XtiNcT, whose real name is Chan Zhan Leong, is a renowned professional Dota 2 player from Malaysia. With a rich history in competitive gaming, he has been an influential figure in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Dota scene for over a decade. From his early days in DotA (the Warcraft 3 mod) to his transition into Dota 2, XtiNcT has played for multiple elite teams, including Orange Esports, Titan, and Mineski-X. His exceptional micro-control skills, particularly with heroes like Chen and Enchantress, made him one of the top support players in the region. This article dives deep into the career, achievements, and contributions of XtiNcT in the world of Dota 2.
Early Career – From DotA to Professional Gaming
Before he became a legendary figure in Dota 2, XtiNcT was already making a name for himself in the original Defense of the Ancients (DotA). He started his career playing for local Malaysian teams such as UCPro, CyberTime, and Nirvana.my. Among these, Nirvana.my was regarded as one of the strongest teams in the SEA DotA scene, regularly competing in international tournaments. His early career success laid a strong foundation for his smooth transition into Dota 2 when the game was officially launched.
Specialization in Micro-Intensive Heroes
XtiNcT was best known for his mastery of micro-intensive heroes that required precise execution. Heroes like Chen and Enchantress demand meticulous control over multiple units, and XtiNcT perfected the art of jungling, ganking, and controlling the pace of the game through early aggression. His mechanical skills made him a feared support player among his competitors.
The Transition to Dota 2 and Joining Orange Esports
In late 2011, with the release of Dota 2, XtiNcT made his highly anticipated transition from DotA to the new game. He was signed by the Malaysian organization Orange Esports for a reported sum of 100,000 MalaysianRinggit (RM), along with other renowned players like Mushi and WinteR. This marked the beginning of a successful competitive career in Dota 2.
Initial Success with Orange
Despite the initial learning curve associated with the Dota 2 engine, XtiNcT and his team quickly adapted and started making waves in the Southeast Asian competitive scene. One of Orange’s first big wins came when they conquered the Malaysia Invitational in late 2011. They followed up their success by securing second place at the Iskandar Malaysia League of Cyber Games.
Major Team Stints and International Recognition
Orange Esports (2011-2013) – Breakthrough Years
While playing for Orange Esports, XtiNcT participated in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Here are some of the notable moments from his time in Orange:
- Invited to The International 2012, where Orange secured a 7th-8th place finish, earning $25,000.
- Won the WCG 2012 Malaysia National Final and the WCG 2012 Asia Championship.
- Achieved a breakthrough 3rd-place finish at The International 2013, winning a prize pool of $287,438.
By finishing third at The International 2013, Orange Esports solidified its position as one of the best teams in the world, and XtiNcT played an integral role in the team’s success.
Titan (2013-2014) – A New Challenge
Following his successful tenure with Orange, XtiNcT and his teammates moved to a new organization, Titan, in late 2013. With Titan, XtiNcT continued to compete in high-tier tournaments, including The International 2014, where the team secured a 9th-10th place finish, earning $49,158.
Later Years and Other Teams
After Titan, XtiNcT went on to play for several teams, including:
- Team Malaysia
- Can’t Say Wips
- Invasion e-Sports
- Banaaaanas
- Vici Gaming Potential
- Mineski-X
- Team Flash
- Executioners v2
Though his later years in competitive play were not as dominant as his peak periods with Orange and Titan, XtiNcT remained an influential figure in the SEA Dota 2 scene.
Impact on the Competitive Scene – Playing Style and Leadership
Throughout his career, XtiNcT was known for several key characteristics that made him an exceptional player and leader.
Exceptional Drafting and Leadership
As both a support and leader, XtiNcT played a crucial role in drafting strategies that emphasized early aggression and objective-based gameplay. His drafting expertise helped shape the way many SEA teams approached the game.
Precision in Execution
His ability to execute high-risk, high-reward plays was a defining feature of his gameplay. Whether it was a perfectly timed Chen teleport save or an Enchantress spear to slow down an enemy carrying a Black King Bar, XtiNcT’s mastery of in-game dynamics was impeccable.
Notable Tournament Achievements
Here are some of XtiNcT’s most notable tournament performances:
- The International 2012 – 7th-8th place
- The International 2013 – 3rd place
- The International 2014 – 9th-10th place
- Asian Cyber Games 2013 – Champion
- G-1 Champions League Season 4 – Champion
How to Play Like XtiNcT – A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Master Micro-Intensive Heroes
XtiNcT was famous for heroes like Chen and Enchantress. Start by learning how to control multiple units and execute precise moves.
Step 2 – Focus on Efficient Rotations
Understanding when and where to rotate on the map can make a huge difference. XtiNcT excelled in early-game rotations to secure an advantage.
Step 3 – Draft Smart and Lead Your Team
As a captain, XtiNcT was known for his intelligent drafts. Learn to read the enemy composition and draft accordingly.
XtiNcT Dota 2 FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
What teams did XtiNcT play for the most?
XtiNcT is most famous for playing with Orange Esports (2011-2013) and Titan (2013-2014).
What role did XtiNcT play?
He primarily played as a soft support and was also a team captain and drafter.
What were XtiNcT’s biggest achievements?
His biggest achievement was securing 3rd place at The International 2013, where Orange Esports won $287,438.
Which heroes was XtiNcT famous for?
He was well known for micro-intensive support heroes such as Chen and Enchantress.
Did XtiNcT ever coach a team?
While not officially confirmed, he played a mentorship role for many younger players in SEA.
What made XtiNcT’s playstyle unique?
His ability to control multiple units and make highly strategic moves made him a standout support player.
Why did XtiNcT leave Orange?
After The International 2013, some key players, including XtiNcT, decided to move to new teams due to organizational changes.
Is XtiNcT still playing Dota 2 competitively?
As of now, XtiNcT has retired from competitive play.
Does XtiNcT stream Dota 2?
There is limited activity from XtiNcT in the streaming scene.
Where can I find more about XtiNcT?
Visit Liquipedia for more information.
