Caption This Adventure: 5 Lessons I Learned from Watching DOTA - An ESL ONE Event Journal

I was never a fan of DOTA or other similar M.O.B.A (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games, not until my boyfriend invited me to watch ESL ONE Manila as SM MOA Arena. It was Southeast Asia's first Premium DOAT 2 Tournament.

photo by Google

I was never thought that I will be getting some lessons from watching the tournament considering that I'm not into DOTA. But by deeper observations of the game, I discovered some practical lessons that are product of both passions and hardwork from the different competing teams. 

1. Patience and Perseverance

DOTA is not just about routines and repetitions, it is a game that needs enough time to master the desired hero you want to play. Being a professional gamer does not happen overnight. It takes a lot of practice and discipline. It is like any other sport that needs training - only that you don't have to look athletic to play the game. As long as you have the alertness of mind and body (quick calculations, quick hands, quick eyes and quick reactions in analyzing critical situations) then you can be a skilled and fearsome player. 

2. It is actually a Mind Game

Watching DOTA is like observing a chess game as a spectator. Your key hero is your Queen. Your tanks are your pawns. Supports are your bishops and horse. Other carriers are rook. I saw that each team had their own game play carefully planned out in the early game and they will give you unpredictable strategies that will surprise you in mid and later part of the game. I appreciate the kind of game play that stimulates planning and strategy - and that's DOTA. 

photo by Google

3. It develops Forward Thinking

Anything can happen in a DOTA game. You cannot predict what will happen but you can think few steps ahead and immensely utilize counters to beat the opponent. Everything is so fast that you will have no time to feel down or be overwhelmed by your feelings in tense situations. So best thing to do is to get your head in the game and move forward.

4. Know Your Enemy

For me, this is the top lesson I learned from watching it. Socrates once said that "know thyself". But knowing your enemy is equally important as knowing your strengths and weaknesses. The pick-and-ban part is really my favorite because it showcases the team's chosen heroes and it also shows how well the team knows about their opposing team by banning their strong heroes. 

photo by Google

5. Focus and Have Fun

Concentration is very important in this game. Your mind should predict enemies' plans, your plans of attacks, your plans of escape and your next move. You should be very alert and careful in playing. Of all the things I observed, one thing really struck me is that all players do have fun while playing. You may see their serious game face on but after every game, you can see that they all have that calmness and satisfaction of a good game.

photo by Google

After all, e-sport is still SPORTS. You may have different opinions with you game friend or boyfriend and you see DOTA as immature, boring and for dumb - think again. 

DOTA is for mentally strong, emotionally brave and intellectual beings. I can attest to that. 

This guest post is written by Rhej Kleyr.