The Story of the Most Popular Dota Hero of All Time

Pudge has always been a fan favorite-but has he actually been good?
A new Stories of Dota video releases on the first Thursday of each month, so subscribe for more!
Special thanks to @Dendi for joining us for an interview.
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This video is also available on Metafy: mfy.gg/@baumi
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:40 First Implementation
8:28 The International 2011
12:59 The International 2012
16:12 The International 2013
36:12 The International 2014
39:07 The International 2015
46:22 The International 2016
53:32 The International 2017
54:33 The International 2018
59:41 The International 2019
1:06:04 The International 2021
1:10:09 The International 2022
1:26:11 Conclusion
Sources: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
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#StoriesOfDota #Dota2 #pudge

[@Dendi]

nice to see the feedback here, thanks for the invite mate 🔥

[@Ych-og4zi]

Oh look it's the best pudge

[@acceleratingthesupernatural]

Dendi coming through poggers

[@miguelronilla3430]

The pudge itself

[@slims-1013]

Opa Dendi!

[@Abdullah-vj2uh]

Dendi is pudge, pudge is dendi

[@AmazingMrMe123]

Pudge is just the definition of iconic character design in a MOBA. The presence of a pudge type character is felt in all MOBAs, even if it's by his deliberate exclusion.

[@renhaiyoutube]

Yes, it's because of the hook. No other hero can just force you out of position so much.

[@iHaveGrudgeAgainstUT]

Who put Pudge in dota? was it Guinsoo? Even though pudge's iconic chain hook was from WoW

[@brosephstinson1297]

@@iHaveGrudgeAgainstUT Its the other way around. Pudges hook came first.

[@iHaveGrudgeAgainstUT]

@@brosephstinson1297 I‘m pretty sure classic WoW was before pudge, giant abomination in WoW has that ability ’

[@theC0cg]

@@iHaveGrudgeAgainstUT it wasnt wow it was warcraft 3 the one to have meat hook

[@paul6353]

These Dendi hook moments are just iconic. The casting the thrill , it’s just emotional

[@peterjordansonthe2nd731]

He was a Pro 'Putch' player

[@tacky4237]

Pudge actually *had* a complete rework, but it's nearly forgotten about. He was a hero built around summoning units, and had Flies he could create with a 90% evasion rate.

[@TheZanzou]

Yeah that was only the first year or two that the game was out lmao, a lot of people weren't even into dota yet.

[@tacky4237]

@@TheZanzou Yeah it was a *long* time ago, but it's a footnote worth mentioning.

[@Xtroninater]

reminds me of when silencer summoned infernals on a basic ability and shadowfiend had fireballs that flew around him like Io's spirits.

[@MesserschmittReaver]

Is it was 6.54c ? Or earlier

[@Light..21]

There is no dota 2 hero as iconic as Pudge and he 100% deserves the first video on the channel

[@peterjordansonthe2nd731]

*Putch (apparently)

[@codewith_arash]

8 years of Baumi... can't get enough... gotta subscribe to his new channel...

[@katsukamijo3943]

Same, my friend. Same.

[@braiizen4112]

Yeah remembered his voice

[@Miko0219]

same lol been a huge part of my childhood and up until now when I'm building gundams and need something to watch in the background

[@jdhcdfdfnikki3233]

He wont play normal dota. He cracked

[@riccardomazzaro1901]

It's quite crazy how a hero so iconic and so played has been trash for most of its lifetime in the game. When I played Dota, more than 5 years ago at this point, it always felt like Pudge was that kind of hero which if you knew how to play you could win against basically anyone: the high pure dmg from the hook and the stun from the ultimate used to wreak havoc on the pubs I played in. Damn good video btw, really interesting to see how the meta evolved through time.

[@Mprokess]

Yes, if you knew how to play... then it was mediocre hero at best. Sadly, most pubies had no idea how to play him, they just pick him because of Dendi and then failed horibly. When Valve added the option to ban some heroes before picking I always tryed to ban Pudge - not because I was scared of him on the enemy team. No. But I was really scared that someone of my teammates pick him and force us to play besicaly 4v5. (btw dont need to argue, I'm just comenting for the youtube algoritm ;D )

[@riccardomazzaro1901]

@@Mprokess True, I didn't mention that half the time Pudge players in pubs were just horrible. Also, my initial comment was there just to feed the algorithm as well, I literally thought of what kind of comment could get a lot of likes and went with it lol.

