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Team Falcons offlaner Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf is known as one of Dota 2’s biggest trash talkers. Over the years, there have been instances where he was branded as a toxic king in the Dota 2 pro landscape. In an exclusive interview with AFK Gaming ahead of DreamLeague Season 22, ATF talked about his success with Team Falcons during BetBoom Dacha 2024 Dubai, his take on the removal of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), and also why he likes trash talking his opponents.
ATF Says It’s Funny When People Label Him ‘Toxic‘
Trash talking in competitive esports adds spice and flavor to the gameplay. It brings out the fun side of a pro player’s character that is often not showcased. Trash talking also reels in fans and followers, and creates community engagement.
During an exclusive interview with AFK Gaming, ATF opened up about his “naughty” side. On the question of having a reputation of trash talker in Dota 2 and why he likes engaging in trash talking, ATF explained why he did it as a new player.
He said how he was very young when he started off as a pro and explained that it was fun to trash talk when one’s younger. ATF added, “You don’t really think what’s good, you just do whatever you want to do so I think that’s why I was very toxic.”
ATF also threw light on why he likes to trash talk his opponents. He said, “If anything it is to tilt people who’re playing against me. Even though I’m toxic, I could take advantage. Why would I not? Some people could hate it, some will not, but why not take a chance? That’s why I like trash talking.”
He also said that it is funny for him to see people label him as “toxic” and get mad at his antics.
At the BetBoom Dacha 2024 Dubai, ATF found himself being talked about in the community when he seemingly jumped on the trend of not shaking hands with fellow competitors. However, ATF refused to fist-bump his own teammate Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak right after Team Falcons won the first game of the series against Virtus.pro.
He also, in full ATF fashion, disrespected Virtus.pro players after winning the second game of the series by dropping “Mantle of Intelligence,” in front of the base. Virtus.pro eventually called GG after Ammar dropped multiple Mantles of Intelligence in front of its base.
