Virtus.pro claim another Dota 2 major title
Despite entering the The Kuala Lumpur Major with some uncertainty, Virtus.pro’s Dota 2 team erased all doubt en route to another major championship.
The Russian squad reasserted itself as one of the best in the world by taking the title at the first major tournament of the 2018-2019 Dota Pro Circuit season, defeating Team Secret in the event’s grand finals. It’s a massive victory given the strength of the competition, but its potential long-term ramifications for the team make that much bigger.
Captain Alexei “Solo” Berezin’s crew utterly dominated the Dota Pro Circuit standings last season, taking first place in four major tournaments thanks in large part to a quick pace and aggressive style. Their relatively disappointing fifth-place performance at The International 2018, however, called into question whether VP’s roster had slipped from its elite status. This first tournament of the season stood as an opportunity for redemption.
The team made the most of that chance with a largely dominant performance, easily taking the top spot in its initial group before making its way to the upper bracket finals at the expense of Fnatic and Ninjas In Pyjamas. It was sent to the lower bracket by Team Secret, but bested Evil Geniuses in order to earn a rematch in the grand finals. There, VP exacted sweet revenge on Secret in a tight 3-2 series victory.
In addition to the $350,000 prize for finishing first, the win earns VP a whopping 4,950 qualifying points in the Dota Pro Circuit. This could mean that Virtus.pro has a spot in The International all but secured nine months before the tournament begins.
VP is scheduled to compete in the CIS qualifiers for the Chongqing Major on November 25.
Steven Rondina
About Steven Rondina
Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.
View full profile
Read Also
Dota 2
Team Yandex stop the magic, defeating LGD in BLAST Slam VII finals
Michael Hassall
Team Yandex have defeated LGD Gaming in the grand finals of BLAST Slam VII in a dramatic 3-1 series that saw both teams pushed to the limit, but ultimately Yandex come out on top. Concluding the last major tournament before teams head to the Esports World Cup and The International 2026 next month and in August, Yandex were able to counter the momentum of LGD that had brought them into ...
Dota 2
BLAST Slam VII Finals Predictions and Picks – Can LGD make it all the way?
Michael Hassall
LGD Gaming in the top three of a tournament!? What is this 2021? BLAST Slam VII has been one of the most surprising tournaments of the year, and has capped off the pre-EWC and TI season with some of the most thrilling gameplay we’ve seen in months. And the finals are set to be even more exciting. With just three teams left there’s a lot on the line, from the ...
Dota 2
Easiest Dota 2 Heroes for Beginners – Best Picks to Learn the Game
Simon Day
We can all agree that Dota 2 is a complex game, but starting with the right heroes can make the learning process much smoother. Choosing one of the best Dota 2 heroes for beginners is key to building your skills and enjoying your matches. That’s why it’s time to explore the heroes that are easy to understand, effective in the game and great for learning the fundamentals. Without going into ...
Dota 2
BLAST Slam VII Playoffs Preview – Visa issues transform the playoff picture
Michael Hassall
BLAST Slam VII is the last major tournament before teams lock-in and compete at the EWC and The International, and as a result, we’re seeing a tournament with some unique outcomes. With teams seemingly treating this as a last-minute tune-up before the championship clashes of the next two months, a South American team has topped the table and some of the best teams in the world are either without players ...
Dota 2
TI-Champions Tundra Esports exit Dota 2 as roster transfers to 1win
Michael Hassall
Tundra Esports has revealed it’s leaving Dota 2 after six years and a victory at The International 2022. The UK-based organization has announced its roster will transfer directly to 1win for future events. The announcement, posted on Tundra's socials on June 1, confirms rumors and earlier social posts from 1win which hinted at a new lineup. With the move, however, questions about 1win’s existing EEU roster and attendance at The ...
Dota 2
A full weekend of TI15 tickets will cost you just $280 – If you don’t mind the view
Michael Hassall
Alongside the team invites for The International 2026, Valve today (May 26) unveiled the pricing and details of how to purchase tickets for TI15, and the price is the lowest in years. For years we’ve seen the price of The International Prize, with a peak of around $700 as a lowest price for a full weekend for both 2023 in Seattle, and 2024 in Copenhagen. But after a fall in ...
Dota 2
Valve has announced the TI15 invites: Here’s why some team names are very different
Michael Hassall
It’s around three months until The International 2026, TI15, and Valve has just unveiled the direct invites and qualifier invites to the event, but eagle-eyed fans will notice some strange names in the team lists. Valve unveiled the invites in the small hours of the morning on May 26 (late evening on May 25 for their HQ in Bellevue, Washington), detailing the seven direct invites, regional qualifier invites, and some ...
