Anti-Mage
The iconic mage-hunting carry, famously mastered by BurNIng.
Anti-Mage is a classic Dota 2 hero whose name derives from his lore as a mage-hunting outcast and his gameplay mechanic of burning enemy mana. While the hero is famously associated with the Chinese carry player Xu Zhilei, known as BurNIng, this is due to his exceptional skill with the hero, not an official naming by IceFrog. BurNIng is widely considered one of the best carry players in the history of Dota and has competed professionally in both Defense of the Ancients and Dota 2. He later joined Team Aster as a co-owner/manager after retiring in September 2018.
- Role
- Carry
- Origin
- Lore and mechanics; famously associated with BurNIng due to his play
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The hero Anti-Mage is a staple of the game, known for his relentless pursuit of magical beings and his signature ability to burn enemy mana. While BurNIng became synonymous with the hero through his dominant performances, the name Anti-Mage was never officially changed or bestowed by IceFrog in 2012. BurNIng started his professional career in 2008 and joined EHOME in 2010, where the team secured 10 championships that year. His dominance was evident at the Electronic Sports World Cup 2010, where EHOME lost only one map in the grand finals against Nv.cn. This legacy of excellence made him the definitive Anti-Mage player, but the hero's name predates his career.
In Their Own Story
The story of Anti-Mage's naming is tied directly to the career milestones of BurNIng. After bouncing around various teams starting in 2008, he joined EHOME in 2010 for a historic year. Following that success, he moved to Team DK in early 2011 with teammate Zhou "KingJ" Yang, winning 9 championships in that single year. It was during this era of dominance that IceFrog decided to honor him. Although BurNIng announced his retirement before The International 2013 and again after The International 2014, he continued playing, forming teams like Big God and joining Invictus Gaming and Vici Gaming. Despite these career shifts, the 2012 tribute remains a permanent fixture in the game's lore.
Reader's Guide
For players looking to understand Anti-Mage through the lens of its namesake, one must look at BurNIng's journey as a carry. He was known for his resilience; after losing to Invictus Gaming and Natus Vincere at The International 2012, he returned to take 5th place at The International 2013. His team rebuilt around him with international stars like iceiceice and Mushi, leading to a victory at the WPC ACE Dota 2 League 2013 on New Year's Day 2014. While the hero specializes in mana denial, BurNIng's real-world specialty was adapting to team changes and winning championships across different rosters, from EHOME to Team DK and beyond.
Did You Know?
- The hero Anti-Mage was not named after BurNIng; its name comes from his lore as a mage hunter and his mana-burning mechanics, and the hero existed in DotA long before 2012.
- Before joining Team DK in early 2011, BurNIng led EHOME to 10 championships in 2010, including a near-perfect run at the Electronic Sports World Cup where they dropped only one map in the grand finals.
- BurNIng joined Team Aster as a co-owner/manager in September 2018 after his extensive professional career spanning both DotA and Dota 2.
- Team DK finished in the 5th-6th bracket at The International 2012, not 4th; LGD Gaming placed 4th that year.
- Team DK placed 6th at The International 2013 after losing to TongFu, finishing in the 5th-6th bracket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anti-Mage?
He is a legendary carry hero in Dota 2 known for his ability to hunt down and destroy magical opponents. Originally an orphan raised by monks, he dedicates his life to eliminating the threat posed by spellcasters.
What role does Anti-Mage play?
Anti-Mage functions primarily as a physical damage carry who excels at farming and chasing down enemy heroes. His kit allows him to bypass magical defenses while draining mana from his targets during combat.
Why is he associated with the player BurNIng?
The hero became iconic for this Chinese professional because of his exceptional skill level when using Anti-Mage in competitive matches. Although IceFrog did not name the character after him, the community links them due to BurNIng's historic dominance with this specific pick.
How does Anti-Mage deal damage?
He relies on high attack speed and physical strikes rather than magical spells to eliminate enemies. His unique passive ability burns enemy mana whenever he attacks, making him particularly effective against magic-dependent heroes.
What is his significance in the game's history?
As one of the original heroes from Defense of Ancients, Anti-Mage remains a staple pick for players seeking to counter spell-heavy lineups. His design established the archetype of the mana-draining physical carry that influences many subsequent hero releases.
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