Meet the top 5 Dota 2 players of 2023 who left opponents bewildered and fans awe-struck with their excellence over the past 12 months
The dust has settled on another action-packed year in Dota 2. Gaimin Gladiators had a dominant year but could not write the perfect ending to their fairytale run by overcoming Team Spirit in the International 2023 Grand Final. Besides brilliant teamwork, we have witnessed unparalleled performances from some of the most exceptional talents in the Dota 2 scene this year. In this piece, we will celebrate the top 5 Dota 2 players of 2023, maestros who electrified audiences with their mesmerizing performances throughout the year.
The Top 5 Dota 2 Players of 2023
The year 2023 in Dota 2 belonged to these five extraordinary individuals whose unmatched performances set new benchmarks in the pro scene:
5. Michał “Nisha” Jankowski
Credit: Team Liquid
Michał “Nisha” Jankowski has undeniably carved a reputation as one of the most exceptional midlaners. He ended his five-year Team Spirit career in December 2022 after a heartbreaking loss at the TI11 Grand Finals. Nisha had an immediate impact at Liquid as his midlane mastery helped his new team reach two Tier 1 grand finals, but once again, he had to stay content with a runner-up medal. Liquid’s strong performance, fueled by Nisha’s midland excellence, propelled the European combine to a direct TI12 invitation.
4. Cheng “NothingToSay” Jin Xiang
Credit: One Esports
Cheng “NothingToSay” Jin Xiang dropped the curtain on his three-year-long career at LGD Gaming to join Invictus Gaming, which later merged with G2 Esports. The midlaner claims a spot in the top 5 Dota 2 players of 2023 list with his remarkable performances for the Chinese powerhouse, which helped them land third-place finishes at the International 2023 and the DreamLeague Season 19. Despite numerous roster reshuffles, he had been a consistent presence within the LGD roster. Following a formidable performance at TI12, however, he made the decision to seek out a new challenge.
3. Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov
Credit: Dot Esports
Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov dominated the year with his Magnus prowess. The Russian offlaner successfully rebounded from the setbacks of his disappointing TI11 campaign by orchestrating a triumphant journey at TI12. Collapse’s talent for creating opportunities for his core teammates and his rapid decision-making during crucial teamfights laid the foundation for Spirit’s TI12 win and solidified his claim as one of the best players in his position.
2. Quinn “Quinn” Callahan
Credit: Dexerto
Quinn “Quinn” Callahan emerged as the face of NA Dota over the past 12 months following an unbelievable year with Gaimin Gladiators. The 24-year-old won six Tier 1 titles in 2023, even though he had to go through an agonizing defeat in the International 2023 Grand Final.
Quinn had little room for improvement, however, because he consistently came out on top in most of his midfield matchups during the tournament, mirroring his performance throughout the year. He also displayed remarkable expertise with a wide range of heroes.
1. Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk
Credit: One Esports
At this moment, Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk unquestionably holds the title of the best safe lane carry in the professional circuit. The Ukrainian bagged three pieces of top-tier silverware in 2023, with the most prominent being the coveted Aegis of Champions. His phenomenal Faceless Void display in the TI12 Grand Final against Gaimin Gladiators tipped the balance of the tie toward his team. Yatoro maintained a consistent level of performance throughout the year, and his overall achievements were just enough to edge past Quinn for the top spot.