| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Erik Engel |
| In-Game Name | tOfu |
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1996 |
| Nationality | German (also of Korean heritage) |
| Current Team | Team Liquid |
| Previous Teams | EURONICS Gaming (ESG), Hellbear Smashers (SMASH), Team Tickles (TT), Gaimin Gladiators (GG) |
| Role | Support (Position 5) |
| Signature Heroes | (common favorites include) Lion, Rubick, Undying. |
| Notable Achievements | – Riyadh Masters 2024 Champion with Gaimin Gladiators – Consistent top placements in DPC and premier events (2022–2024) |
| Playing Style | Strategic support with strong game sense, ward control, and team coordination; known for adaptability and synergy with cores such as Ace and other GG/Liquid teammates. |
| Famous Moments | – Integral part of Gaimin Gladiators’ dominance in multiple DPC seasons – High-impact plays enabling team victories through vision control and timely saves/initiations. |
Erik “tOfu” Engel is a professional Dota 2 support player from Germany, celebrated for his reliable laning, exceptional team play, and deep strategic understanding. Born on August 14, 1996, tOfu has been a fixture in the DPC circuit since his debut in 2020. His journey from smaller regional teams to elite status reflects both persistence and a constantly improving skill set, establishing him as one of the most respected supports in the Western scene.
Early Career
tOfu began his professional Dota 2 career in May 2020 with EURONICS Gaming (ESG), gaining valuable competitive experience despite modest early results. He then moved to Hellbear Smashers (SMASH), where his synergy with teammates began to shine. A short tenure with Team Tickles followed before his breakout with Gaimin Gladiators, where the foundations of his later success were built.
Gaimin Gladiators
Joining Gaimin Gladiators in early 2022 marked the start of tOfu’s rise to prominence. Alongside longtime duo partner Ace (Marcus Hoelgaard), he helped GG become one of the premier Western teams on the DPC, winning several Major championships and consistently threatening at the highest levels of competition. Their teamwork and strategic cohesion became a defining element of GG’s success.
In 2024, tOfu and GG secured the prestigious Riyadh Masters title, a highlight in his career that showcased his impact in high-stakes matches. The team also made deep runs at The International finals, further cementing his reputation as a world-class support.
Team Liquid
In October 2025, tOfu officially signed with Team Liquid, reuniting with fellow former GG teammate Ace and ending a historic rivalry. This move signaled a new chapter in his career and positioned Liquid as a strong contender in the upcoming DPC season.
Playstyle and Reputation
Tofu is known for his disciplined support play, strong vision management, and ability to read the flow of the game. He excels in coordinating with cores, facilitating space, and mitigating enemy aggression. His synergy with Ace has been a defining feature of his playstyle—a partnership that has delivered consistent results across seasons.
Fun Facts
Before committing fully to Dota 2, he played other competitive games and even took a break from esports, working and traveling before returning to pursue his professional career.
His nickname, Tofu, stands for “The One Fluffy Unicorn.”
Born and raised in Germany to a German father and Korean mother, giving him dual cultural roots.
Tofu’s Pro Dota 2 Setup: Mouse, Keyboard, Settings & More
| Peripheral Type | Specific Model | Key Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse | Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 (Black) | DPI: 800, In-game Sensitivity: ~0.23, Polling Rate: 1000Hz. Previously used the original Superlight. |
| Keyboard | Wooting 60HE | 60% layout. Popular for its analog optical switches and rapid actuation (helps with tread-switching, etc.). |
| Mousepad | Artisan Hien (Mid hardness, XL size) | Hybrid surface known for speed with control. Ideal for low-sensitivity play. |
| Headset | HyperX Cloud II | Wired, classic gaming headset. Often seen on stream. |
| Monitor | ZOWIE XL2566K | 24.5-inch, 360Hz TN panel. Standard for pro esports for minimal input lag. |
| Mouse Sensitivity | Custom | eDPI (Effective DPI): ~184 (800 DPI * 0.23 in-game). This is considered low sensitivity. |
| Chair | Herman Miller Aeron | Ergonomic office/gaming chair. |
| Microphone | Shure SM7B | High-quality dynamic mic, typically seen with a boom arm. |
| Audio Interface/Mixer | GOXLR Mini (or similar) | Used for audio mixing and mic control while streaming. |