Team Spirit are the new two time TI Champions
The 2023 International Grand Final was an epic showdown between two juggernauts representing different regions. Team Spirit, the former TI champions from Eastern Europe and Gaimin Gladiators from Western Europe faced off in the final match, marking the first time in a decade that such a grand final had taken place.
In an impressive display of skill and sheer dominance, Team Spirit avenged their predecessors, Natus Vincere, and claimed their second Aegis of Champions.
Team Spirit made a Statement at TI12
Team Spirit with their second aegis.The grand final was supposed to be a close series between two titans. However, it turned out to be an easy win for Spirit, who dominated and secured a 3-0 victory in the series.
Although Team Spirit had a slow start to the season, they eventually gained momentum and entered The Internationals in full force. The team's exceptional performance at the prestigious tournament was almost unstoppable, and they emerged as the ultimate champions.
Gaimin Gladiators had a terrific season, securing all three major championship titles, but they couldn’t put up much of a fight at the grand finals. Spirit dismantled the three-time Major champions with ease. The four players of the team, Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk, Magomed "Collapse" Khalilov, Myroslav "Mira" Kolpakov, and Yaroslav "Miposhka" Naidenov have already won their first TI back at The International 2021.
A Rookie & A Legend
Team Spirit. Larl before The International 2023.Credits. Twitter.@Team__Spirit
This is the first TI championship title for the newest addition to the team’s roster, Denis "Larl" Sigitov. There was a lot of criticism regarding his signing, but as the season progressed, he found his footing.
At The International 2023, he put on an impressive performance in the midlane, proving his worth and contributing significantly to the team's victory. His performance on Dazzle in the deciding game at the grand-finals was impeccable. Despite his sidelanes losing the laning stage, Larl provided the space required for his team by dominating his midlane and picking off Gaimin’s heroes on the map.
Yatoro at The International 2023.Credits: Valve
There were numerous discussions and debates regarding the performance of Spirit's safelaner, Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk before the tournament began. Although some fans were already impressed by his outstanding performance in pubs and official matches, others chose to overlook it.
However, with this championship win, Yatoro has undoubtedly established himself as the world's greatest safelaner. He even went so far as to sacrifice his hair to the Dota gods in hopes of securing victory.
What Now?
Notail Lifting the Aegis for the second time.Credits: Valve
With this championship victory, Team Spirit, current TI champions joined the legendary ranks of 2018-2019 OG. They took home $1,414,763 from the TI12 prize pool, but that number could get bigger because of a certain someone.
For Gaimin, they would have broken two records made history if they won the TI. Firstly, they would be the first team to lift the aegis, carving their way from the lower bracket. Moreover, they would be the team to have an unstoppable DPC Season.
Featured Image Source: Twitter.@dota2ti
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