[@4X10S]

Problem with Pudge is usually hands, it's not only limited to throwing the hook which is probably the most important factor, but also the itemization, there's no clear meta but still most of players buying blink when it's quite dangerous to initiate the fight yourself. So you obviously get one of those in your team, he doesn't even communicate and jump into antimage with bunch of supports around him and obviously after quick death he blames it on team that was out of range and probably wouldn't be able to help him anyway. It's not the only item tho that ruins the games, Pudge is the perfect slot for team Pipe, yet so many are skipping this item and going for vanguard even on all magic heroes in enemy team. If you want to play him effectively there are many little details that have to align, to play pudge you have to read the map, know your items and their timing, regularly gank from very early game even before you get your ult and many other. So yeah, I believe that hero is really strong but only in the right hands. If you snowball your team before 12th minute it's very hard to lose afterwards, I'd say it's pretty much like Huskar, once he start dominating there's no shutting down for him.

[@eckoluismusic]

@@4X10S not really the hands, but the players judgement. this apply not just to pudge only. if players knows how to execute pudge skill set in every situation regarless if the counter picking of the draft and the entire team composition, many players aim the amazement on the blind hook while theres a tons of ways to use pudge skill in every clash. its good enough that pudge was able to use dagger on DOTA 2 compare to OG DOTA. before the only 2 hero thant cant use dagger is venge and pudge but when dagger was allowed to pudge in DOTA 2 things gets more interesting. and the most annoying part is most players know is to hook 1st then dismember while they can blink to intiate clash given that all other 4 members got his back.

[@Jebu911]

I dont think pudge is as good as you make it sound like. Plenty of good counters to him and just landing good hooks doesnt mean it wins the game. Really good at buying time for carrys to farm tho so he definitely needs the right hero comp.

[@lilboy24681]

10 years later and im still here because you are still the best thank you baumi from when i work nightshifts to mornings your always there for me so today i stand here for you ❤

[@pootispencerguy]

LETS GO BAUMI! Wishing you the best on this project, can't wait for the premiere EDIT: Wow. Finally finished the video over lunch, and that was amazing!!! The quality was so good it felt like I should have paid to watch that, can't imagine the time and effort put into this, although I expected nothing less from someone like Baumi. That felt like a movie and I was hooked (pun intended) from start to finish, never been more proud to be an OG Baumi fan! My Favourite moments: 5:07 holy that visual really puts it into perspective 10:53 14:29 Kuro flaming in chat 16:35 Dendi being the meme he is 24:55 The goat himself 34:15 Classic moment 45:56 I remember this one fondly, still one of my favorite funny TI moments to this day 1:04:05 1:13:52 Finally my boi Pudge gets to shine, it was a long time coming 1:22:10 oh :( 1:24:27 Love them or hate them, Tundra truly owned the tournament and had the best grasp of the meta, this moment was hilarious to see live

[@GhostWriterr]

The beginning felt really slow with the ability talk, but the middle to end were amazing. Seeing how pudge performed over the course of his existence and talk with dendi was awesome!

[@cheuknamtai2385]

yes, but I think that is because we know what his abilities are. So I think it is still necessary for those not as familiar to pudge or dota.

[@puff4278]

As somebody less familiar with the subject matter, I felt like the beginning was necessary background information

[@kingdavey90]

I appreciate your movie review there, Ebert!

[@SharkBait78]

it's necessary for those unfamiliar like me

[@theturqouisetomato2991]

Excited to hear the history of competitive Dota through the lens of particular heroes, it might finally make me feel like it could give me meaningful access to what the flow of the meta has been

[@cruzab3153]

Truly said… In the beginning of the video, I had no idea on what I am getting into. At the end I realised and learnt so much of this game that I never knew in the last 8 years.

[@acceleratingthesupernatural]

45:38 this is BY FAR my favorite moment in TI history. So damn wholesome and hype. Thanks for bringing it up

[@peterjordansonthe2nd731]

Do you think Putch or Le - Shrac would win?

[@coulterjohnston7904]

This series seems like everything I've wanted from a Dota 2 KZbin series for years. Can't wait to keep watching and see how it develops. Thanks Baumi!

