Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi was born in Germany on October 28, 1992. His passion for video games began in childhood, eventually leading him to DotA, the predecessor to Dota 2. Kuro's rapid success in the game quickly distinguished him as a rising star in the competitive eSports scene. However, what truly sets Kuro apart is his fearless approach to change and his willingness to start new projects with renewed energy. This relentless drive toward his goals and victories has made "KuroKy" not only a Dota 2 legend but also a role model for many aspiring gamers and eSports professionals.
Start of Career: First Teams
Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi began his career in the original DotA. The young player quickly gained recognition in the eSports community for his exceptional skills, particularly with a few of his favorite characters. Early in his career, Kuro played for various teams, including Mousesports and Virtus.pro. These experiences laid the foundation for his future successes in Dota 2.
KuroKy in Natus Vincere and Team Secret
KuroKy joined Natus Vincere (Na'Vi) in 2013 as a support player, marking a significant breakthrough in his career. During his time with Na'Vi, the team finished second at The International 2013 (TI3), one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Dota 2 calendar. However, not everything was smooth sailing in the beginning.
Challenges:
· MLG Columbus 2013 (November 22-24, 2013): 2nd place.
· Dota 2 League Season 4 (January 2014): 3rd place. The players showed resilience but couldn't defeat the top teams.
· DreamLeague Season 1 (March 3 - May 3, 2014): 3rd place. The team demonstrated confident performances but struggled in the later stages of the game.
· The International 2014 (July 8-21, 2014): 7-8th place. A disappointing finish for a team once at the top of Dota 2 esports.
Despite the early successes, the team began to struggle in subsequent tournaments. This led KuroKy to seek new opportunities for personal growth in eSports.
In 2014, KuroKy co-founded Team Secret with his former Na'Vi teammate Puppey, along with players Fly, N0tail, and s4. Team Secret quickly became a dominant force in the Dota 2 scene, winning several LAN tournaments. They achieved a 7-8th place finish at The International 2015.
Despite endless training and high expectations, Team Secret was unable to show its full potential at TI5, ending the tournament in disappointment. Following TI5, significant roster changes were made. However, further performances failed to meet expectations, prompting KuroKy to start anew once again.
Team Liquid: Success
The core members of Team Liquid during their peak included KuroKy, FATA-, MATUMBAMAN, JerAx, and MinD_ContRoL.
Achievements in 2016:
· 2nd place at The Shanghai Major
· 2nd place at The Manila Major
· 1st place at EPICENTER
Achievements in 2017:
· 1st place at The International 2017 (TI7): One of KuroKy's most high-profile victories.
Achievements in 2018:
· 4th place at The International 2018
Achievements in 2019:
· 2nd place at The International 2019
After leaving Team Secret, KuroKy formed a new team called 5Jungz, which was later signed by Team Liquid. This period became one of the most successful in his career. Under Kuro's leadership, Team Liquid achieved numerous victories, cementing KuroKy's reputation as one of the greatest Dota 2 players. Their triumph at TI7 became a historic moment in the world of eSports.
Team Liquid's roster also included outstanding players such as Miracle-, GH, MATUMBAMAN, and MinD_ContRoL. Their synergy and strategic prowess made them formidable opponents in every tournament. Although Team Liquid's performance slightly declined in 2018, they still secured a respectable 4th place at The International 2018 and 2nd place at The International 2019, demonstrating their resilience and strong team cohesion.
Founder of Nigma Galaxy
After The International 2019 (TI9), KuroKy and his teammates founded Team Nigma to continue competing at the highest level and pursuing victories.
Main Tournaments:
· Riyadh Masters 2022: 5th-6th place
· ESL One Malaysia 2022: 7th-8th place
Despite facing various difficulties and roster changes, Nigma remains a significant player in the competitive Dota 2 scene. KuroKy's leadership and experience have been crucial to Nigma's progress in numerous tournaments. His ability to adapt to new metas and strategies has allowed the team to remain competitive even as professional Dota 2 evolves. While the team's performance has experienced ups and downs, they continue to rank among the top in esports.
Revenue and Impact on Dota 2
Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi has been a leader in the eSports industry for many years, with his total earnings exceeding $6.6 million throughout his career.
Notable Victories:
· 1st place at The International 2017 (TI7): $2,476,771
· 2nd place at The International 2019 (TI9): $1,889,662
KuroKy has inspired many aspiring gamers with his tournament success and significant earnings. A versatile player, he has successfully played almost every role in Dota 2 but is primarily known as a support and captain.
KuroKy's influence on Dota 2 extends beyond his gaming accomplishments. As one of the most experienced and respected gamers in the community, he has inspired countless aspiring players who have gone on to become professionals. His strategic mind, calm demeanor, and ability to lead his team make him a role model for young Dota 2 fans.
KuroKy's career earnings reflect his success, with significant prize money from various tournaments. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level for over a decade demonstrates his love for the game and professionalism. As of 2024, KuroKy continues to perform as part of Nigma Galaxy, strengthening the team and maintaining his place at the top of the professional Dota 2 world.