The best Dota 2 hero-player combos didn’t just dominate patches—they defined eras. Some players’ faces have become inseparable from the heroes they mastered, creating unforgettable moments, breaking the meta, and pioneering new ways to play that still live on in highlight reels today.

In this article, we’re looking back at ten duos that changed Dota 2 esports forever. Each pairing tells a story of skill, personality, and the kind of magic only the best players can pull off on the big stage. 

The Most Iconic Hero-Player Combos In Dota 2

Our criteria for picking the most iconic hero-player combos in Dota 2 doesn’t only take raw statistics and win rates into account. We’ve emphasized skill, consistency, creativity, and most importantly, cultural impact. 

The players on this list are responsible for defining metas or creating highlight reels that are still revisited today. 

#1. Dendi (Pudge)

The first entry is a no-brainer. Once seen as a joke or “troll” pick, Dendi turned Pudge into a viable hero in professional Dota with his creativity and hook precision. His most unforgettable moment came from the TI3 hook highlight, where he and Natus Vincere abused the infamous “fountain hook” at The International.

The Dendi Pudge carried NAVI to three straight TI finals, making him the first face of Dota 2 esports. 

#2. Miracle- (Invoker)

If Dendi is one of the earliest GOATs of Dota 2, Miracle- is arguably the one with the most lasting cultural impact. The Jordanian carry player first made waves as the world’s first 8,000 MMR player, rising from pubstar to global sensation almost overnight. 

He also quickly earned the title of being one of the best Invoker players in Dota 2, boasting extraordinary skill and endless creativity with the hero. Miracle- wasn’t only stuck playing pubs, either. He took Invoker to the big stages and helped OG secure back-to-back Major titles. 

#3. fy (Rubick)

Dubbed the “Rubick God,” fy displayed breathtaking performances at TI4 and TI8, generating Dota 2 highlight plays one after another. Not only was he excellent at roaming, but he was also clutch in teamfights, using Rubick’s Spell Steal to snatch key ultimates like Ravage and Black Hole. 

The veteran redefined the support role in Dota 2, setting the bar for years to come. He’s one of the greatest players never to lift the Aegis—and the “fy Rubick” playstyle inspired generations of players in Dota 2 esports.

#4. Ceb (Axe)

Though he isn’t known as a frequent Axe player, one moment etched Ceb’s Axe into Dota 2 history as the symbol of OG’s legendary TI8 run. The Frenchman landed an “$11 million Berserker’s Call” that turned the tide in Game 4 of the Grand Final and fueled OG’s miraculous comeback.

That single play became not only one of the best Dota 2 moments ever, but all of esports as well. Though Ceb stepped down from the OG roster, he remains a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of offlaners, thanks to his passion and will.

#5. SumaiL (Storm Spirit)

At just 16 years old, SumaiL made his mark in Dota 2 by leading EG to victory at TI5 and becoming the youngest player to win Dota’s biggest tournament—a record that is still unbroken today. His weapon of choice was Storm Spirit. 

SumaiL had unmatched confidence in his hero, diving towers, zipping across fights, and outplaying veterans with years of experience over him. The many SumaiL Storm Spirit highlights clearly showed that he found the perfect hero to showcase his unmatched mechanics. 

#6. CoLLapse (Magnus)

Entering the tournament relatively unknown, CoLLapse picked up Magnus at TI10, and the rest was history. Known for his genius teamfighting instincts and deadly Blink Dagger initiations, CoLLapse’s Magnus played a pivotal role in Team Spirit’s legendary underdog run. 

With the hero’s Aghanim’s Shard upgrade, Horn Toss, CoLLapse went fishing for PSG.LGD heroes in the Grand Final, powering Team Spirit’s run to claim one of the most inspiring victories in esports history. This performance made him one of the richest esports players, aged only 19. 

#7. Topson (Monkey King)

Chaos and creativity defined Topson, and the Monkey King was the perfect canvas for both. The Finnish mid laner was always an anomaly, never prioritizing farm—only fights. Topson’s Monkey King dominated lanes through sheer mechanical brilliance and provided the mobility to have an impact all over the map.

He didn’t follow the meta, either. He invented it. His fearless aggression and unpredictable style enabled him to execute flawless OG TI8 mid plays, making him the first back-to-back TI winner in Dota 2 history. 

#8. Arteezy (Shadow Fiend)

Undoubtedly one of the best Shadow Fiend players in Dota 2, Arteezy became synonymous with the hero over the years. He’d juggle between the mid and safe lanes, and SF would always be viable in both roles. 

Arteezy’s mastery shone brightest in lane—his pinpoint Shadow Razes and flawless control routinely placed him at the top of the net worth charts. He’d go for experimental builds to set himself apart and generate some of the most memorable plays and highlights with the hero. 

#9. AdmiralBulldog (Nature’s Prophet)

AdmiralBulldog’s Nature’s Prophet pioneered an entirely new playstyle that would forever be known as “Rat Dota.” At TI3, Alliance mastered the art of split pushing, and AdmiralBulldog was its mastermind.

He’d relentlessly pressure the map, forcing enemies to panic and rotate, creating openings for his team. This approach became the backbone of Alliance’s strategy, leading the Swedes to victory at TI3. With a so-called “hero droplet,” AdmiralBulldog mastered Nature’s Prophet, boasting a 66% win rate over 235 pro matches. 

#10. Puppey (Chen)

Known as the most consistent Dota 2 player of all time, Puppey turned Chen into a tool for his domination. In the earlier days of the game, his micro-management of creeps was second to none. 

Puppey understood map rotations inside and out, using his army to orchestrate surprise ganks and early tower pushes. Beyond his sheer mechanics, Puppey also held captaincy duties, leading multiple squads to numerous Tier 1 victories. 

FAQs

Who is the most iconic Dota 2 player of all time?

While opinions vary, Dendi is often regarded as the face of Dota 2 due to his early cultural influence and unforgettable plays with Pudge. 

Which Dota 2 heroes are most associated with pro players?

Heroes with a high skill ceiling are often associated with pro players. Some examples include Rubick, Magnus, and Invoker. 

What are the most famous plays in Dota 2 history?

Some Dota 2 plays that redefined the game’s history include Ceb’s Berserker’s Call at TI8 and CoLLapse’s Magnus plays at TI10. 

How did Dendi’s Pudge become legendary?

Dendi turned Pudge from a meme pick into a pro-level powerhouse pick, leading him to three TI Grand Finals in a row. 

What makes a hero-player combo iconic in Dota 2?

A hero-player combo becomes iconic through a combination of mechanical skills, consistency, and emotional impact on the scene.