[@vitordiniz7441]

Good luck, Baumi. Rooting for you. Spreading the good news here in Brazil!

[@nileyu7178]

The script in the later part of the video gets much better and more fluid, your writing improved a lot while making it. Can't wait for the next one.

[@pahly45]

Here for the success of this new channel. Thank you for all the content over the years Baumi!

[@vishtaspacooper]

This is such a meaningful project in capturing Dota's meta over the years. Thanks a lot Baumi. 10 years of your videos and counting.

[@BinBrowser]

Incredible, this is a wholesome documentary. Great job, Baumi, I’ve been waiting too long!!!

[@Wrench421]

Well written - detailed, editing/asset & general production is fantastic! Well done looking forward to the next one!

[@pawestopa3263]

There is a lot of good info in the video. I really like the format of going trough all of the TIs and discussing the changes and strategies. The interview with Dendi was also a nice touch.

[@Lazrus00]

Throughout the entire buildup and work you put into those videos, being able to finally get to watch them feels great. And the results are... well, the video speaks for itself :)

[@abhigex]

Great work Baumi. It's visible, the effort and research you've put into this. Kudos man. Hope you also snippets small details as youtube shorts and the channel grows well.

[@Straca13]

What a journey, nicely told and really enjoyable to watch

[@CSMNT.01]

oh god, this is so well made and jam-packed full of information while still being enjoyable to watch. can't wait for the next video! keep up the excellent work Baumi, cheers!

[@imranzahidmiko]

I really appreciate this trip down memory lane. SO many memories with the game, some things here even before I started playing, and it is so so interesting to see the game evolve, and how the heroes have evolved around it, gives an unique context to different things. As a old dota player, this video is nostalgic, and new players can contextualize current Dota 2 seeing what it has come from.

[@hessammehdizadeh3239]

Have been watching Baumis channel for the last decade. Congratulations on the new channel and the great content you make. Thank you for entertaining us :-)

[@ncauhfsuohd]

Really informative and well-structured. Excellent work!

[@khantsithu]

Just leaving a comment to support you Baumi! Thanks so much for your content over the past decade

[@Ignikus]

I really like this style of videos so i know i will enjoy this too. Let's go and good luck Baumi

[@oguntanagard1670]

Years of watching Baumi, now even more to watch, can't ask anything more

[@GeoffTheG]

Love it, you can really see the effort that was put in, and it really pays off 10/10

[@Draemershi]

Love, love, love this! I'm someone who only played Dota 2 briefly as a kid in middle school so being able to see the history laid out like this is amazing! I love your other content Baumi and I hope this channel really gets going. Good luck and great content as always!

[@TmdXD]

I hope you make it with this channel Baumi! I'm certain it will be quality content, as usual!

[@squirtgar5099]

I really hope this channel does well. You can tell he put a huge amount of effort into the video.

[@peterjordansonthe2nd731]

Which one do you like better: Putch or Le - Shrac

[@benjaminmiller3620]

Nice. The video turned out better than I was expecting. This channel should go places. Thanks for all your hard work bäumchen.

[@Sagemastar]

this was honestly a very entertaining hour and a half of my time, I have always loved retrospective videos and this was presented wonderfully. I have to say I am certainly looking forward to more of this.

[@IExistSometimes]

Love long form explanations of things like this, and this is a great example. Possibly worthwhile getting things proof-heard (you have a couple of slightly odd pronunciations), but understanding was never hindered.

[@AmazingMrMe123]

The "Wings" pronunciation is what I noticed, sometimes he pronounces a hard g on it which makes it sound almost like Winx. But the name is right there on screen so it's hardly an issue

[@doorjaay4900]

Great first video! Very excited to see what other heroes you cover!

[@warbringer2832]

Awesome video Baumi, you put a lot of effort into it and it surely delivered, happy for you man

[@HDScorpio]

Pudge is one of those heroes that is an absolute terror on the enemy team, but a wet noodle on your team.

[@poloy7051]

Try spamming Pudge for 10 games. After this you will never be afraid of an enemy Pudge. I guarantee you that if you play him for 10 games you will easily grasp the thought process of Pudge players and be able to dodge hooks, anticipate ganks, and almost accurately know a Pudge's position at all times.

