The Story of Puppey

Never, in the history of competitive Dota, has there been a captain as revered, innovative and permanent as Puppey. But despite the controversy he’s invoked and the criticism he's invited, Puppey commands a respect that few others can muster, and remains quite possibly the game’s single most influential and enduring thinker.
This is his story.
Edited by: Matt Massey
Written by: Dimitri Pascaluta (@DPascaluta)
Narrated by: Josh Bury (@ThrownGauntlet)
Graphics and Animations by: Diego Bernal (@diegomographics)
Courtesy List: pastebin.com/hBaabhZU
Music used under license from Associated Production Music LLC (”APM”).
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[@theScoreesports]

Hey Everyone, we misspoke in The Story of Puppey and said that The Play took place during TI 2’s Grand Finals when it in fact took place in the upper bracket semifinals. Sorry about that and as always, thanks for watching!

[@darisflorea125]

do the story of siv hd pls

[@AirBudLiker35]

REATRDS

[@bekjanz]

Story of Mastah Samsung plllllllllleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaseeeeeeeeeeee

[@jakesumulong5173]

please a story of soaz

[@hopeisenough1317]

zai also never said anything about being tired of ppd iirc

[@angelorana7761]

You gotta give to Puppey, man. Doesn't matter what people think about him, he makes everyone who plays with him shine.

[@KipsPixels]

So true

[@doubting.youtubecommentor931]

Yeah, Even EE.

[@andromedasiddhik2792]

@@doubting.youtubecommentor931 you should doubt his statenent. its your job but yeah all of his team is always Tier 1

[@xdd-kk8rh]

too bad he is scamming fuckface though

[@HB-zb1dq]

But not for bulba. Lmao

[@LemurianTime]

On the fountain hook thing, I come from an oldschool fighting-game mindset. If the game lets me do it it's legit. The difference between e-sports and a sport is that in a sport the rules arbitrarily restrict reality to shape the game. For example I can walk up to someone about to hike the ball in American football and punch them straight in the mouth. That's never happened because of the arbitrary restrictions on reality that shape the game, i.e rules. In an e-sport, the reality is coded into the game. If it allows me to do it, I can do it unless told otherwise. Saying something is dirty or cheap is just a self-imposed rule to restrict yourself when it's not restricted in any way. It's a fake sense of honor. If I can play Tekken and do an infinite on you, it's real unless the tournament bans it (arbitrary rule against reality), or if it's a hard-imposed rule by coding it out (strict rule against reality, it cannot happen). So fuck anyone saying it's cheap. Yeah it's cheap and you got bodied hold that L.

[@corvo2696]

The thing is the fountain hook was broken, true. But also high risk high reward, because chen had to tp you back before you landed the hook, so missing it meant you were always gonna be without a pudge for the rest of that teamfight.

[@a1m]

In this particular case I think it was enough within the rules of the game to be considered ok, BUT your argument doesn't really hold up for all cases. What would happen if one team would discover some button combination (a forgotten cheat left in the code) and win TI finals with it? Heros would be just invincible. Is that still ok with you? In the end it always will be a hard judgment call on a case by case basis ...

[@davidmiller9485]

as a boxer i agree however, that trick has been around since DOTA defense of the ancients. It wasn't new. That's what people don't seem to know and what irritates me the most.

[@rudrose_entertainment]

Well said, I like your take. And I agree with what David Miller below says, VALVE KNEW that the Fountain Hook existed. They could have easily patched it out (as they would go on to do later), and they chose to leave it in there. Yes, it's a stupid exploit and it's a shame Tongfu lost because of it, BUT that's on VALVE. Na'Vi didn't bear any responsibility for using something that the creators willingly left in the game. If anyone is mad about that, be pissed at VALVE for saying it's ok.

[@janniknielsen9292]

Using exploits in order to win, is still unethical, and was also in the old school days. They knew it was unethical, and they rolled with it, as they would have lost otherwise. It wasn't illegal, but unethical. Calling it a fake sense of honor, makes me think you are stupid, or simply will try to justify any means necessary to win, aka a cheater.

