How MMR Records Were Set in Dota 2
In the Dota 2 universe, MMR (Match Making Rating) is a key indicator of a player's skill. Today, reaching 8000 MMR no longer seems extraordinary—many professional players and streamers boast such a rating. However, there was a time when 8000 MMR was considered an almost unattainable height, and players who surpassed this mark became legends within the esports community.
Let’s take a look back at how players' pursuit of a high MMR evolved in Dota 2, how their ranks changed, and who the pioneers were that set new records and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the Dota 2 world.
w33: First to Reach 8000 MMR
- Player: w33
- Region: Romania
- Record Year: 2015
In June 2015, the Dota 2 MMR leaderboards changed significantly when Aliwi "w33" Omar became the first player to break the seemingly unreachable 8000 MMR mark. This Romanian player accomplished this feat in front of thousands of viewers, who anxiously followed his every match. W33 became known for his exceptional mastery of the hero Clinkz, who became his signature pick on the path to breaking the record.
This achievement became even more impressive considering his competition with Chinese player June, who fell just short at 7926 MMR. The legitimacy of w33's record was unquestioned, making him a hero in the Dota 2 community and inspiring many players to aim for new heights.
Miracle-: 9000 MMR
- Player: Miracle-
- Region: Middle East
- Record Year: 2016
The next milestone in Dota 2 MMR history came in May 2016, when Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi, a star player for OG, became the first in the world to surpass 9000 MMR. This major achievement occurred during an intense match where Miracle- played Anti-Mage, surprising everyone with an unconventional build that included a Shadow Blade.
The final game in which Miracle- reached his goal was a spectacle, with his opponent being none other than Illidan, another contender for the record. The moment of triumph was captured on video, showing the OG team celebrating their teammate’s success. This achievement not only solidified Miracle-’s status as one of the best players in the world but also demonstrated that the limits of what’s possible in Dota 2 are ever-expanding.
Abed: First to 10000 MMR
- Player: Abed
- Region: Philippines
- Record Year: 2017
June 2017 brought another incredible feat: 16-year-old Filipino player Abed "Abed" Yusop became the first player to reach a five-digit Dota 2 MMR score. Playing for Digital Chaos, Abed made an impressive leap, rising from 9000 to 10000 MMR in just three months.
However, his achievement was not without controversy. Some players accused Abed of unfairly boosting his rating with the help of teammates. Despite these accusations, Abed is officially recognized as the first to reach 10000 MMR in Dota 2, making him an inspiration to players worldwide, especially in the Southeast Asia region.
Beyond 10000 MMR
After surpassing 10000 MMR, the next goal for the world’s top players became 11000 MMR in Dota 2. However, this proved to be much harder to achieve. For two years, no one managed to reach this mark, largely due to the seasonal recalibrations that take place every six months. These recalibrations made it difficult to maintain such a high rating over a long period.
11000 MMR in Dota 2
On May 13, 2020, Abed "Abed" Yusop once again made history in Dota 2, becoming the first player to reach the incredible 11000 MMR milestone. This accomplishment solidified Abed's reputation as one of the most talented and persistent players in the world.
Following Abed, other outstanding players also crossed the 11000 MMR threshold in 2020:
- Nuengnara "23savage" Teeramahanon
- Danil "gpk~" Skutin
- Vitaly "epileptick1d" Trukhanov
- Karl "Karl" Baldovino
- Andreas "Cr1t-" Nielsen
23savage — 12000 and 13000 MMR in Dota 2
- Player: 23savage
- Region: Thailand
- Record Year: 2021
This record was set by the young and highly talented player Nuengnara "23savage" Teeramahanon, representing Talon Esports. 23savage’s career is a prime example of a meteoric rise in the professional Dota 2 scene. He gained widespread recognition through his performances for Fnatic, where he proved himself as a skilled carry player. After leaving Fnatic, he was signed by Vici Gaming, although he never played an official match for them.
Despite being without a team at the start of the DPC (Dota Pro Circuit) season, 23savage didn’t give up. He played as a stand-in for BOOM Esports during major qualifiers, and soon his talent was noticed by T1, who invited him to join their roster. With T1, 23savage made it to the Wild Card stage of the major, finishing third in the Upper Division of the Southeast Asia region.
23savage also became the first player in the world to surpass the 13000 MMR mark, reshaping the Dota 2 MMR leaderboard. These consecutive records established 23savage as one of the most talented and driven players in the game's history.
Watson — 14000 MMR in Dota 2
- Player: watson
- Region: Kazakhstan
- Record Year: 2024
The MMR leaderboard continues to evolve, and the latest chapter belongs to Alimzhan "watson" Islamzhanov. This talented carry player for the Western European team Entity became the first professional player to break the 14000 MMR barrier.
Watson’s success is particularly notable because he achieved it in solo-ranked matchmaking. Interestingly, watson previously shared his thoughts on how to win in Dota 2 matchmaking without the help of regular teammates. His experience and advice will undoubtedly be valuable to many players aiming to improve their skills and increase their Dota 2 MMR.
15000 — The Top MMR in Dota 2
- Player: Ws
- Region: Malaysia
- Record Year: 2024
This record was set on August 1, 2024, shortly after the release of the major 7.37 update. In the eight days leading up to the record, Chang "Ws" Wei Shen played 23 matches with an impressive win rate of 78.26%. His exceptional skill with the hero Timbersaw stood out—he picked Timbersaw eight times during this period, achieving an 87.5% win rate, an exceptional performance.
Currently, Chang holds the top spot in the Dota 2 MMR rankings in Southeast Asia. In addition to Timbersaw, his hero pool frequently includes Marci and Beastmaster, highlighting the versatility of his playstyle.
Chang "Ws" Wei Shen’s achievement sets a new bar for professional Dota 2 players worldwide. This milestone will undoubtedly go down in esports history and serve as inspiration for many players striving for excellence in this complex and dynamic game.
Conclusion
The evolution of MMR records in Dota 2 vividly demonstrates the ongoing growth and increasing skill level within the gaming community. From the first significant achievements to the recent 15000 MMR record, we witness a steady rise in professionalism among players.
However, it’s important to remember that MMR in Dota 2 is not the only measure of skill. Teamwork, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to different situations remain crucial factors for success in both ranked games and on the professional stage.
For players looking to improve their MMR, the experience of record holders offers several key lessons:
- Consistent practice and self-improvement are the foundation of progress.
- Focusing on a few key heroes and positions can significantly boost effectiveness.
- Analyzing one’s own games and studying strategies from top players help identify areas for improvement.
And for those who want to save time, MMR Boost in Dota 2 is a reliable way to raise your MMR by relying on professionals.
