In the often-intense world of professional Dota 2, where every play is dissected and every hero choice scrutinized, a player making a definitive claim about their mastery of a specific hero is always noteworthy. Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Hertek, the celebrated offlaner for Aurora Gaming, recently did just that, unequivocally declaring himself the world`s premier Chen player.
The Bold Proclamation from a Dota 2 Maestro
The self-assured statement emerged from the LEGENDWP DOTA 2 Telegram channel, where TORONTOTOKYO`s confidence was on full display. His assertion wasn`t merely a casual boast but came with a direct challenge to any potential skeptics:
“On Chen, I am the strongest player in the world, no jokes. If you have a brain and watch a couple of official games, you will understand everything.”
It’s a bold stance, particularly in a game as complex and constantly evolving as Dota 2, where meta shifts and player performance fluctuate with dizzying regularity. Yet, TORONTOTOKYO offers a simple, if somewhat pointed, directive: *just watch him play.* This isn`t mere bravado; it implies a deep conviction born from experience.
Chen: A Hero of Nuance and Unforgiving Challenge
For those less familiar with Dota 2, Chen is not your typical hero. Categorized as a “micro-intensive” support, he primarily relies on converting neutral jungle creeps to fight alongside him, healing allies, and globally sending them back to base. Mastering Chen demands exceptional multitasking, map awareness, and precise unit control – a skillset that often deters less experienced players and even many seasoned professionals. His high skill ceiling means he`s rarely picked, making TORONTOTOKYO`s claim all the more intriguing, suggesting a profound, almost intimate understanding of the hero`s intricate mechanics and strategic potential.
The Positional Pondering: Offlane vs. Support
Interestingly, TORONTOTOKYO`s current role has primarily been as an offlaner (position 3), a core position that typically demands a robust front-line presence and initiation. His declaration, however, specifically highlights Chen, a hero almost exclusively played as a support (position 5). He even briefly experimented with Chen in the offlane himself, providing insights into his strategic considerations:
“I was thinking that Chen `three` should be played. I played a couple of games — it didn`t really click, to be honest. The hero has too little damage in the lane.”
This reflects a pragmatic, analytical approach to hero roles, acknowledging the hero`s inherent limitations in certain positions despite his perceived mastery. It`s a technical detail that underscores his methodical understanding. His most notable successes with Chen, as Dotabuff data reveals, were indeed as a position 5 support during his impactful tenure with BetBoom Team.
Statistical Backing or Pure Confidence?
So, does the data support his rather definitive self-assessment? According to Dotabuff, TORONTOTOKYO has played 13 official matches on Chen, achieving an impressive 69.2% win rate. All these games were played in the crucial position 5 support role. While 13 matches might seem a modest sample size in the grand scheme of a professional career, maintaining such a high win rate on a challenging, often situational hero like Chen in high-stakes professional games is undeniably a testament to specialized skill. It suggests that when TORONTOTOKYO picks Chen, he does so with a clear game plan and executes it effectively, contributing significantly to his team`s victories. It`s not just a claim; it`s a statement backed by tangible results.
Beyond the Specifics: A Deep-Seated Passion for the Game
This bold declaration also resonates with TORONTOTOKYO`s broader perspective on professional Dota 2. He previously shared insights on player burnout, emphasizing his own enduring passion for the game. He stated that he thoroughly enjoys every match, which prevents him from feeling fatigued by the relentless demands of tournament play. This unwavering enthusiasm might just be the fuel behind his confidence and dedication to mastering even the most intricate heroes, turning self-proclaimed titles into compelling narratives within the dynamic world of esports. It paints a picture of a player truly dedicated to his craft, finding joy even in the arduous pursuit of perfection.
The Verdict Remains on the Digital Battlefield
While TORONTOTOKYO`s assertion is a powerful statement of individual confidence and mastery, the ultimate test, as always, lies on the digital battlefield. Opposing teams are now effectively on notice: when Aurora Gaming features Chen, especially with TORONTOTOKYO at the helm, they`re facing a player who genuinely believes he holds the crown. Whether this self-proclaimed title will be universally acknowledged or challenged in a future matchup remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an exciting layer of personality and ambition to the already captivating competitive Dota 2 scene. The gauntlet has been thrown.
Connor Westbrook 
Nathan Blackwood