Danil “Dendi” Ishutin is no stranger to League of Legends. Long before he cemented his place in Dota 2 history, he had already logged an estimated 2,000 matches on the Summoner’s Rift. He even pursued the top of the ranked ladder, reaching the top 40 before pausing to focus on preparing for The International. This isn’t a newcomer’s curiosity – Dendi was serious about testing League at the highest levels.

On stream, Dendi described his experience candidly. He likened the games to comparing chess to checkers, saying League felt strategically restricted. Though he appreciated how LoL had evolved over its fifteen‑year lifespan, he ultimately found Dota 2 to be deeper and more engaging. His view remains firm: he believes the field for outplay in Dota is “insanely huge” compared to League’s.

Still, Dendi has recently made moves suggesting a real, albeit temporary, shift. After failing a personal challenge to gain 1,000 MMR in Dota over ten Twitch streams, he uninstalled the game. As part of the same challenge, he committed to diving back into League of Legends. He hasn’t played since 2011, but he still remembers the fundamentals and wanted to embrace a new challenge.

A Potential Move?

One might wonder if this is simply a break or the beginning of a full transition. Dendi has made clear via multiple interviews and streams that he misses Dota. He has not ruled out playing League seriously but frames his time in LoL as part of his exploration for a refreshing test of skill and excitement . Even as he returns to League, the affection for Dota remains firmly rooted.

The underlying question remains: Does Dendi genuinely have what it takes to reach the top of League’s ranked system? He has consistently shown that he is driven by challenges. His ambition to reach top 1,000, or even top 40, on the LoL ladder demonstrates that this is more than just a casual flex.

Yet we have to consider the differences between the two games. League generally offers a narrower strategic landscape, while Dota presents vastly more variables and outplay opportunities. That contrast – chess versus checkers – is central to Dendi’s critique .

His next moves will tell us more. If he pours hours into climbing the LoL ladder, adapting to evolving metas, and perhaps even climbing toward pro‑level amateur play, then this challenge may transcend mere entertainment. He could emerge as one of the few players to almost bridge the gap between two of the biggest MOBAs.

It would not just be a novelty – it would be a statement about his mindset as a competitor.

What’s Attracting Dendi?

For now, this looks like a side quest rather than a full defection. Dendi is testing his skills, taking a break from the familiar grind, and challenging himself in a new environment. He will almost certainly return to Dota – but when he does, it may be with renewed perspective, fresh ideas, and perhaps even new strategies inspired by his time in League.

To truly switch, Dendi would have to commit heavy time and effort toward LoL climbing, content creation in the LoL space, or joining a League‑focused team. He hasn’t indicated such a path yet. Instead, this seems to be an exploration of skill, fun, and self‑renewal.

But historical pattern suggests that his legacy will remain rooted in Dota 2 – though with one eye keenly observing Summoner’s Rift.