In the high-stakes world of professional Dota 2, where confidence often borders on audacious, one player has thrown down a particularly bold gauntlet. Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Khertek, the esteemed offlaner for Aurora Gaming and a former The International champion, has publicly declared himself the undisputed finest Chen player in the world. This isn`t a casual whisper; it`s a statement delivered with characteristic directness, inviting scrutiny and — as he implies — eventual agreement from anyone with “a brain.”
The Player Behind the Pronouncement
TORONTOTOKYO is not new to the spotlight. Known for his aggressive playmaking, unique hero pools, and an on-stage persona that exudes both competitive fire and a touch of unshakeable self-belief, his career has been marked by significant victories, including lifting the Aegis of Champions with Team Spirit in 2021. His move from a mid-lane mastermind to a position 5 support and now an offlaner demonstrates a versatility that few in the scene can match. This latest claim, however, zeroes in on a hero famously difficult to master.
Chen: A Divine Challenge
For those less initiated into the intricate mechanics of Dota 2, Chen is not your average hero. He is a ranged intelligence support whose primary strength lies in his ability to convert neutral jungle creeps to his side, forming a miniature army that he must micromanage alongside his own hero. This “creeper commander” playstyle demands exceptional multitasking, deep jungle knowledge, and precise execution – skills that separate casual players from true virtuosos. Chen`s effectiveness often hinges on early game pressure, precise healing, and impactful global presence, making him a high-risk, high-reward pick typically reserved for specialists.
TORONTOTOKYO`s Unwavering Conviction
Khertek`s statement on the LEGENDWP DOTA 2 Telegram channel left no room for ambiguity:
“On Chen, I am the strongest player in the world, no jokes. If you have a brain and watch a couple of official matches, you will understand everything.”
This isn`t merely confidence; it`s a direct challenge to the community and fellow professionals to verify his claim through his gameplay. It`s a statement that, coming from a player of his caliber, certainly warrants attention.
The Numbers Game: A Glimpse into His Performance
While such bold claims usually spark immediate debate, TORONTOTOKYO offers his official match history as primary evidence. According to Dotabuff, his record on Chen stands at a respectable 69.2% win rate across 13 official matches. It`s crucial to note that these games were all played in the demanding position 5 support role, where he often played the hero during his tenure with BetBoom Team. While 13 games isn`t the largest sample size in esports history, achieving such a high win rate on a hero like Chen, especially at the professional level, is undeniably impressive and suggests a deep understanding of the hero`s intricacies and impact.
The Offlane Chen Experiment
Interestingly, Khertek also revealed a brief personal experiment with Chen in the offlane (position 3) role, a departure from the hero`s traditional support position. His assessment was pragmatic:
“I thought I should play Chen in position `three.` I played a couple of games — it didn`t really work out, to be honest. The hero has too little damage in the lane.”
This insight showcases a player not just confident in his mastery, but also analytically rigorous, testing the boundaries of hero roles and understanding the core limitations. It underscores that his confidence is rooted in practical experience and a critical understanding of game mechanics, not just bravado.
Beyond the Claim: A Mindset of Dedication
TORONTOTOKYO`s self-proclaimed Chen supremacy also ties into his broader philosophy on professional gaming. He recently reflected on player burnout, emphasizing his unwavering passion:
“I enjoy every match I play; therefore, I do not get tired from competing in tournaments.”
This dedication to the craft, this persistent enjoyment, likely fuels his deep dives into specific heroes and roles, enabling him to reach levels of mastery that others might find taxing. His confidence in Chen isn`t just about raw skill; it’s about a comprehensive engagement with the game that allows him to extract maximum value from complex heroes.
The Gauntlet is Thrown
Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Khertek`s declaration about his Chen prowess sets a compelling narrative. It`s a blend of raw self-confidence, data-backed performance (albeit from a limited pool), and a profound understanding of a notoriously difficult hero. Whether other pros or analysts will universally agree with his self-assessment remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: TORONTOTOKYO believes he walks alone at the pinnacle of Chen mastery. The Dota 2 world will undoubtedly be watching his future performances with keen interest, eager to see if his brilliance continues to back his boldest claim yet.
