Yap “xNova” Jian Wei is one of the most accomplished and respected Dota 2 support players in the competitive scene today. Hailing from Malaysia, xNova has built a reputation as a dependable and strategic player, known for his exceptional game sense, map awareness, and ability to lead teams to victory. Since his early days playing *DotA: AllStars* to his present role with OG, his journey through prestigious tournaments and top-tier teams has been nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s take an in-depth look at xNova’s career, achievements, and his enduring impact on professional Dota 2.
Early Career – From DotA: AllStars to Dota 2 Professional
Born on October 1, 1997, in Malaysia, xNova’s esports journey began with *DotA: AllStars*, the predecessor to Dota 2. His passion for the game led him to Lowyat.Net, a popular Malaysian online forum, where in 2011, he posted a request seeking a team to join. At the time, he already had three years of experience in *DotA: AllStars* and was eager to prove himself in the professional scene.
His early career saw him joining Lowyat E-Sport, where he played alongside 343, another well-known name in the Southeast Asian Dota 2 circuit. He later moved to “Nara Stacks” as a mid player before joining GeNySis for a brief period. However, his competitive spirit and ability to adapt led him back to Nara Stacks, which was later rebranded as Who2Bet.
With Who2Bet, xNova took on the role of team captain, marking a crucial transition in his playstyle—from mid-lane to a primary support role. Under his leadership, Who2Bet achieved significant success in local tournaments, including a commendable second-place finish at the South East Asia Dota 2 Championship.
Professional Teams – Climbing the Ranks
Who2Bet – Leadership and Role Transition
The rebranding of Nara Stacks to Who2Bet saw xNova take on a leadership role, guiding his team through local tournaments with great success. His transition to a support player laid the groundwork forhis future career, allowing him to focus on team coordination, vision control, and setting up plays for his cores.
Mineski-X – The First Big Organization
In March 2016, xNova joined Mineski-X, a sister team to the main Mineski squad, with hopes of qualifying for The Manila Major and The International 2016. Although the team did not see resounding success on the international stage, it proved to be a valuable learning experience for him.
WarriorsGaming.Unity – International Recognition
In September 2016, xNova joined WarriorsGaming.Unity (WG.Unity), a pivotal moment in his career that offered him his first taste of international competition. The team qualified for The Boston Major 2016, finishing in the 5th-8th position. His performance caught the attention of bigger organizations, and though WG.Unity underwent multiple roster shuffles, xNova remained a key figure on the team during its crucial periods.
Clutch Gamers – Brief Stint
From December 2017 to January 2018, xNova briefly stood in for Clutch Gamers. Though his time with the team was short, it provided yet another stepping stone leading to his breakthrough signing with PSG.LGD.
PSG.LGD – The Rise to Stardom
In January 2018, xNova’s talent was recognized by PSG.LGD, solidifying his entry into the upper echelons of international Dota 2. He replaced Yao and found immediate success, playing a pivotal role in the team’s dominant 2018 campaign. PSG.LGD won two major events—MDL Changsha Major and EPICENTER XL—solidifying their status as one of the world’s most formidable rosters.
The pinnacle of PSG.LGD’s success during xNova’s tenure came at The International 2018, where they finished as runners-up. Their performance at TI8 was exceptional, narrowly losing to OG in a dramatic grand final. The following year, they placed third at The International 2019, further cementing xNova’s legacy.
EHOME, RNG, and BOOM Esports – Expanding Horizons
Following his successful tenure with PSG.LGD, xNova played for EHOME from September 2020 to July 2021, before moving to Royal Never Give Up (RNG) in November 2021. His time with both teams allowed him to continue showcasing his elite-level support play. In November 2022, he joined BOOM Esports, where he remained until November 2023, solidifying his status as a seasoned and adaptable professional.
Recent Teams – Invictus Gaming, G2 x iG, and OG
After brief stints with Invictus Gaming and G2 x iG, xNova was signed by OG on a trial basis in October 2024. By January 2025, he became a full-fledged OG player. His addition to the OG squad was seen as a major boost, as his experience and leadership injected new energy into the roster.
Major Achievements and Performance
- The International: Placed second at The International 2018 and third at The International 2019.
- Major Tournaments: Won MDL Changsha Major, EPICENTER XL, and China Dota2 Professional League Season 1 & 2.
- MMR Milestone: Reached 10,000 MMR on September 19, 2022, and 12,000 MMR on June 9, 2024.
- Key Signature Heroes: Particularly known for excelling with Disruptor and Techies.
Role and Playstyle – The Support Maestro
As a support player, xNova specializes in safe lane and roaming roles. According to his Dotabuff statistics, he has played 95% of his professional games as support, with 78% in the safe lane and 18% as a roamer.
How to Play Like xNova in Dota 2
Mastering the Support Role
If you want to play like xNova, mastering the fundamentals of the support role is essential.
Step 1: Map Awareness and Vision
Ward placement is crucial. Always ensure proper vision across key contest areas.
Step 2: Lane Support
Protect your carry and control the lane equilibrium using proper pulls and zoning techniques.
Step 3: Engaging and Positioning
Positioning is key—initiate fights wisely and identify when to disengage.
FAQ – xNova and Dota 2
Who is xNova?
xNova is a Malaysian professional Dota 2 player known for his support role.
What team does xNova currently play for?
As of 2025, xNova plays for OG.
What is xNova’s best performance at The International?
His best finish was second place at The International 2018 with PSG.LGD.
What heroes does xNova play the most?
His signature heroes include Disruptor and Techies.
How many MMR points has xNova achieved?
He reached 12,000 MMR in June 2024.
Which team brought xNova to international recognition?
PSG.LGD was the team that brought him international success.
Has xNova ever played as a core hero?
Early in his career, he played as a mid-laner but transitioned to support.
Why did xNova leave PSG.LGD?
Roster changes and new opportunities led him to explore other teams.
Is xNova considered one of the best support players?
Yes, his achievements and leadership make him one of the top support players.
Does xNova stream or create content?
While he primarily focuses on competitive play, he occasionally streams and engages with fans.
