Biography
Anathan "ana" Pham is an Australian professional Dota 2 player, widely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in the game's history. Born on October 27, 1999, in Melbourne, Australia, ana began his esports journey at a young age, often playing 10+ hours a day to the detriment of his education.
At just 16 years old, ana made the bold decision to drop out of high school and move to Shanghai to pursue his dream of becoming a professional Dota 2 player. He joined Invictus Gaming's in-house league, competing against top Chinese players and honing his skills.
Ana's professional career began with Invictus Gaming in March 2016, where he played as a substitute for Ferrari_430. His most notable accomplishment with the team was defeating Newbee in the grand finals of NEA 2016. Following The International 2016, ana left Invictus Gaming to join OG, a newly rebuilt team.
With OG, ana quickly established himself as a rising star in the Dota 2 scene. He won his first tournament with OG at Elimination Mode Season 2 and later claimed his first major title by defeating Ad Finem 3-1 in the grand finals of The Boston Major. OG's performance remained consistent, with top 4 finishes at several prestigious events, including Dota Pit League Season 5 and Dota 2 Asia Championships 2017.
Ana's crowning achievement came in 2018 when he, alongside OG, won The International 2018. Considered underdogs throughout the tournament, OG and ana defied expectations by defeating PSG.LGD in a thrilling 3-2 series. Notably, ana's dominating performance on Ember Spirit in game 5 of the grand finals cemented his status as a master of the hero.
Ana continued his success in 2019, winning The International 2019 with OG. This victory made him and his teammates the first repeat winners of The International. During the tournament, ana popularized the carry Io strategy, previously considered unviable, showcasing his innovative playstyle and game sense.
Ana's impact on the Dota 2 scene extends beyond his tournament victories. He is known for his calm demeanor, exceptional mechanics, and ability to control the tempo of the game. His signature heroes include Ember Spirit, Io, and Spectre, among others.
Despite his success, ana has taken several breaks from competitive play due to burnout and loss of motivation. He announced his retirement from professional Dota 2 in June 2021 but made a brief return in 2022, playing as a substitute for Team Liquid and Royal Never Give Up in various tournaments.
Ana's legacy in Dota 2 is secure, with two The International titles, two Major championships, and numerous other accolades to his name. He continues to inspire aspiring players with his skill, dedication, and innovative approach to the game.