[@tsuki5298]

XD

[@COFsux]

@@poloy7051 doubt it

[@imfinishedgrinding638]

​@@poloy7051 10 games isn't enough. I've played him for over 500 games and I'm still intimidated when facing a really good Pudge. I think the whole enemy Pudge is a god and ally Pudge is garbage is complete bull. Much like how sometimes a team gets or faces a bad Pudge or just having a bad game or a Pudge who's feeling it and absolutely owning the game but generally people who have played Pudge more than a hundred times at least know how to not be deadweight and recover enough playing from behind to avoid ending up in that situation.

[@jdhcdfdfnikki3233]

@@poloy7051 hows your 4 teammates feeding him 9999999 times countered 😢

[@adoskonig]

So I watched it, and while it was really long video, I enjoyed it. I was not bored, I was interested.. And for example, I did not know that Dendi missed so many hooks while fountain hooking, and still they managed to decimate the enemy.. interesting... Too bad it does not work anymore.. it was fun meme while it lasted :3

[@Kilgore5]

That was a genuinely fantastic and extremely entertaining video. I had several moments where I had to pause this video to finish something else because I didn't want to miss anything!

[@PowerfulSkeleton]

Really hope this channel takes off, bud. Excellent vid.

[@RoundBaguette]

Stitches from HoTS is the best pudge in any moba

[@AgeOfNerros]

PUDGE is such an interesting hero

[@valiensfortus6400]

Such a quality production, absolute joy to watch.

[@mikhailbirkin583]

I am impressed by the technical quality, and also with moments like the Pudge and Chen walking into the screen for the explanation. Well made! I suppose the 'story' itself will be more interesting for heroes that, well, actually *performed* for more than 2 internationals :) The conclusion at the end is nice! I think there should be one like that everywhere where there is a large batch of small adjustments (to the hero or items).

[@FarCritical]

1:18:25 "Just look at the sheer confidence of the Pudge player. He knows no fear, because he believes in his hero. Isn't it beautiful how far we've come?" That line legit gave me goosebumps.

[@iljacederhout2968]

What hero has the highest pick/ban percentage throughout all of TI?

[@Baumi]

Io! We got video about it coming as well!

[@iljacederhout2968]

@@Baumi Awesome!

[@crysias]

Love the style of this video, can't wait for the following ones Baumi !

[@compu5]

awesome video, didn't even feel like an hour and a half went by. looking forward to the other ones!

[@HugoIF]

oh mighty algorithm ! Bless this #youtubechannel, and guide it towards trendation. Anyway, heres a comment that the algorithm will like according to chatGDP: "Great video! I loved the way you presented the content and the quality of the visuals is top-notch. Your explanation of the topic was very clear and easy to follow, which made it enjoyable to watch. Keep up the excellent work, and I'm excited to see what you'll come up with next! I highly recommend this video to anyone looking for a comprehensive overview of this subject."

[@mrkaufi3079]

Pudge definitely deserves the first video in this series

[@IamBaum]

Fantastic video, it was really fun to watch.

[@theanomalousduck264]

I wasnt originally interested in this content when you were talking about it but I've really come around and am looking forward to the future of the channel.

[@cupiinoobxd6276]

Ten years of baumi never enough...from he still play nornal dota wkwkwkw

[@Lyrantes]

Pretty excited to see how this turned out edit: It turned out really well

[@jonhdew3292]

Excellent work! Take your time and keep putting out such high quality videos, and your channel will become huge.

[@ElactixNova777]

Awesome video Baumi! Looking forward to the next one

[@Nattytom500]

Great video, just a shame that a video as well produced as this doesn't have a custom subtitle track and it relying on KZbin's auto generated ones. They manage for the most part but they often struggle on the more gamey terms like rot being rod a lot of the time. Maybe the auto ones are good enough but it is a shame that those who rely on subtitles have to make do with average. I know it can be expensive to get good professional subtitles done so there is no judgement here. Just a shame.

[@xaroxero]

I've never thought of Pudge as trash but apparently he's been trash for most of his life.

[@TomSmith-nn8gy]

Amazing Video! Love the visuals

[@nickdowney9003]

Awesome video, thanks Baumi!

