Zhou Haiyang, better known as “Yang,” is one of China’s most renowned professional Dota 2 players. With an illustrious esports career spanning nearly a decade, Yang has cemented his legacy as a dominant offlaner known for his strategic gameplay, consistency, and ability to turn the tide of battle in favor of his team. From his early days with Vici Gaming to his remarkable victories at major tournaments, Yang’s journey is one of Perseverance, skill, and dedication. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore his career highlights, achievements, playstyle, and contributions to the Dota 2 community.
Yang – Early Life and Introduction to Dota 2
Zhou Haiyang was born on November 15, 1996, in China. His passion for video games started at an early age, and he quickly became fascinated with competitive esports. As Dota 2 grew in popularity, Yang saw an opportunity to pursue a career in professional gaming, ultimately making his mark in one of the world’s most competitive esports scenes. His dedication and skill quickly set him apart, earning him a spot in one of China’s premier Dota 2 organizations, Vici Gaming, in 2015.
Yang – Professional Career Timeline
Vici Gaming Reborn: The Foundation (2015-2016)
Yang began his professional journey in 2015 when he joined Vici Gaming. However, just five days after he arrived, the organization rebranded the team as Vici Gaming Reborn. During this period, Yang rapidly adapted to professional play and contributed significantly to the team’s success. His strong positioning as an offlaner helped Vici Gaming Reborn secure a first-place finish at the prestigious StarLadder i-League Invitational Season 1.
Despite qualifying for The International 2016, VISA issues prevented them from attending, a missed opportunity that was a major setback at the time.
Return to Vici Gaming and The Manila Major (2016-2017)
Following his time with Vici Gaming Reborn, Yang returned to Vici Gaming in 2016. He continued to improve his skills, helping the team attain a top-eight finish at The Manila Major 2016. This accomplishment solidified Yang as one of the strongest offlane players in the Chinese Dota 2 scene.
VGJ.Thunder Era – Grand Victories (2017-2018)
In 2017, Yang joined VGJ.Thunder, where he played a vital role in the team’s success. His highlight moment came in the Galaxy Battles II: Emerging Worlds tournament, where VGJ.Thunder defeated Evil Geniuses in the grand finals. The victory showcased Yang’s ability to execute high-pressure plays and maintain his composure on the biggest stages.
Despite this success, VGJ.Thunder failed to secure a top-ten spot at The International 2018, leading to the team’s eventual disbandment.
Vici Gaming Dominance (2018-2020)
Yang rejoined Vici Gaming in 2018, marking the beginning of his most successful period. During this Era, he helped the team secure multiple victories, including first-place finishes at:
- DreamLeague Season 11
- EPICENTER Major 2019
- StarLadder ImbaTV Dota 2 Minor Season 1
His efforts also earned Vici Gaming a respectable fifth-sixth place finish at The International 2019.
Elephant and Late Career (2020-2023)
In 2020, Yang joined Elephant, a roster filled with top-tier Chinese Dota 2 veterans. Despite high expectations, the team struggled to maintain consistency, and Yang eventually returned to Vici Gaming in 2022. He played with the organization until May 2023, after which he took a step back from professional play.
Yang’s Notable Achievements
- Winning StarLadder i-League Invitational Season 1 (2016) – One of his first major tournament victories.
- Taking home EPICENTER Major (2019) – A prestigious Tier 1 tournament win.
- Fifth-sixth place finish at The International 2019 – His best performance on Dota 2’s biggest stage.
- Beating Evil Geniuses in Galaxy Battles II Finals (2018) – Proving his place among the best offlaners.
- Reaching 13,000 MMR in December 2024 – A testament to his skill and dominance in ranked matchmaking.
Playstyle and Signature Heroes
Yang is best known for his role as an offlaner, often playing tanky initiators and utility cores. Some of his signature heroes include:
- Centaur Warrunner – Holds the record for most premium/professional matches played (106) and wins (73) with this hero.
- Timbersaw – Known for his aggressive positioning and durability.
- Dark Seer – Excels at teamfight control and synergy with melee carries.
- Mars – Frequently used for his strong initiation capabilities.
How to Play Like Yang – The Offlane Master
Step 1: Understand Your Role
The offlane is one of the most challenging roles in Dota 2. Your primary objectives include:
- Disrupting the enemy carry’s early farm.
- Building tanky items to soak up damage.
- Initiating team fights effectively.
Step 2: Master Key Heroes
If you want to emulate Yang’s playstyle, focus on heroes like Centaur Warrunner, Mars, and Timbersaw. Learn their timings, ideal item builds, and positioning strategies.
Step 3: Practice Positioning
Great positioning is what separates good offlaners from great ones. Always be aware of enemy crowd control abilities and look for opportunities to engage or disengage effectively.
Step 4: Communication is Key
As an offlaner, you should communicate with your teammates about rotating to assist you when needed. Your role often dictates mid-game momentum, meaning synergy with your cores is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions – Yang Dota 2
Who is Yang in Dota 2?
Yang, also known as Zhou Haiyang, is a Chinese professional Dota 2 player known for playing the offlane role.
What teams has Yang played for?
Yang has played for Vici Gaming, Vici Gaming Reborn, VGJ.Thunder, and Elephant during his career.
What is Yang’s best tournament result?
His best performance was a fifth-sixth place finish at The International 2019 with Vici Gaming.
What is Yang’s highest MMR?
Yang reached 13,000 MMR in December 2024.
What heroes is Yang known for?
Yang is known for playing Centaur Warrunner, Timbersaw, Mars, and Dark Seer.
Has Yang retired from professional play?
As of 2023, Yang has stepped back from professional Dota 2 play.
How much prize money has Yang earned?
Yang has earned approximately $990,099 in tournament winnings.
Why is Yang considered one of the best offlaners?
His consistency, ability to control fights, and synergy with teammates make him stand out among other offlane players.
What was Yang’s best game?
One of his best performances was the grand finals of Galaxy Battles II, where he played a crucial role in defeating Evil Geniuses.
Where can I watch Yang’s games?
You can watch Yang’s past performances on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Dota 2 replay websites.
Conclusion
Yang has established himself as one of the greatest Chinese offlaners in Dota 2 history. His ability to adapt, lead, and consistently perform at the highest level has left an enduring legacy in the esports industry. Whether you’re a fan of professional play or an aspiring offlaner looking to improve, there’s much to learn from Yang’s career. As Dota 2 continues to evolve, fans will remember his contributions to the game with admiration. Even in retirement, Yang’s influence and playstyle will continue to shape the next generation of Dota 2 players.
