North America doesn’t always get the most respectable reputation as a competitive Dota 2 region. Yes, Evil Geniuses did win the International 5 (TI5) seven years ago, but that is only highlight for this competitive region in this past decade.

Is the entire region cursed? Why are many of Americas players successful only after they depart their native region?

Image source: Bali Major 2023

NA players find success around the world

Shopify Rebellion and TeamSoloMid were just eliminated from Riyadh Masters, placing last in the group stage. For the uninitiated, the two NA teams had to contest in a three-way tiebreaker against Tundra Esports, which ultimately resulted in both NA teams’ loss. Considering Tundra played with their coach, Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling, as stand-in, it’s not a good look.

If these two teams’ Riyadh Masters performances weren’t underwhelming enough, note that even their Major performances are nothing to call home about. TSM has never won any DPC points in majors. Shopify has at least placed fourth at Lima Major 2023.

North American players that formerly hailed from the native DPC league are finding great success however.

Aui_2000 and Sneyking found their mojo in Europe

Aui_2000 is a Canadian player who has won two TIs as a player and coach. Formerly a hard support player in TI5 EG and currently coach in Tundra Esports, he has proven to be among the most successful NA talents in Dota 2 Esports.

Jingjun “Sneyking” Wu is also from Tundra Esports, who has played primary role in the team’s success at TI11. He served as captain and hard support player, and earned respect from his rivals as a wise and innovative drafter.

He pioneered the use of Wraith Pact and Pipe of Insight at TI11, which made Tundra impossible to fight against. The combination of these items’ buffs made even the softest support hero durable enough to outlast fights.

Quinn is having the best season of his career

Quinn “Quinn” Callahan is another prominent NA player, who has risen to fame since joining the Western European powerhouse, Gaimin Gladiators. He has won three consecutive Majors in DPC 2023, making him the first NA player and the first team to accomplish this feat.

If we look back at Quinn’s career as a player in NA teams, Quincy Crew and Optic Gaming, he never manages to showcase his full potential as a promising mid-player. Yet here he is in Gaimin, where he might just win TI12.

While we might have been harsh on NA region, there are NA talents making a name for themselves outside of their native region.

While we haven’t given up hope on our true NA representatives, which are proudly Shopify Rebellion, TeamSoloMid and another deserving NA team. It’s great to know that there are still many reliable NA talents out there.