[2] Zhou was first seen playing professionally in Team CD, where he already has the reputation of being one of the best carries in China.
In 2009, Zhou became the runner-up of SMM Grand National Final DotA Tournament 2009.
Zhou also led the team to win The DotA Razer Global Challenge in 2010.
As a part of Invictus Gaming, Yao won the SMM Grand National DotA Championship in 2011.
As the captain of Invictus Gaming, Chen Yao participated in The International 2011, where the team finished in 5th position.