For the first time since 2016, a hero in Dota 2 has surpassed Pudge

Earthshaker became the first hero to surpass Pudge in popularity in matchmaking, who had held the lead since 2016.

This is indicated by data from the DotaBuff portal.

According to statistics, over the past week, Earthshaker was picked 1,926,013 times in games, while Pudge was picked 1,750,362 times. This has not happened in the game for 9 years, as Pudge had held the lead in terms of appearances in matches since 2016.

Credits: DotaBuff

The hero's popularity is explained by his pick rate at The International 2025, where he was selected 41 times. His win rate during official matches was 53.66%, which is why he began to be picked frequently in matchmaking.

Earlier, it became known that fans are asking Valve to make Kaden a new Dota 2 hero.