In the high-stakes world of professional Dota 2, where split-second decisions dictate fortunes and careers are forged in the crucible of competition, even the most established players occasionally ponder alternative paths. Such was the case for Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev, a name synonymous with aggressive core play and unwavering mechanical skill. Recently, during a Twitch broadcast, RAMZES666 offered a rare glimpse into a thought process that might surprise many: a fleeting consideration of transitioning to the often-understated, yet critically important, position five support role.
The Temptation of the Fifth Position
For years, RAMZES666 has carved out a legendary career primarily as a carry (position one) and later as an offlaner (position three). These roles, demanding individual prowess, farming efficiency, and decisive playmaking, are where he has consistently shone. Yet, he admitted to contemplating a shift to hard support a couple of years ago. “I had an idea a couple of years ago, maybe, to play position five,” he revealed, igniting discussions among fans about what such a dramatic change might entail for a player of his caliber.
Why the Core Stays Core: A Matter of Temperament and Synergy
However, the idea, it seems, was short-lived, grounded in practicalities and a candid assessment of his own temperament. RAMZES666 explained his rationale for sticking to his established roles: “Given the fact that position one and position three are very similar roles, it`s worth sticking to that.” Indeed, both require a deep understanding of map control, resource management, and team fight initiation, albeit from slightly different angles.
The more intriguing revelation came when he addressed a chat message suggesting his temperament wasn`t suited for position five. “Why, I could,” he asserted. But his qualification was telling:
This statement offers a profound, if slightly self-deprecating, insight into the mind of a top-tier competitor. It`s not a lack of skill or understanding of the support role, but rather an acute awareness of his own high standards and the potential for friction if his core partner doesn`t meet them. It suggests that for RAMZES666, the challenge isn`t merely learning new heroes or mechanics, but finding a psychological fit within a team dynamic where he must empower others, potentially at the cost of his own direct impact. The irony is not lost: a player`s exceptional skill could, in a way, hinder his ability to thrive in a role designed to elevate others.
The Delicate Balance of Professional Roles
RAMZES666`s reflections underscore a fundamental truth in professional esports: success isn`t just about individual skill, but about the intricate synergy between players and their chosen roles. A support player`s primary objective is to facilitate the cores, create space, and ensure their success. This requires immense game sense, sacrifice, and often, an emotional resilience to the core`s performance, good or bad. For a player accustomed to being the primary damage dealer and playmaker, relinquishing that direct control can be a significant psychological hurdle.
A Legacy Forged in Core Positions
Throughout his illustrious career, RAMZES666 has indeed predominantly commanded core positions. His transitions between carry and offlane have always been marked by adaptability and continued dominance. As an offlaner, he has continued to achieve significant success, contributing to deep runs in prestigious tournaments, including The International, the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition. His decision to remain in roles where his formidable individual skill can be directly translated into game-winning plays seems to be a testament to his understanding of his own strengths and what makes him most effective.
Conclusion: The Path Less Traveled, for Good Reason
While the thought of RAMZES666 as a position five support is an intriguing alternate reality, his candid explanation reveals why such a switch, despite his undeniable skill, might not be the optimal path. It’s a compelling reminder that in professional Dota 2, sometimes knowing your own limitations – or rather, the unique challenges posed by your strengths and personality – is just as crucial as mastering hero mechanics. For now, fans can rest assured that RAMZES666 will continue to wreak havoc from the frontline, leaving the nuanced dance of warding and stacking to others, lest he find a core player unworthy of his dedication.
Finley Holt