Team Spirit, the renowned Dota 2 team, has emerged victorious once again, winning The International 12 and solidifying their status as two-time champions. In a thrilling final match against Gaimin Gladiators, Team Spirit showcased their exceptional skills and strategic gameplay, ultimately securing a 3-0 victory. This remarkable achievement places them in the elite company of OG, the only other team to have won The International twice. Despite undergoing changes in their roster since their previous win in 2021, Team Spirit’s unwavering team spirit and dedication to the game propelled them to this historic triumph.
The International 12, Dota 2’s most prestigious tournament, witnessed an intense showdown between Team Spirit and Gaimin Gladiators, the two favorites heading into the event. Team Spirit entered the tournament with a strong momentum, having recently won the Ryiad Masters and showcasing an impressive performance throughout the season. On the other hand, Gaimin Gladiators aimed to achieve the grand slam after clinching victory in all three Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) Majors during the year.
The first game of the final displayed some unconventional hero picks, with Gyrocopter and Beastmaster making appearances. Despite Gyrocopter’s lackluster performance at The International, Team Spirit’s Beastmaster proved to be a game-changer, leading them to a convincing victory and a 1-0 lead. In the second game, both teams returned to more familiar picks, with Team Spirit selecting Magnus, a hero that played a crucial role in their previous championship win. Once again, the Magnus-Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov combination proved unbeatable, securing another dominant win for Team Spirit and pushing them to a commanding 2-0 lead.
The third game witnessed both teams opting for meta picks that had dominated The International 12. Team Spirit strategically selected CK, Grimstroke, Tusk, and Spirit Breaker, while Gaimin Gladiators chose Meurta, the most frequently picked hero in the tournament, along with Pango and AA. Gaimin Gladiators initially gained an advantage in the mid-game, appearing poised to secure a victory. However, Team Spirit’s exceptional teamwork and clutch plays turned the tide of the game, ultimately leading them to their third map win and securing the coveted title of TI champions once again.
Despite the reduced prize pool compared to previous years, Team Spirit’s remarkable performance earned them a substantial reward of at least 1,413,785.GaiminGladiators,thevaliantrunners−up, received376,954 for their efforts. LGD Gaming and Azure Ray claimed the third and fourth positions, respectively, with prize money amounts of 251,372 and172,753.
The International 12 itself was a resounding success, surpassing expectations and leaving a lasting impression on the Dota 2 community. The event featured spectacular CGI visuals, enhancing the overall production value, while the in-game action delivered thrilling moments for fans worldwide. The English broadcast talent, including renowned casters Austin “Cap” Walsh, Avery “SVG” Silverman, and host Natalie “NatTea” Mahoney, provided outstanding commentary and analysis throughout the tournament.
This victory solidifies Team Spirit’s place among the greatest rosters in Dota 2 history. With four of their players now two-time TI champions, they join the ranks of OG, the only other team to achieve this feat. Team Spirit’s exceptional performance and unwavering dedication to the game have firmly established them as one of the best Dota 2 teams of all time.
In conclusion, Team Spirit’s triumph at The International 12 is a testament to their unwavering team spirit, strategic prowess, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite changes in their roster, they showcased their exceptional skills and emerged victorious against tough competition. This historic win cements their status as two-time TI champions and places them among the elite Dota 2 teams in history.