Universe

Early Career and Rise with Evil Geniuses

Saahil Arora, better known as Universe, began his professional Dota career in 2011. He first competed at the highest level with Team Dignitas, finishing in 9th place at The International 2013. His career trajectory changed dramatically after joining the leading North American team Evil Geniuses.

With Evil Geniuses, Universe quickly established himself as a world-class player. At The International 2014, the team secured a strong third-place finish. This set the stage for their championship run the following year, where Universe played a crucial role in their victory. His consistent performance in the offlane and support roles became a fundamental part of the team's strategy.

The International 2015 and the Echo Slam

The top achievement of Universe's career came at The International 2015 as a member of Evil Geniuses. The team fought through the tournament and ultimately won the championship, claiming the massive prize pool. Universe's contribution was immortalized by a decisive, game-winning play in the grand finals that fans and commentators dubbed the 6 Million Dollar Echo Slam.

This victory confirmed Evil Geniuses as the first North American team to win The International and made Universe a central figure in one of Dota 2's most notable moments. The team's success continued with a third-place finish at the Frankfurt Major later in 2015, demonstrating their status as a top team in the world.

Roster Moves and Continued Success

Universe remained with Evil Geniuses through several roster changes and continued successes. In early 2016, the team placed third at the Shanghai Major. Shortly after, Universe and his teammate Arteezy left to join the European team Team Secret. This move was part of a significant post-Major player shuffle.

His time with Team Secret was brief. After the end of the Manila Major in June 2016, Universe rejoined Evil Geniuses, effectively trading places with player Sam 'Bulba' Sosale. This return kept the EG roster together for another year of competition.

Later Tournaments and Departure from EG

Back with Evil Geniuses, Universe helped the team win the Manila Masters tournament in May 2017. Their campaign at The International 2017, however, ended with a 9th-12th place finish. After the tournament, the roster underwent changes, including the loss of support player Zai, who was replaced by former player and coach Fear.

Universe eventually left the Evil Geniuses organization later in 2017, concluding a long and highly successful chapter of his career that included over 560 professional matches played with the team.

Final Teams and Retirement

After his long tenure with Evil Geniuses, Universe played for several other organizations. His post-EG career included stints with Fnatic, Forward Gaming, and Ninjas in Pyjamas, which was his last team before retirement. He continued to compete at a professional level but did not recapture the championship success of his peak years.

On April 23, 2020, Universe announced his retirement from competitive Dota 2, ending a professional career that spanned nearly a decade. At the time of his retirement, he was ranked among the highest-earning esports players from the United States, with career earnings reported at approximately $3,057,237. A significant portion, about 43.4 percent, of his total earnings came from his first-place finish at The International 2015.

Legacy and Play Style

Universe is remembered as one of the most consistent and reliable offlane and support players of his era. His ability to execute high-impact plays under pressure, exemplified by the famous Echo Slam, defined his reputation. He was known for a stable and calculated play style that provided a strong foundation for his teams.

His career earnings and consistent high placements at major tournaments, including multiple top-three finishes at The International, place him firmly among the most accomplished North American Dota 2 players in history. At his retirement, he was ranked 31st in highest overall esports earnings and 3rd among players from the United States. His championship win with Evil Geniuses in 2015 remains a landmark achievement for the region.

Post-Retirement Activity

Since retiring from professional play, Universe has remained connected to the Dota 2 community. He has stated that he currently enjoys playing the position 4 support role in public matches, indicating a continued passion for the game outside the pressures of tournament competition. His social media presence maintains his identity as The International 2015 champion.