SEO Title: Ex-Pro Misha Explains How TI8 Qualifier Loss Led to Nix`s Streaming Career
SEO Description: Former Dota 2 pro Mikhail Agatov (Misha) shared how his team`s loss in The International 2018 qualifiers against Iceberg`s team directly contributed to Alexander Levin (Nix) starting his streaming career. Read about the key match details and Misha`s top Pudge picks.
Former esports player Mikhail Agatov, known as Misha, recently discussed the best Pudge players in Dota 2. Answering a question on this topic, he stated that he contributed to the start of Alexander Levin (Nix)`s streaming career. According to Misha, this happened following his team`s defeat in the closed qualifiers for The International 2018.
Recalling that period, Misha recounted the grand final of the TI8 qualifiers, where his team, Espada, faced FlyToMoon, featuring players like Iceberg, nongrata, and Silent. In the decisive third game for a spot at TI8, Iceberg picked Pudge for the solo mid lane as their 23rd pick. Misha suggested his teammate Igor (iLTW) pick Lifestealer (24th pick) to counter Pudge. However, iLTW lost the mid lane despite the strategic pick. Ultimately, FlyToMoon, with Iceberg`s solo mid Pudge, won the qualifier final and advanced to TI8.
Following this loss, Misha`s team disbanded. Misha claims that it was at this point Nix began actively streaming, leading Misha to believe he “created Nix as a streamer” thanks to the outcome of that specific match. Besides Iceberg, Misha also named Dendi and Kuku as other top Pudge players.
In a separate comment, Misha previously shared his thoughts on the significance of Johan Sundstein (n0tail) for the new OG roster, stating: “N0tail can make a candy out of many things, but skill still decides.”
Finley Holt