Toh “xy-” Wai Hong is a name that resonates deeply within the Southeast Asian Dota 2 community. As a former professional player from Singapore, xy- carved out a remarkable career with significant contributions to the competitive scene. His journey through teams like Scythe, Team Zenith, and Team Faceless showcased his versatility and adaptability, making him one of the region’s most respected players. This article delves into his career, achievements, gameplay style, and lasting impact on the world of Dota 2.
Biography and Career – The Rise of xy- in Dota 2
Born on December 27, 1991, Toh “xy-” Wai Hong started his journey in the competitive gaming scene in 2007 with Defense of the Ancients (DotA), eventually transitioning to Dota 2. His early years were marked by Perseverance and an ambition to elevate Singaporean Dota on the international stage. His breakthrough came in 2011 when he joined Scythe and led them to a stellar finish at The International 2011.
Early Career – Formation of Scythe and International Success
- 2011 – The International 2011: Scythe, formed specifically for this tournament, shocked many by securing a third-place finish.
- They defeated top-tier teams but eventually fell to Na’Vi in the winners’ final and later to EHOME in the lower bracket.
- Despite the loss, their placement established Singapore as a Dota 2 powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
Team Changes – The MYM and Team Zenith Era
After TI1, Scythe was acquired by Meet Your Makers (MYM), resulting in the creation of MYM.sg. However, due to internal issues, this iteration was short-lived, and xy- and his teammates rebranded as Team Zenith.
- 2012 – The International 2012: With Zenith, xy- finished 5th-6th place.
- 2013 – The International 2013: Their TI3 appearance resulted in a modest 9th-12th finish.
Break and Return – Transitioning to Team Faceless
Following The International 2013, xy- took an extended hiatus from competitive play. However, in September 2016, he made a surprising return by joining Team Faceless. This marked a major role change for him as he moved from a core position to support.
- Reunited with former Zenith teammate iceiceice.
- Competed in several prestigious tournaments, achieving respectable placements.
Achievements and Notable Tournaments – xy-‘s Legacy in Competitive Dota 2
Throughout his career, xy- participated in multiple high-profile tournaments, proving his skills on the global stage.
- The International 2011 – 3rd place with Scythe: A historic performance that put Singaporean Dota on the map.
- The International 2012 – 5th-6th place with Team Zenith: Once again, demonstrating consistency at the highest level.
- The International 2013 – 9th-12th place with Team Zenith: Struggled but maintained Zenith’s competitive presence.
- The Kiev Major 2017 – 5th-8th place with Team Faceless: One of the last major tournaments before his retirement.
- The Manila Masters 2017 – 4th place with Team Faceless: A strong showing despite coming just short of a podium finish.
Roles and Gameplay – The Evolution of xy- in Dota 2
Early Days – Playing as a Carry
In his early career, xy- was primarily a core player. His aggressive playstyle and efficient farming method made him a formidable force on heroes like Anti-Mage, Morphling, and Luna.
Transition to Support – A New Direction
By the time xy- joined Team Faceless, he transitioned to a support role. This shift highlighted his adaptability and understanding of the game, becoming a cornerstone of his team’s strategic success.
- Played heroes such as Rubick, Earth Spirit, and Shadow Shaman.
- Became an expert at providing vision control and initiating fights.
Retirement – The End of an Era
After his time with Team Faceless concluded in 2017, xy- decided to step away from competitive Dota 2. Although he no longer competes professionally, his contributions to the SEA scene remain invaluable.
Legacy – Remembering xy-‘s Impact on Dota 2
Despite retiring, xy-‘s legacy lives on through the numerous players he influenced and the competitions he left his mark on. Many aspiring SEA Dota 2 players continue to look up to him as a symbol of skill, teamwork, and perseverance.
How to Play Like xy- in Dota 2 – A Comprehensive Guide
Step 1 – Select the Right Heroes
- For core play, use heroes like Anti-Mage, Morphling, or Luna.
- For support play, focus on Rubick, Earth Spirit, or Disruptor.
Step 2 – Master Positioning
xy- was known for positioning himself optimally in fights, enabling key plays without overcommitting.
Step 3 – Learn Economy Management
Whether playing as a carry or support, managing economy efficiently is essential to execute strategies successfully.
Step 4 – Work on Communication
xy- thrived in environments where teamwork was critical. Strong in-game communication separates great players from average ones.
FAQ – Everything About xy- and Dota 2
Who is xy- in Dota 2?
xy- is a former professional Dota 2 player from Singapore, known for his performances with Scythe, Team Zenith, and Team Faceless.
What teams did xy- play for?
He played for Scythe, MYM.sg, Team Zenith, and later Team Faceless.
What was xy-‘s best performance?
His third-place finish with Scythe at The International 2011 remains his most iconic achievement.
When did xy- transition from core to support?
He transitioned to a support role when he joined Team Faceless in 2016.
Which heroes was xy- best known for?
As a core, he played Anti-Mage and Morphling. As a support, he specialized in Rubick and Earth Spirit.
Why did xy- retire from Dota 2?
After competing with Team Faceless, he decided to retire, though he remains a respected figure in SEA Dota.
Is xy- still involved in the gaming scene?
While he is no longer an active professional player, he occasionally appears in community events and tournaments.
Did xy- ever win The International?
No, but he placed third at TI1 with Scythe, which was an incredible achievement at the time.
What made xy- a great support player?
His game sense, positioning, and ability to make game-winning plays made him stand out.
Can I watch old games of xy-?
Yes, VODs of his matches are available on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
