KuroKy says he was the best player in early Dota

KuroKy reflects on his place in Dota 1

Kuro 'KuroKy' Salehi Takhasomi has revisited the beginnings of his career and made a confident claim about his level in the original Dota. Speaking on the Dota Unspoken podcast, the former pro player and current coach of Astra Invicta said that, in his view, he was the best player in Dota 1.

That statement is notable not because it changes the present Dota 2 scene, but because it comes from one of the most recognisable names in the game’s history. KuroKy has been part of competitive Dota for so long that his view of the old era naturally carries weight for fans who followed the scene from the early years.

How his path in Dota began

In the interview, KuroKy also spoke about how he first got into the game and how his early involvement in the scene developed. Those kinds of stories are often the most interesting part of a veteran player’s retrospective, because they show how much of a professional career was shaped long before the biggest tournaments and team changes.

He also mentioned his acquaintance with Clement 'Puppey' Ivanov. The two names are closely tied to the history of competitive Dota, and any discussion of their early connection is likely to draw attention from long-time followers of the game.

For players watching the current ranked scene, these kinds of reflections can be a reminder of how long-term success in Dota often comes from understanding the game deeply over many years rather than from short-term results alone.

Astra Invicta and the period after TI

The podcast also touched on KuroKy’s new team, Astra Invicta. He said that the story began after The International, when discussions took place about whether he would continue. The interview suggests that the decision to move into this next step came after some consideration, rather than as an abrupt change.

While the report does not go into full detail about the team’s plans, it makes clear that KuroKy is already looking ahead in a new role. For a player base that closely follows coaching moves and roster shifts, that is often enough to spark interest, especially when the person involved has such a long history in the game.

Why this matters for Dota players

KuroKy’s comments are mostly reflective, but they still matter to the wider Dota audience. His confidence in his own Dota 1 career highlights how central early competitive experience was to the way many of today’s Dota legends built their reputations.

For ranked players, the practical takeaway is simple: the foundations of strong play often come from years of repetition, adaptation, and a clear understanding of the game’s systems. KuroKy’s remarks are a reminder that the names people still talk about today were built over a long period, not just through one good season.