Dota 2’s fan base could definitely use a lesson on mental health. Just ask the players.
Famous Twitch streamer and psychiatrist Alok “Dr K.” Kanojia is attending Dota 2’s The International 10. The streaming icon revealed the news through social media, where he talked about his past experiences with Dota 2. He didn’t reveal his exact role at TI10, but he will most likely appear as a content creator between TI10 matches.
Dr K. is a popular Twitch streamer with 547K followers and nearly 4 million watch hours. His streams focus on mental health and addiction awareness, something the doctor considers a major problem within the gaming world. He’s most famous for collaborating with other popular streamers and speaking openly with members of his audience.
In his video, he speaks on how Dota 2 has personally affected his life. Dr K. has been open about his previous addiction to video games, which could have involved Valve’s MOBA.
“I’ve been playing Dota for like 13 or 14 years, and I can’t imagine… I think it’s one of the most unique and amazing opportunities I’ve ever had in my life… It feels unreal. What I’m about to do is almost impossible,” he said.
Dr K. ends the video by stating that he may “have some hand in the outcome” of The International 10. It’s not clear what he meant by this, but it could signal that he will be working directly with a specific team. Dr K. will most likely play a role in the content shown between matches. He might have partnered with Valve to create educational bumpers to improve the community. Dota 2 players have a reputation among the most toxic communities in gaming.
Dr K.’s presence is welcome, but it could also be a direct choice by Valve to help create a more friendly atmosphere in matchmaking. Dota 2 is notorious for its belligerent community.
Players treat voice lines, pauses, and sprays as a form of mental warfare. There’s no telling exactly what Dr K. will do at the $40 million event, but it certainly can’t hurt.
While the screaming and pausing definitely peters out in the competitive scene, trash talk is also a part of pro Dota 2. The 2021 Dota Pro Circuit featured a ton of voice line spam, though all chat trash talk is still considered shocking. Defending The International champion OG pioneered the voice line spam meta, which could come back to help them at TI10.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