[@josephlpm5945]

man, puppey is one of my heroes. I often model my game to his. i also learn from him about drafting by just observing how he anticipate the game and how he innovates. man if there is going to be a hall of fame, he'll probably be there no doubt.

[@what_a_feelip]

Clement "Puppey" Ivanov TI champion 3x TI Finalist 8x TI Player

[@davaa712]

2x Major Winner

[@harammarah9743]

+ dollar millionaire

[@burningg17]

1x monitor broken LMAO

[@Arkantos1900]

1x President of Estonia

[@dinominate69]

Should include "HOLDS THR MOST PUB STARS MADE PRO BY HIM" title 🤣 seriously puppey just keeps gettig pub stars and making them an elite player under him with good success like W33 ACE and now NISHA

[@shainnamaedagohoy2844]

UPDATE: Team Secret is a beast right now.

[@yuruichi4691]

If ti10 going through this corona year. I predict maybe secret will lift the aegis..

[@tnightwolf]

Before facing Team Unique you mean, LUL

[@nito_dota]

Thanks Puppey!

[@shainnamaedagohoy2844]

@@tnightwolf hahahah still good

[@Ghost-qg6wg]

@@yuruichi4691 choke choke choke

[@desender]

Saving strats for ti74

[@zem0ku605]

Update: Team Secret placed 4th in TI9, the highest placement this team achieved in TI. Before covid-19, Secret was dominating in Majors. Now even during covid-19 and with players having to play online from home instead of LAN, Secret 3-0's every team they face in the grand finals. In other words, they are fcking scary

[@wegewege1217]

Team Secret always like that dominating Minors and Majors but when TI is coming don't know why they are always choking

[@python3x]

Now they got top-3! Team Secret in the next TI finals?

[@delirium11]

Listening to this story brings better understanding why team coach and good psychologist help a lot. Inner balance and non-egocentric actions seems to be super-important.

[@ykrareih1559]

Puppey will take 10% of this video's revenue.

[@mralumina3566]

Puppey gonna copyright strike this video.

[@loadere]

Balance in all things.

[@kendob9642]

@Clemmy Magee yep, pupster is Chadlike

[@BrotherhoodBreath]

@@mralumina3566 *copystrike*

[@kevin-zv7dg]

I still got the same fkng goosebumps as to the time I was watching the navi alliance grand finals FEELSGOODMAN

[@ryuu6117]

at last a dota 2 featured video. ty

[@asmerX100]

turning pubstar w33, tier 2 ace, young talent nisha and even fucking EE into a legit carry...this guy is the best captain dota has to offer

[@jamesryanceballos1862]

don't forget Dendi. Dendi was just an average Navi player in 2010. When Puppey joined Na'Vi, he made Dendi more competent in the midlane.

[@asrikhalid6391]

im here again..after T.Secret lost to T.Liquid in TI9. Puppey, legend, keep fighting!!

[@subtodub]

The Play was on Upper Bracket, not the Grand Finals AFAIK. Otherwise, great video as usual

[@SuperMetal4Eva]

ur right it was upper bracket final... not the Grand Finals

[@wunzeptepwun6175]

They were paid 10% to make them say its the grand finals.

[@mahliz]

​@@SuperMetal4Eva Nope, just a "semi final" in the upper bracket. Navi palyed against LGD in the upper bracket final

[@rrrigil]

12:28 ah i miss that smile. Supamida

[@michaelvincentestanislao3224]

IT STILL BREAKS MY HEART MAN! SEEING THAT GAME 5! MY NA'VI! T.T

[@AsianSensationist]

Those fountain hooks were amazing though. Can't hold it against Navi. It was there, and they pulled it off magnificently

[@ncexzzz189]

loda reaction to fountain hook is the biggest joke that ive ever seen lul

[@Zhulecek]

YOU HOOK HIM WITH EEGIS? HOW IS THAT BALANCED

[@booates]

and then loda tried to do it at some other tourney and failed, what a chump

[@abhabh6896]

@@booates he tried it before TI3 but couldnt do it. He probably blamed Akke.....

