The Curse of Arteezy: The Legend Without Aegis

Every year, the Dota 2 world watches as the best teams clash at The International (TI), battling for the Aegis of Champions. But there's one name that always seems to come up, a player synonymous with both incredible skill and heartbreaking defeat: Artour "Arteezy" Babaev. Currently inactive but under the contract with Shopify Rebellion.

The "Curse of Arteezy"

It's almost a meme at this point. Arteezy, the uncrowned king of Dota 2. He's been a dominant force in the scene for years, with a career spanning legendary teams like Evil Geniuses and Team Secret. But despite countless tournament wins and a reputation as one of the greatest carry players ever, the Aegis has eluded him.

A Career of Close Calls

Arteezy's TI journey is a rollercoaster of close calls and what-ifs. Third place at TI4 and TI8. Countless other top finishes. He's been so close, yet so far. It's enough to make you believe in a "Curse of Arteezy."

More Than Just a Tournament

But here's the thing: Arteezy's impact on Dota 2 goes beyond TI. He's inspired countless players with his incredible skill, his dedication to the game, and his charismatic personality. He's a legend, regardless of whether he ever lifts the Aegis.

The Arteezy Legacy

Arteezy's legacy is one of perseverance, of pushing boundaries, and of never giving up on the dream. He's a reminder that even the most talented players face setbacks, but it's the journey, not just the destination, that defines a legend.

The Fearless Carry

Artour "Arteezy" Babaev is more than just a skilled player; he's a force of nature on the Dota 2 battlefield. His aggressive playstyle and knack for outmaneuvering opponents have earned him a reputation as one of the most feared carry players in the game. He's a master of both micro and macro play, able to dominate in lane and make game-winning decisions in the late game. His presence alone can strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, making him a true icon of the Dota 2 scene.

Other Notable Players To Never Win The TI

While Arteezy is frequently cited as the best player without a TI win, several other players also deserve mention:

Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei: A legendary carry player known for his time with teams like DK and iG. He achieved multiple high placements at TI but never won, finishing 4th at TI2 and TI4 and 5-6th at TI3 and TI7.

Xu "fy" Linsen: Renowned as one of the best support players ever, fy reached the finals with PSG.LGD at TI8 but lost in a dramatic series against OG. His gameplay has earned him immense respect within the community.

Omar "w33" Aliwi: Known for his unique playstyle and proficiency with heroes like Meepo, w33 reached the grand finals twice but fell short both times12.

In conclusion, while there are several candidates for the title of the best player to never win The International, Artour "Arteezy" Babaev stands out due to his consistent high-level performance and significant impact on the game despite lacking that ultimate achievement.