For DOTA 2 teams, coaches have become an extremely important component of the team. They take over a lot of strategy and drafting work. This allows the players to focus on their in game performance. They also offer an outside perspective into how the team is operating, and see things the team wouldn’t be able to. Coaches are often ex-pro players that have retired from the game but still want to be involved in the scene. These ex players can provide great advice based on their experience playing the game, especially in high-pressure games. Also check out When did EG last get 3rd?
10. Roman ‘-rmN’ Paley
A relatively unknown player, but still Team Liquid picked rmN- up to be their coach after Heen moved on. With the addition of w33 as well this year, we will see how Team Liquid can perform at this year’s International.
9. Bai ‘ROtK’ Fan
A well known pro player, ROtK has moved into the coaching role in the last couple of years. While he has never won an International as a coach or player, he has played in many major tournaments and high-stakes games. This experience he can pass onto his young squad to help them perform. Especially in front of their home crowd this year.
8. Per Anders Olsson ‘Pajkatt’
After some controversy with their previous coach, Aaron ‘Clairvoyance’ Kim, NiP picked up Pajkatt to be their coach. Between him and ppd, there is a lot of experience in the leaders on NiP. Hopefullt this leads to them showing off some great DOTA at The International.
7. Titouan ‘Sockshka’ Merloz
After Cristian ‘ppasarel’ Banaseanu’s fantastic coaching efforts at The International 8, Sockshka has some big shoes to fill. While OG hasn’t had a fantastic season, their Epicenter play shows they still got the skill to win. Especially when their coach was filling in for N0tail while he was sick. Sockshka did a fantastic job slotting into the team allowing them to best both EG and Team Secret. He seems to have gelled very well with the team, and hopefully this will assist them with their run in Shanghai this year.
6. Kanishka “Sam” ‘BuLba’ Sosale
He has already taken EG to one aegis as a coach. I sure he is working hard to get another victory for his team. While he achieved a modicum of success as a player in the pro scene. He seems to have found his calling, in coaching EG. His coaching has been some of the most successful in the history of the game. During The International we will see if he can extend his legacy.
5. Jonathan ‘Loda’ Berg
One of two TI winners on this list, Loda claimed his aegis in 2013 with Alliance. He has continued to be on the scene with his team, Alliance. In the last few seasons he has moved into a coaching role for Alliance. I’m sure he has a wealth of experience to share with his young squad. It will come as a great benefit for the team in their first International as a new squad.
4. Kutis ‘Aui_2000’ Lang
The other TI winner on this list, Aui_2000 won The International 2015 with EG. At the time BuLba was his coach at the time, Aui_2000 has moved into the role as well. Well known for his support play and drafting genius, he has transitioned well into the coach role. He is coaching the young NA squad, Newbee (ex FWD Gaming).
3. Yao ‘QQQ’ Yi
QQQ is a veteran of the DOTA scene, playing on many top tier teams. He has moved into the coaching role in the last couple of years for PSG.LGD. He showed some great drafting prowess at The International last year. Hopefully this year he can show more of the same and make his home crowd proud.
2. Lee ‘SunBhie’ Jeong-jae
Team Secret’s SunBhie has been a integral part of the team for many years. He has been instrumental in working with puppey to lead their squad to many major victories. After some no so stellar performances at previous International, let’s see if SunBhie can get his team together for a shot at the aegis.
1. Lee ‘Heen’ Seung Gon
Credited with helping Team Liquid to their success at TI7, claiming the AEGIS. Heen has also been praised for his development of his current team, TNC Predator. Pre-Heen, TNC were know to be a strong yet horribly inconsistent team. However, after the addition of the Korean mastermind, TNC’s results have been greatly improved. We will see this year if he can take another team to the to of The International to claim an aegis!
How do you think we did in ranking these coaches? Did we miss a stellar coach? Let us know below. You can also check out our other International round ups for carries, mids, offlaners, supports and teams. Please check them out!
Alche is a passionate writer about many topics and wants to share knowledge in a simple way so all readers can enjoy and learn.