[@baconicon13]

Damn good video. Its great to see you guys make awesome Dota 2 content like this even though their not usually the ones to top the view charts. Ya'll are great like that.

[@Rakshiir]

I do think he has his negative moments, which is only natural if you think how long he is in the business. I mean, he's been to every TI there was... And you have to respect him, that he still keeps up with the game, even though he didn't manage to win TI again.

[@FanDReol]

I was waiting for this video Thanks TheScore esports

[@pormodr]

love these vids theScore esports is a fantastic channel

[@anomalunadota2]

Wow! What an engaging and informative video! theScoreesports' ability to put together a story that I already mostly knew into something I'll sacrifice sleep over at 5am is impeccable! The question is: is that balanced?

[@chupasaurus]

A small detail about NaVi/Alliance between 2nd and 3rd TIs: they haven't played against each other on LAN prior to Upper Bracket Final of TI3!

[@LiivakSander]

As being an Estonian, I can say you pronounced the names pretty well. Good video

[@filippetrula1234]

thats amazing that both ppy and kky won ti separated but never together

[@nickyfandino8529]

I really wish these veterans will someday raise the Aegis. And also respect to him for owning his mistakes. Now he's the only one who attends all 10 TIs

[@sayoteque]

Now he push true for another TI11 "the only 1"

[@Thunar7]

'fountain has 100% winrate' -puppy

[@Haures89]

Puppey +Dendi, Legends forever. The first names i've ever heard of when it comes to Dota since 05 are these 2

[@RobeePlays]

It makes me emotional to see my hero puppey story :')

[@andrewvictor5422]

Successful e-sport teams captain, shredding in metal band. That's what i call a legend

[@hupenyu9812]

29:30 audio isn't matched up properly. There's about a second delay between what the casters are saying and the visuals on screen.

[@SuperThunderPanda]

Top of the 2018/2019 DPC right now

[@Loqque]

These videos are top notch. Love it.

[@Universedarkghosts]

For all the memes and jokes, I feel for Puppey man, I really do. This guy has been through some of the highest peaks and the lowest troughs and he's made it back up everytime. To not give up, to not lament, to pick up literal no names and make them into Major winners, this guy truly is the absolute best dota player and in my mind, will forever be. The president will be the one to win 2 TIs.

[@ZALYVES]

last year with ace and fata it gave me high hopes since they look crazy good. later on realized their play style revolves around giving fata some space and resources as well. So they rely mostly on cheesy heroes for ace to divert the enemies attention all over the map. This new line up though with Nisha and zai I think puppey might win it a 2nd time. Nisha can play any hero and zai can play without huge items. We might see puppey lift the aegis

[@jemarcatubig3171]

I just want Puppey and Sumail on the same team... The Greatest Brawn with the Greatest Mind

[@adrian7537]

This deserves more views man

[@coffeecaveman123]

With great permanence, comes great confidence and perspective.

[@FawadNaeem898]

And he is still here conquering.

[@stuartbtw6799]

i love these videos man theyre so sick

[@carlopena7144]

ITS HERE

[@minkim8306]

Another awesome video as usual

[@matthewanderson7852]

as a none dota player and actually a lol player I really enjoyed watching this video. i knew nothing about the game parts but it was interesting to watch

[@KoHtet-gx5vu]

Trust me you will love dota It is the best moba in the world

[@CurrentlyOffliner]

Hes already a legend but if he wins another Ti then we can say he is the BEST.

[@dukexnukemx4189]

You called the captain and drafter of time alliance s4, which isn't true. S4 was brand new on the scene at that point. Loda was definitely the leader of that alliance team, as admiralbulldog and akke have both attested to

[@DavidHamada35]

Was waiting for this for a long time. Still feels like some details are missing but that's just a feeling. Still great job nonetheless!!!

