was born on March 6, 1995, in Romania. His father is of Syrian descent, contributing to his multicultural upbringing. Growing up, w33 developed an affinity for video games, setting the stage for his future as a professional esports athlete.
Before venturing into professional Dota 2, w33 pursued a degree in chemical engineering. However, his passion for Dota 2 ultimately led him to shift gears towards a full-time gaming career, a decision that would later cement his status as a top-tier competitor in the esports world.
The Rise of a Dota 2 Star – w33’s Early Career
From DotA to Dota 2
w33 started his gaming journey in 2004 with the original Defense of the Ancients (DotA). His ability to outmaneuver opponents in the mid-lane became evident early on. When Dota 2 was officially launched in 2011, he quickly transitioned and gained recognition as a “pubstar,” a term used for players who dominate public matchmaking.
Joining the Competitive Scene
His first organized competitive experience came with Balkan Bears, a team he formed with high-level European players in2014. Although Balkan Bears did not achieve significant tournament victories, w33’s individual prowess, particularly with heroes like Meepo, garnered attention from bigger organizations.
w33’s Journey Through Competitive Teams
Balkan Bears and MeePwn’d
Despite an unstable start, w33 briefly joined MeePwn’d before returning to Balkan Bears. However, it was with 4 Clover & Lepricon that he began making a name for himself, securing victories in minor European tournaments such as the GIGABYTE Challenge and MSI Dragon Battle.
Breaking into the Big Leagues with Team Secret
In August 2015, w33 was scouted by Clement “Puppey” Ivanov and invited to join top-tier team Team Secret. With Secret, he experienced immense success, winning high-profile tournaments like:
- MLG World Finals
- Nanyang Dota 2 Championships
- Shanghai Major 2016
However, despite his instrumental role in Secret’s triumphs, he was controversially removed from the team after the Shanghai Major.
Reaching The International Stage with Digital Chaos
Undeterred, w33 joined Digital Chaos, and in The International 2016 (TI6), he guided the team to a stunning second-place finish, proving his skill on the grandest stage of Dota 2.
Stints at Various Teams
After his time with Digital Chaos, w33 played for several organizations, including:
- Thunderbirds
- Planet Odd
- MidOrFeed
- PENTA Sports
- Going in
- paiN Gaming
- Chaos EC
- Team Liquid
- Team Nigma
- Alliance
- Team Bald Reborn
In July 2023, he rejoined Nigma Galaxy, solidifying his return to a familiar organization.
Record-Breaking MMR Achievements
w33 has reached several critical milestones in matchmaking ranking (MMR):
- First player to reach 8,000 MMR
- Achieved 10,000 MMR on February 28, 2020
- Surpassed 12,000 MMR on June 2, 2024
- Hit the 13,000 MMR mark on June 30, 2024
Major Tournament Performances and Earnings
Notable Achievements
Despite roster switches, w33 has consistently performed at the highest level. Some of his key achievements include:
- 2nd place at The International 2016
- 1st place at the Shanghai Major 2016
- 1st place at ESL One Genting 2017
- 2nd place at the EPICENTER Major 2019
- 2nd place at The International 2019
- 1st place at MLG World Finals 2015
- 1st place at Nanyang Dota 2 Championships Season 1
Prize Money and Earnings
With total career winnings of $2,294,325.43 from 70 tournaments, w33 is ranked #39 among the highest-earning Dota 2 players worldwide and remains the highest earner from Romania. His largest single prize was $892,581.60 from The International 2019.
Controversy – The “w33fresh” Incident
On January 11, 2015, while representing MeePwn’d in the European Elite League, w33 was caught using the cheat command -refresh. This led to a scandal known as “w33fresh” within the community, where he received backlash for the incident. However, he quickly rebuilt his reputation through consistent high-level play.
Other Gaming Interests
Beyond Dota 2, w33 enjoys playing FPS games such as Counter-Strike (having played since version 1.4) and RPGs like the Fallout series.
How to Play Like w33 – A Guide for Aspiring Mid-Laners
Understanding Hero Pool
- Master Meepo, w33’s signature hero
- Practice Invoker, a high-skill-cap hero
- Be adaptable with meta-relevant picks
Gameplay Tips
- Perfect last-hitting and deny mechanics
- Optimize rune control strategies
- Utilize aggressive rotations for early lead
Mindset and Strategy
- Watch professional replays for playstyle insights
- Stay calm under pressure, especially on the TI stage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About w33 and Dota 2
What is w33’s real name?
His full name is Aliwi Omar.
What nationality is w33?
He is Romanian with Syrian heritage.
Which team is w33 currently playing for?
As of July 2023, he plays for Nigma Galaxy.
What is w33’s highest MMR?
He achieved 13,000 MMR on June 30, 2024.
Why is w33 famous for playing Meepo?
Meepo is an extremely challenging hero, and w33 is one of the best to ever play him.
What was w33’s largest tournament prize?
He won $892,581.60 at The International 2019.
Why was w33 removed from Team Secret?
He was controversially kicked after winning the Shanghai Major 2016.
What is the “w33fresh” controversy?
It refers to an incident where w33 was caught using a cheat command in 2015.
Does w33 stream Dota 2?
Yes, he streams on platforms such as Twitch.
What other games does w33 play?
Aside from Dota 2, he plays Counter-Strike and RPGs like Fallout.
