Artem "Niku" Bachkur has recently become one of the standout revelations on the professional Dota 2 scene. This season, the young midlaner has already made a name for himself in the NAVI Junior roster, and at the beginning of July, along with other academy members, he was promoted to the main club lineup. While Niku is focused on preparing for the Riyadh Masters 2025, we've prepared an interview with him. Read below about Artem's career beginnings, working under ArtStyle, and preparation for the year's main Dota 2 events.

You're only 16, yet you've already made a loud entrance onto the professional Dota 2 scene. What does "Dota" mean to you? What place does it hold in your life?

For me, it's more than just a game. It's my way of life. I wake up and I'm already thinking about "Dota." My whole day revolves around it.

What do you like most about "Dota"? Do you just enjoy playing, or are you more captivated by the competitive process and tournaments?

Both. I enjoy the gameplay and the competition. Although sometimes it's tough — losing several games in a row can be frustrating. But the competition, the tournaments, the feeling that you're an athlete, an esports athlete — that's very appealing.

Currently, there aren't many young players in Dota 2. Many are moving to LoL or other games. Why do you think that is?

Perhaps because Dota 2 is more complex than other games. To play at a high level, you often need experience from a young age — like when your brother plays, and you're there, gradually understanding the mechanics. In LoL, you can figure it out in a month.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where were you born, at what age did you start playing Dota, and how did you decide you wanted to become a pro player?

I got interested in Dota 2 when my brother played — around 2015. I sat next to him, watched how he communicated in the game, how opponents were burning in the chat — I liked it. I wanted to feel that advantage, that high rating. I started playing around 8-9 years old, against bots and in custom games with my cousin — back in Skype days. Around 12, I started playing ranked games on my brother's account, which had about 4000 MMR. I immediately lost 1000 MMR, but by 13, I had regained the 4000 MMR.

Did your brother ever ask you to "boost" his MMR?

My brother always said I played worse than him and not to ruin his stats. But then he went to study, didn't have time to play, and the account basically became mine. My brother would visit every few months, look at the account — and it had 6000 MMR. He joked that he could have boosted it himself, but I doubt it (laughs).

How did you come up with your nickname — Niku?

It's related to my brother. He didn't know what nickname to choose, and my mom once said, "I saw a news story about a satellite that rotates counterclockwise — not like the others." So we came up with "Niku" — something not like the others. I picked up the nickname while playing on his account and kept it for myself.

Do you have any idols on the pro scene? Maybe someone influenced your playstyle?

I liked Topson the most — he's just the top. I look up to him, want to reach his level. I think my style is more similar to Malr1ne and Larl. But my biggest idol is Topson. And of course, SumaiL, who won The International at my age, but now he plays worse than others.

Did you calibrate on your own account? Do you remember your first rating?

No, I didn't have a classic calibration — I played on my brother's account. There was already a rating, so I just continued playing. So I never had my own "from scratch."

What's your MMR now?

It was almost 16,000 MMR about 4 months ago. Then it dropped a bit — now it's around 15,400 MMR.

Were your parents against you dedicating so much time to the game?

My mom wasn't too worried. I joined NAVI Junior at 14 — it was 9th grade. There was nothing wrong with a child playing computer games at that age. And when a salary appeared — all questions automatically disappeared.

How did you get into NAVI Junior? Tell us more.

I played ranked games, was in the top 300. The NAVI Junior manager contacted me — told me not to sign contracts with others. If I reached the top 100, there might be a chance to join the roster. Later, Korb3n from Yellow Submarine also wrote, but I chose NAVI Junior.

You've worked with Artstyle. What kind of coach was he?

He was my first coach, so I didn't quite understand how everything should look. But he supported the team, kept morale high, helped with ideas, and drafts. He had a slightly unconventional view of the game, but sometimes it worked. Back then, there wasn't a clear training structure, and because of that, there was no progress — so after a year and a half, he left.

Now you have a new coach — TheHeartlessKing. How is it with him?

It's a completely different level. More discipline, more focus on the game. He does analytics, helps Zayac with drafts, watches matches, comes up with tricks. He supports us morally and leads strategically. He's both an analyst and a coach.

How does Zayac perform as a captain?

He adapted very quickly. A few days after arriving, he said, "We can't go on like this, we need to change our approach." And we implemented rules: no TikTok during training, proper sleep schedule, nutrition, no arguing. We've become more professional.

After the changes, you qualified for The International and Riyadh Masters. Due to good results, you were promoted to the main NAVI roster. How did you react?

We already understood it would happen. The main roster failed two qualifications. It was clear we would be promoted. It wasn't a shock.

But is there more pressure now? After all, NAVI is a legendary team.

There’s no pressure from the organization. From the fans — we don't particularly feel it either. We just need to win. That's the main thing.

Let's talk about the unofficial rivalry with the previous main roster. How did you perceive it?

For us, it wasn't a rivalry. We just knew: there was them, and there was us. They played in a different region, we in ours. Sometimes we were better, but there was no idea of "we have to prove we're stronger." We just played and developed.

How is the preparation for Riyadh Masters going? What are you working on?

We've been playing together for a long time, so the focus is more on the game — drafts, nuances, fixing issues. Our team-building is already fine.

Who are you scrimming against? How are the results?

We played against Falcons and Tundra. Lost everything (laughs). Haven't played against others yet.

Are you preparing any unexpected drafts?

For now, we're playing simpler. Later, when we feel confident, we might come up with something.

Could opponents underestimate you?

Maybe. And that would work in our favor. But still — we'll just play our game and try to win.

What's the goal for the tournament?

At minimum — get out of the group. And then — we'll see.

You’re in a group with Talon, Spirit, and Xtreme. How do you evaluate it?

It's a competitive group. Talon has unstable play, Xtreme — we'll see. There's a chance to even take 1st or 2nd place.

You're the second youngest debutant at TI after SumaiL. Does that mean anything to you?

It's just cool. But it doesn't change anything. I already know I'm young. For some, this tournament is the last, for me — just the beginning. So I play without pressure.

How do you like the new tournament format?

It's interesting. The Swiss system — something new for Dota 2. I think both viewers and players will find it intriguing.

What result at TI would satisfy you?

At least to reach the playoffs. I want to go as far as possible.

What do you think about the notion that TI is "not the same anymore"? The prize pool is smaller, the hype has died down.

Maybe that's true. But I came during this time — and it's my path. I play as it is. And a $5 million prize pool — that's not bad either.

Would you like the return of compendiums? In 2016, it was cool — leveling up, anticipation. Now, there's no desire to even buy.

Yes. A compendium would immediately solve the prize pool issue. I'd like that, but for some reason, they decided not to do them like before.

Is Valve doing enough for Dota?

As for esports — I think so. But I'd like more frequent patches, more meta changes, but I'm fine with it. For solo players, I'd like to see an improved ranking system.

Lastly, a few words for NAVI fans.

Cheer for us. We're no longer NAVI Junior — we're NAVI. We're preparing, we want to show our best game. Cheer and support us.