[@anujoymukherjee271]

This guy. Respect.

[@cormalan9894]

Is there any interesting story surrounding iStudting? I’ve seen him playing against armada in ultimate and he seems amazing.

[@Erick-vz5cx]

Didn't know puppey liked Metal !... Now I like him even more ! :D

[@avd1697]

I’ve met him w the Navi 2013 squad, really easy going bunch of dudes. Specially puppey and dendi

[@hakunamatata-zg1oi]

16:08 Young GabeN

[@maxstor6422]

underrated comment

[@michaelvincentestanislao3224]

All of us makes mistakes, and gets frustrated. Others release it by calming their self, others do it by releasing their frustration. Puppey isn't an exception. He may done somethings that people will criticize him, but I know one thing for sure. That he is the best captain who ever played the game. Who else took their team into 3 grand finals appearance. Even though they only won one out of those three, but you get the point. I really miss those days man. And before you guys say anything bad. This is just only my personal opinion. Have a great time watching the vid. Cheers!

[@evilmegasteve]

>monitor joke coming somewhere in the next 33 mins

[@animosity7408]

Puppey is a great captain and he has my respect.

[@MisaeShimamura]

YES I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS

[@markkujo2443]

The legend of supporting

[@luisangelcastillo501]

Clement "RIP MONITORS" Puppey

[@augustcby4650]

Can you guys do the story of Tobywan? I think the voice of dota2 should have his own story told.

[@shirbir120]

Tobiwan is in jail now

[@Slownlazy]

Geezus Christ that face at 7:27 brings tears to my eyes...

[@Harpple.]

I mirrored my play with this guy since 2013 🙂 and i can say that the position 5 role is very difficult .

[@EmKunWeebGaming]

14:52 THAT'S an admiralHappy EMOTICON Right there lads

[@jedcazon2272]

Em Kun hahahahahahahajaj

[@Qu1ntus_]

HELL YEAH FINALLY! Thanks guys!

[@kick200]

He used to play Death Metal? LOL. I love the guy even more.

[@lforeverlz]

Liked before the starting ad finished

[@vendry7234]

7:27 dondo reaction , ---- priceless

[@achmadarifudinhidayatulloh5634]

Im fans of team liquid but in this TI 9 i hope puppey can up the TI 9 aegis once again. He have the most solid team in this year. I cant wait TI 9 champions. Good luck

[@smilinggeneral8870]

everything started to get better after 22:05

[@BurningYS]

Now leads the best dota team in 2019 and has the best chance to win TI9. Good luck and congratulations Clement, you deserve it!

[@YsmaelGuzmanManalo]

Uhm?

[@mhoursagala7832]

Boy, do I have news for you.

[@jorjicostava1839]

One of Three who attend all TI hmmm deserve a respect

[@DagothUr.]

Its as puppey said in the beginning of the video, early navi wasnt about winning it was about playing dota, as a player whos been around since before the first TI i can say that that spirit of dota has died, internationals are all about the next meta play and winning you never see crazy shit happen anymore like the fountain hook or lodas puck t.p cancel.... It's sad honestly and breaks my heart to see the game become so mainstreamed that players would rather become robots to win... Dendi may not ever win again but dendi will always remain my favorite player because hes the only one left who carries the true spirit of dota into every battle and tournament with him. Im almost ashamed of what puppey has become.

[@noobfromcanadaland4062]

The spirit is still there. and you still see crazy shit have you seen Puppey drafts also Ana's Io carry and so much more like dark seer alch dude you must suck at the game to have that view point

[@ramdabboul1233]

Keep them coming

[@LalramnunkimaCE--]

And last night they won MDL Paris Major 2019 and are favourites for TI9

[@RobeePlays]

You my man, i like you 😂

[@iUntouchedi]

They just won ESL Birmingham yesterday

[@LalramnunkimaCE--]

@@iUntouchedi Secret seems to be the best of the best

[@iUntouchedi]

@@LalramnunkimaCE-- Puppey. Legend.