[@buzzgaming3154]

I’m not hating on this video. But i think the title is not on point. In my mind, when i saw the title, i imagine some background (lore) of this hero and why he is populer. I like the idea of the video and i enjoy watching it. It’s more like “analytical” video for me. Not hating guys dont hate me😭 i love baumi so much

[@flare1571]

technically its still a story of the hero but more on how the hero progressed over the competitive scene

[@buzzgaming3154]

@@flare1571 yeah that’s also true, I’m mot hating or dislike the video. I like it so much, but like i said, I’m just having a different hope when i see the tittle. But it’s still fun and full of knowledge.

[@flare1571]

Totally understandable bud :)

[@filipzeffy]

this is not story of pudge lol. have you heard of dota1 ? or you weren`t born that time ? replace the title name

[@chrisrousan1078]

Baumi, great job. I've been watching you for going on 8 years and I'm so happy to see you grow. This channel will hopefully be a great cornerstone of your image going forward. Thank you for the content and have a good day.

[@kokioen]

Just hopped on, and I'm rooting for you Baumi🎉🎉

[@harristahir6576]

Anxiously waiting for all the other episodes. :)

[@Waraji258]

This is so nice! Good job Baumi! Never though about Dota this way... Can't wait to see the rest of the heros.

[@nathanf2020]

Congrats Baumi, keep up the amazing work!

[@dolanliebmann5638]

Gosh I love long vids from Baumi! Great job! Keep it up man 😃

[@jorgefreitas5983]

Man, I love how you put all the changes that affected Pudge into perspective. Really well explained. Looking forward to the next video already!

[@donmegalo1373]

Great video Baumi, thanks for making this🎉🎉

[@TheSpartacus23]

Awesome work ... stories for the ages. Very nice work on the graphics as well!

[@puthisum8769]

Great video, really enjoyed it.

[@chunduwangchuk644]

Watching you before sleep has been my daily routine for 6 years now. Thank you, and wish you all the best for the new channel

[@wnihaunter3943]

Best of luck with the new channel baumi, I've been watching for almost 8 years, and I'm not stopping anytime soon

[@minolhewage]

YES! You were hyping for a long time now, and you sure did deliver. Awesome stuff. I like that this content is from a very professional point of view with professional editing (no memes for added punctuation.) Very well put together. Wish you all the very best. PS - for all who contemplating on long duration, just think of it as Dota2 movies. I watched it in one sitting

[@federicohirsch3408]

my my... the production value in this video jeeeees... you can see the HUGE amount of research behind this just one video; can't wait for the Techies one in just 2 weeks. I can clearly see this new channel going far dude, congrats!

[@Xanasthiel]

Totally worth the wait and absolutely worthy of the hype you gave it! Can't wait for more!

[@galecore]

Congratulations on the new channel! Good work with the first vid.

[@carloongsiangco4181]

The explaination and details is so beautifuly given, with baumi as the narrator. you can't wish for more

[@Misheva]

Great video Baumi! Hope you get to your goal!

[@richie9965]

Can't wait to see all the hard work baumi!

[@facubonino392]

Great video, wish you the best for this new project

[@ausreir]

WONDERFUL! Subscribed immediately. I hope you reach more people.

[@ShaddyFromHatena]

This video was everything I was expecting and even then I was surprised, well done

[@georgegeorgant4586]

Ur 1st video is my favorite champion! Good luck Baumi!!! :D

[@heragon13th]

Yay, it's finally here. I hope this channel explodes for you dude.

[@samuelmendieta]

Thank you Baumi, best wishes in this new project.

[@fucktdenaam]

Best of luck with the new channel my man!!

[@AxonZshow]

Thrilled to see the new channel up and going! This video is absolutely top quality, keep it up Baumi!

[@socphumsum3969]

Awesome video, great work Baumi.

[@gleblobach2282]

Great video, it was great to have such history trip

[@Tr1ckyRicky]

10/10 video Never get enough of baumi watch him DAIly! new channel lets goooo!

[@janhos5909]

This video deserves recognition! best of luck ♥

[@TheSqaure]

This is awesome!!! Awesome work and all the best in the future.

[@fabianganz5916]

Impressive video. Many details from the past are explained in a playful way. 90 minutes and not a minute boring!

[@JohnDoe-ji2xu]

Very well researched, well done!

[@jona777dedios]

Honestly the video was very well done even tho I still play the game it took me back to better days in life and made me feel nostalgic ty baumi love ya !!!