Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev is a name synonymous with dominance in the professional Dota 2 scene. Renowned for his aggressive playmaking, impeccable farming, and clutch decision-making, RAMZES666 has long been a formidable force in the core positions. So, when the seasoned veteran recently disclosed during a Twitch stream that he once entertained the idea of switching to the position 5 (hard support) role, it sent a ripple of surprise through the community. The thought of one of Dota`s most formidable core players, known for carrying his team on his back, transitioning to the selfless world of warding and stacking is, to say the least, intriguing.
The Core`s Conundrum: A Philosophical Stance on Roles
RAMZES666 elaborated on his brief flirtation with the idea, explaining that it was a consideration from a “couple of years ago.” His ultimate decision to remain a core player was rooted in a pragmatic understanding of player roles. “Positions one and three are very similar roles,” he stated, referring to the carry and offlane positions respectively. This perspective highlights a strategic alignment: both roles demand a high degree of game impact, resourcefulness, and a certain aggressive temperament crucial for initiating engagements or securing objectives. Sticking to these roles, where his inherent playstyle thrives, simply made more sense.
The Unfiltered Truth: Temperament and Team Dynamics
However, the most revealing part of his reflection came when he addressed the psychological barrier to becoming a support. When asked by a viewer if he possessed the temperament for a position 5, RAMZES666`s response was as candid as it was insightful:
“Why not, I can. I just can`t play position four or five if the core player I`m playing with is worse than me. Then I won`t be able to play support, because I`ll constantly be on his case, saying things, and he`ll get annoyed and we`ll argue. That`s most likely what would happen. What`s the point of switching to support if I play stronger than the guys on cores?”
This statement, delivered with a directness characteristic of top-tier competitors, peels back the curtain on the internal conflict of a dominant player. It’s not a lack of skill or game knowledge that would prevent him from being a support; it`s his intrinsic competitive drive and, perhaps, a justified belief in his own abilities relative to others. The irony is palpable: the very aggression and demand for excellence that make him an exceptional core could be his undoing as a support, where enabling and empowering others, often silently, is paramount.
The Selfless Art of Support vs. The Core`s Dominance
Playing a hard support role in Dota 2 demands a unique blend of selflessness, strategic vision, and emotional intelligence. Supports are the backbone of a team, sacrificing personal farm and glory to ensure their cores thrive. They set up kills, provide vision, and often make crucial, game-saving plays from behind the scenes. For a player accustomed to being the central pillar of damage and farm, transitioning to a role that requires a significant mental shift towards empowering others can be a profound challenge.
RAMZES666`s honesty underscores a fundamental truth about esports: raw mechanical skill is only one piece of the puzzle. A player`s personality, their ability to manage ego, and their capacity to adapt their mindset to team dynamics are equally critical. For him, the constant need to correct or critique a weaker core would inevitably lead to internal friction, ultimately hindering team cohesion – a luxury no professional team can afford.
A Path Forged: From Carry to Offlane Excellence
Throughout the majority of his illustrious esports career, RAMZES666 distinguished himself primarily as a position 1 carry. His ability to farm rapidly and transition into a late-game powerhouse became a hallmark of his play. Later, he successfully transitioned to the offlane (position 3), a role that demands initiation, aggression, and tactical awareness. His adaptation to this role proved highly effective, cementing his versatility and continuing his legacy as a top-tier player, achieving significant placements in major tournaments, including deep runs at The International.
Ultimately, RAMZES666`s brief consideration of the support role serves as a fascinating insight into the mind of a professional Dota 2 player. It highlights not only the strategic considerations behind role choices but also the deeply personal and psychological factors that shape a player`s career path. While the idea of RAMZES666 as a benevolent hard support remains an amusing “what if,” his decision to stick to the core positions, where his formidable talent and competitive spirit truly shine, has undoubtedly contributed to his enduring legacy in Dota 2.