[@LalramnunkimaCE--]

@@iUntouchedi even the casters declared him the best of all time @MDL

[@motiveted1984]

Update : puppy made in 3 th place in TI 10 .

[@Dallows65]

Came here for Salty Loda. Not disappointed. Valve intentionally engineered Dota 2 to include Fountain hooks as they were in Dota Allstars. They only made it go away as a result of Ti3.

[@Petlovedurian]

I understand puppey, hes like the perfectionist leader

[@charnelmae1832]

Hoping to see this guy in person 😍

[@daydreamtv9184]

IG was not a dark horse. While lot of teams did not attent the first TI due to having doubts or other reasons, IG was a top chinese team (with the same lineup) and did win the "world championship" for dota 1 that year. (dota 2 on ti1 had very limited hero pool at the time )

[@adincuck3578]

Living legend,,,my idolfor drafter captain and pos5,,, come 1 team again with dondo clament

[@22blueslash]

2:55 Oh my wow

[@XcuZ2win]

10:10 look how he's shaking , how intensive this shit is

[@hasenkrieger9875]

This is my most favorite Esportsathlet of all time and all the different games i love him and even if i don't play dota anymore i still love him and watch my captain

[@timbraska6750]

10:10 Poor Dendi so shaky

[@hannijrch.5178]

Timbraska He's like KennyS, Great, Talented and Skilled player but sometimes, Fragile and Sensitive one too. Anytime you can break him or maybe anxiety makes him lose games.

[@a2zistoolong448]

Its his off season on them steroids

[@ocping]

"Wanna fight?"

[@killboxonealpha9078]

I hope you can interview fly and notail together next time

[@simonsirait5038]

the story of admiralbulldog please. pepega

[@waynecrls]

PEPEGA

[@opti-mus]

there is not much to tell really, dendi found him, then he got on alliance, won ti and now he is a meme

[@simonsirait5038]

@@opti-mus he is TI winner smalyface. pepega

[@Andersl201]

Dotacinema already did a spotlight for Natures Prophet.

[@simonsirait5038]

@@Andersl201 puppey to, already recount in Esports stories

[@itsjhonneyrey]

wow navi was freaking undefeated,,, it's been years and i never knew that navi was undefeated

[@MarcilioCadamuro]

Very well done video, gg

[@anniemuseddd1151]

What is that song at 2:10

[@marthelmelakskusele4020]

My friend's brother knows Puppey and has played with him.

[@nitzmeister]

what was the name of puppey's death metal band?

[@Samuel-pt2tl]

Asking the important questions here

[@Dayz3O6]

FIGHT ME!

[@Valeine]

It was called Submentic.

[@anationalacrobat2206]

MONITOR

[@tapanptl42]

Good question

[@charlieespiel7717]

Why is gaben doing interview @16:11?

[@calebroemlibres8092]

Despite Puppeys Controversial I still respect and love him because of his strong leadership and commitment to his Team

[@ramdabboul1233]

A living legend

[@freddiethapriiKma]

Puppey is the Mustaine of Dota2. Ggwp

[@taufiqjamal8090]

please , the story of MIDONE !!!!!! WE WANT IT !

[@crimsonfury949]

FIGHT ME *breaks keyboard*

[@nito_dota]

After winning the TI 10 this video will be updated. Team Secret now is so strong. Go Puppey! Greatest cap ever.

[@nito_dota]

By the way, I’m not sure but, RTZ just won a tournament with Secret? 😬😅

[@12MYCRYL17]

And in 2021, Puppey is the only one to attend every TI, and coming in 2nd place is his best friend Kuroky with 9 TIs in a row with Kuro's streak ending this year

[@gorlami9232]

And they call it Puppey love