Photo courtesy of RedBull
Jimmy "DeMoN" Ho announced his retirement from competitive play after struggling to find his place in the second half of the Pro Circuit 2017-2018 season and 10 years of Dota.
In an emotionally charged vlog, DeMoN revealed his intent to retire from competing to move on to bigger and better things but hoping to remain within the scene.
For those that have been around since DotA days and the beginning of Dota 2, DeMoN has generated buzz throughout his career. He built his name on his "Classic Jimmy" plays to his highly charged presence and reputation as a captain.
Starting out immediately when DotA transitioned to the game we all know now, he was on the 2011 International team Meet Your Makers that took 4th place at the end. He then went on to join the now Iconic North American organization, Evil Geniuses, followed by a slew of various other teams before heading to South Korea to play with MVP.Phoenix in 2013.
His time overseas was shortlived —only one month before heading back to North America for another few years of rotating rosters, including Team Liquid, always seeming to be just on the cusp of breaking things wide open over the next few years. It wasn't until early summer of 2016 that the infamous support player took a chance and headed back overseas to play with TNC.
As disclosed in his vlog, for DeMoN, that was one of the greatest time period's of his career. He made a bold decision and worked hard to create a storyline of success and growth that he takes much pride in and the team ultimately were able to qualify to TI6. During the post TI shuffle, he headed to Fnatic to play alongside SEA legends, Chai "Mushi" Yee Fung and Khoo "Ohaiyo" Chong Xin.
Once again, things didn't pan out as he expected and hoped and headed back to North America, making an appearance on various teams, this time including compLexity Gaming. The last two years after TI6 were a rough patch for the player. The popular face of North American Dota 2 divulged he struggled with depression, motivation and internal conflicts within the teams. After a failed attempt last shot at trying something new in SEA once again in January 2018, he is now calling it quits.
As one of the few Dota 2 players, if only, to have had Red Bull as an individual sponsor, appear in Valve's True Sight documentary, ELEAGUE's Road to The International Dota 2 Championships TBS special and several appearances at The International, DeMoN's career has been marked with many rewards and highs as well as struggles. Through it all though, he was a fan favorite around the world.
