- Elite Dota 2 player Topias Miikka “Topson” Taavitsainen talked about what it takes to be a professional
- The player took just two months to rise as one of the most prominent players
- According to him luck plays a role, but skill and esports environment are more important
Topson, one of the Dota 2 professionals discussed his experience on the field and the factors which give birth to elite players.
Luck, Skill, Environment: Prerequisites for Success
Topias Miikka “Topson” Taavitsainen is a remarkable Dota 2 player. He joined the competitive scene as a mere nobody. Within two months in OG, the team won The International 8 and Topson rose to be one of the most prominent mid-lane players. He proved his worth yet again as the team repeated the feat in The International 9.
In an interview preceding OG’s match against Hellbear Smashers in the EU 2021 DPC Season 2: Upper Division, the player decided to talk about his experience and share what he’s learned to those who aspire to play professionally.
According to Topson luck plays a role in success as he got lucky to get quickly admitted to OG’s lineup. However Topson emphasized that luck is overshadowed in importance by skill and environment.
Topson added that his home country of Finland also plays a part in his success. Thanks to the popularity of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in Finland, there was already a well-established esports ecosystem. Moreover, there were already other Finish Dota 2 elites who also can serve as an example and motivation to aspiring players. He mentioned the retired OG player Jessie “JerAx” Vainikka and Team Secret’s Lasse Aukusti “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen.
“I am hoping we get another breakthrough at some point,” Topson concluded, hoping that new Finish talents will arise in the future.
Topson is still in the OG roster and participating in the European Dota Pro Circuit. The team has scored two wins and one loss and will next play against Tundra Esports on May 5. If OG performs well and gets the champion’s cup once again, they will become the first team ever to hold three TI victories. Having taken Anathan “ana” Pham back, OG have reinforced their ranks and have serious prospects of doing so.
