May 1, 2025
Nikobaby Makes a Grand Comeback to Dota2 Scene
The highly anticipated return of Nikolay “Nikobaby” Nikolov to competitive Dota2 has finally arrived, and it was supposed to be a moment of great fanfare. After a prolonged retirement that lasted for three years, Nikobaby made his debut at European Pro League Season 26, donning the jersey of Team Level UP. The Bulgarian Dota2 player, known for his impressive skills at the hard carry role and intimidating playstyle, was once a force to be reckoned with in the professional scene.
During his illustrious career, Nikobaby achieved remarkable feats, including a ninth-place finish at The International 2019 (TI9) with Mineski, along with a whopping $686K in winnings. His stint with Alliance from 2019-2020 was also notable, as the team consistently participated in major Dota2 tournaments, including a ninth-place finish at The International 2020 (TI10) and $800K in winnings. Although Nikobaby’s achievements may not have been of TI-winning level, there was no doubt that he was a phenomenal Dota2 player, earning him the alternate nickname “the Shark.”
Nikobaby’s return to competitive Dota2 has generated significant interest, and fans were eager to see him in action alongside his new teammates. Team Level UP boasts a promising line-up, featuring Nicolas “Gunnar” Lopez, a seasoned player with roots in Nouns Esports, and Kim “DuBu” Doo-young, a veteran player with over a decade of competitive experience. The team’s support player, Danial “xsvampire” Alibaev, and mid-player, Matin “Matson” v., were expected to complement Nikobaby’s skills.
However, the team’s debut match against Apple City Gang at EPL Season 26 was a disappointing affair. Nikobaby’s performance was decent, but it was clear that the rest of his team struggled to keep up with their opponents’ pace. Matson, the young mid-lane player, was shut down, and his role as the team’s initiator was unimpactful. The second game was a complete disaster, as Team Level UP lost all their lanes, and their opponents’ mid-game drafts proved overwhelming.
The loss to a relatively unknown team was a surprise, given that Team Level UP’s line-up consists of seasoned veterans with high calibre skills. The team’s average Dota2 rank is between 13000-14000 MMR, which suggests that they should be competing at a higher level, alongside teams like Team Liquid, PARIVISION, and Team Falcons. Nevertheless, Nikobaby and his team will have to regroup and work on their strategy if they hope to make a mark in the competitive Dota2 scene in 2025.
As Nikobaby begins his journey with Team Level UP, fans will be keeping a close eye on his performance. Will he be able to recapture his former glory, or will his return to competitive Dota2 be a short-lived one? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Nikobaby’s comeback has generated significant excitement, and the Dota2 community will be watching with bated breath. The road ahead will be challenging, but Nikobaby has shown in the past that he is a force to be reckoned with, and fans will be eager to see him in action.
