Wang “Ame” Chunyu, a prominent figure in the world of Dota 2 esports, was once celebrated as the strongest carry in Chinese Dota. However, after a year-long hiatus from competitive gaming, Ame’s return to Dota 2 last month was met with challenges stemming from his apparent rustiness.
Wang “Ame” Chunyu (Image credit: The International 2019)
Ame’s MMR Grind is an intensive routine
In his quest to regain his lost form, Ame’s commitment to practice has been nothing short of remarkable. His efforts are all in the intensive MMR grind, and his dedication has certainly turned heads within the Dota 2 community. Playing on his smurf account at Dota2ProTracker, Ame embarked on a truly grueling journey, playing an astonishing 28 matches in a single day in Dota 2 matchmaking. He often played these with minimal breaks. Impressively, this relentless schedule has not only tested his skills but also his endurance.
However, while Ame’s grind has been relentless, it has not been without its challenges. During this period, his win rate was not particularly impressive, with 17 losses and only 11 victories. Such statistics might raise concerns, but they also demonstrate the immense effort he is putting into his comeback.
Relentless Dota 2 Marathon
Ame’s commitment to excellence extends beyond just a day. His intense gaming marathon began in early December 2023 when he started playing around 14 matches every day. This level of dedication is noteworthy and speaks to his determination to reach his former glory. Amidst this grueling schedule, Ame showcased his hero versatility by frequently opting for heroes like Slark, Lina, Troll Warlord, and Morphling in his matches, further highlighting his versatility.
Image Credits: Xtreme Gaming
A Growing Concern for Ame and Xtreme Gaming in Dota 2
The driving force behind Ame’s intensive practice routine is a growing concern about his current form. This concern is not limited to himself but extends to his teammates at Xtreme Gaming as well. In stark contrast to his god-like performance at The International 2021, where Xtreme Gaming reached the grand finals, Ame’s current state is far from impressive.
Ame’s teammate, Zhao “XinQ” Zixing, openly expressed disappointment in Ame’s performance, emphasizing that this decline had been noticeable as early as the Asian Games 2023, where Ame represented Team China. This critique carries significant weight, considering that XinQ is a former teammate of Ame from their PSG.LGD days, offering valuable insights into the changes in Ame’s gameplay.
Xtreme Gaming’s 2024 Debut
The future of Xtreme Gaming in 2024 now depends largely on how swiftly Ame can recapture his prime form. The team will make their debut at BetBoom Dacha Winter 2024, having received a direct invitation to the tournament. The roster comprises Lin “Xxs” Jing, Guo “Xm” Hongcheng, Ding “Dy” Cong, and XinQ himself.
Their participation in DreamLeague S22 is secured, thanks to the points earned by three XG players during their time with Azure Ray at ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023.
The outcome of these upcoming tournaments will significantly impact the Dota 2 scene in China and beyond. Ame’s journey to reclaim his status as one of the best carry players in Dota 2 adds an extra layer of intrigue to Xtreme Gaming’s prospects in 2024, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome and potential resurgence of the Chinese powerhouse.
