Team Spirit, winners of TI 2021, have made a dramatic leap towards the coveted Aegis of Champions by becoming the first Grand Finalists of TI 2023. Their journey, marked by decisive victories and unmatched gameplay, has brought them to the precipice of becoming the second two-time The International champions.
The Pinnacle of Pro Gaming: Team Spirit vs LGD Gaming
Team Spirit’s Unyielding Dominance Stepping onto the stage with an impressive track record, Team Spirit’s performance at TI 2023 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their seamless journey began with a flawless 10-0 run during the Road to the International Group Stage. This powerhouse team left no stone unturned, clinching the top seed of Group A. Their dominance didn’t stop there. They bulldozed through North America’s Shopify Rebellion, marking their territory loud and clear.
Their subsequent encounters in the upper bracket weren’t easy, yet Spirit stood tall. Their determination was evident as they secured back-to-back 2-1 victories against Eastern Europe’s Virtus.pro and Western Europe’s Team Liquid.
LGD Gaming’s Formidable Journey Contrastingly, LGD Gaming, known for their resilient gameplay and strategic moves, completed the Group Stage as the leaders of Group D, holding a commendable 7-1 record. Their prowess was evident when they overpowered the three-time Major champions, Gaimin Gladiators. LGD’s journey further solidified their reputation with consecutive 2-0 victories over Eastern Europe’s 9Pandas and China’s Azure Ray.
A Clash of Titans: The Upper Bracket Finals
This intense showdown between Team Spirit and LGD was not just a battle for the Grand Finals berth but also a tussle steeped in history and rivalry. LGD’s current lineup, albeit different from TI 2021, still boasted remnants of the past with Cheng “NothingToSay” Jin Xiang and Zhang “y`” Yiping. On the other side, Team Spirit’s rising star, Denis “Larl” Sigitov, eyed his inaugural Aegis, all while assisting his allies in achieving their second.
Their face-off was nothing short of spectacular. Game one, arguably the tournament’s pinnacle, saw Team Spirit outpace LGD in a nail-biting 76-minute match, thanks to Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov’s masterful play with Magnus. The second game, though shorter at 47 minutes, saw Spirit unequivocally seal their position with a 2-0 victory.
The Road Ahead
Securing this significant win, Team Spirit not only ensured a minimum 4th place finish but also pocketed a prize of US$171,962. As they prepare for the Grand Finals, they stand to compete for the grand prize of US$1.4 million.
LGD Gaming, undeterred, eyes the lower bracket finals, hoping to settle scores with Team Spirit. Their journey ahead will involve challenging the victors of the match between Gaimin Gladiators and Azure Ray.
Don’t miss The International
The final weekend of TI 2023 promises electrifying matches, with the world’s best teams vying for the Dota 2 championship title at the Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, from 27 to 29 October. As we gear up for this grand spectacle, the question remains: Who will rise as this year’s Dota 2 world champions?