Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk, also known as “Raddan” since July 2024, has established himself as one of the most decorated and skilled players in the history of Dota 2. A Ukrainian professional player, Yatoro has played a pivotal role in shaping Team Spirit’s success, securing victories at multiple international tournaments, including two The International titles. His adaptability, unparalleled hero pool, and consistent performances in high-stakes matches have solidified his reputation as an elite carry player. In this article, we dive deep into Yatoro’s biography, achievements, competitive journey, and more.
Biography and Early Career – The Rise of a Prodigy
Born on March 12, 2003, Illya Mulyarchuk hails from Ukraine and entered the professional Dota 2 scene in 2019. He began his competitive journey playing in smaller tournaments such as the Epic Origins League Season 1 and the Isolation Cup. Although these early events were relatively minor, they provided him with the platform to showcase his immense talent.
In 2020, Yatoro joined Yellow Submarine, an emerging team that focused on refining new talent. During this period, the team demonstrated great potential, securing fourth place in the DOTA Summit 13 Online: Europe & CIS. This accelerated Yatoro’s rise in the competitive circuit, ultimately leading to Team Spirit acquiring the team’s roster in late 2020.
Career with Team Spirit – A Legacy of Greatness
Yatoro’s tenure with Team Spirit saw him evolve into one of the most talented carry players in the professional Dota 2 scene. Despite initial struggles, particularly during the pandemic-affected online Era, the team’s persistence paid dividends when the Dota Pro Circuit resumed in 2021.
The International 2021 – The Underdog Triumph
Despite Team Spirit facing difficulties during the qualifiers, the team edged out a victory over Team Empire in the Grand Finals, securing their spot at The International 2021. Entering the tournament as an underdog, they deliveredone of the most remarkable runs in TI history.
After a slow start in the Group Stage, Team Spirit fought their way through the Lower Bracket and made it to the Grand Finals. Against PSG.LGD, a team heavily favored to win, Team Spirit defied the odds, sealing a 3-2 victory in one of the most thrilling TI finals of all time. Yatoro stood out due to his unparalleled versatility, playing 14 different heroes throughout the Main Event. This historic win earned Team Spirit an astounding prize of over $18 million.
Post-TI 2021 and the 2022 Season
With TI10 in the bag, expectations were high for Team Spirit in 2022. While their performances remained strong, they encountered setbacks during the biggest event of the year, The International 2022. Major achievements in the 2022 season included:
- Winning the PGL Arlington Major 2022
- Securing second place at Riyadh Masters 2022
- Facing an early exit at The International 2022, falling to BOOM Esports
Dominating 2023 – Another TI Victory
The 2023 DPC season saw a resurgence of Team Spirit, reclaiming their dominant status in competitive Dota 2. Yatoro continued his stellar performances, culminating in victories at Riyadh Masters 2023 and DreamLeague Season 21. However, his crowning achievement came at The International 2023.
Yatoro led Team Spirit to an 8-0 Group Stage finish, demonstrating his prowess in both laning and late-game decision-making. In the TI12 Grand Finals against Gaimin Gladiators, Team Spirit had a flawless 3-0 win, making Yatoro a two-time TI Champion—a feat achieved by only a select few players in Dota 2 history.
2024 – Challenges and a Temporary Break
The 2024 competitive season was rocky for Team Spirit. While they started strong with a victory at PGL Wallachia Season 1, they struggled in other tournaments, including a disappointing 9th-12th placement at The International 2024. Following this result, Yatoro announced a temporary break from professional play citing fatigue and the need for recovery.
MMR and Gameplay Achievements – A Ranked Legend
Reaching Unprecedented MMR Milestones
Yatoro has been a dominant force in matchmaking, achieving notable MMR milestones:
- 11,000 MMR on April 19, 2021
- 12,000 MMR on November 7, 2021
- First player to reach 16,000 MMR on November 28, 2024
Hero Pool and Playstyle
Known for his deep hero pool, Yatoro excels on heroes that require high mechanical mastery. Some of his most-played heroes include:
- Morphling
- Drow Ranger
- Faceless Void
- Anti-Mage
- Slark
- Phantom Assassin
His ability to adapt to different metagames makes him one of the most versatile players in Dota 2.
How to Play Like Yatoro – A Guide for Aspiring Players
Step 1: Mastering Multiple Heroes
A diverse hero pool is key to success in ranked matchmaking. Study Yatoro’s most-played heroes and develop proficiency with them.
Step 2: Perfecting Last-Hitting and Lane Control
Yatoro’s laning phase is exceptional. Practice maintaining high CS (creep score) while denying enemies’ farm.
Step 3: Understanding Item Timings
Efficient farming patterns enable you to hit power spikes at the perfect moments. Study Yatoro’s itemization choices in different matchups.
Step 4: Maintaining Mental Resilience
Even in difficult games, Yatoro remains calm and collected, focusing on making optimal plays. Developing a strong mental game is critical.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Yatoro in Dota 2
Who is Yatoro?
Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk is a Ukrainian professional Dota 2 player known for his role as a carry for Team Spirit.
What is Yatoro’s real name?
His real name is Illya Mulyarchuk.
How many TIs has Yatoro won?
Yatoro won The International twice—once in 2021 and again in 2023.
What team does Yatoro play for?
He plays for Team Spirit, one of the top-tier teams in Dota 2.
When did Yatoro start playing professionally?
Yatoro began his professional career in 2019.
What is Yatoro’s highest MMR?
He became the first player to reach 16,000 MMR in November 2024.
What heroes does Yatoro specialize in?
He is widely known for playing Morphling, Drow Ranger, Anti-Mage, and Phantom Assassin.
Why did Yatoro take a break in 2024?
Yatoro cited fatigue and a lack of results as the primary reasons for his temporary break.
What is Yatoro’s in-game name in 2024?
In July 2024, he changed his in-game name to “Raddan,” inspired by *Elden Ring*.
What is Yatoro’s most iconic moment?
Yatoro’s historic performance at TI10, where he played 14 different heroes in the Main Event, is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in Dota 2 history.
Yatoro remains a legendary figure in Dota 2, inspiring future generations with his skill, versatility, and dedication to the game.
