Throughout Vici Gaming’s incredible run to the championship at the ONE Esports Dota 2 Singapore Invitational, team captain Ding “Dy” Cong said the team was never under any pressure.

“We’re used to being in the Upper Bracket, but this time around we’re in the Lower Bracket so it felt like there was nothing to lose,” said Dy.

“But regardless of whether we are in the Winner or Loser’s Bracket, we’ll give it our all and win,” he continued.

Vici Gaming had a slow start to the tournament and almost didn’t make it out of the Group Stage, but after close 2-1 wins over TNC Predator and Team Secret in the first two rounds of the Lower Bracket, they found their groove, winning seven straight games in a row and sweeping Alliance, Gambit Esports, and Evil Geniuses on route to the title.

The team heralded their coach, the legendary Bai “rOtk” Fan, as the key to their victory.

“Credit to our coach, rOtk, his strategy was always on point and we had no pressure being in the finals at all,” said Dy.

rOtk’s importance within the team was clear to see as soon as the team stepped onto the stage to receive the ONE Esports Dota 2 Singapore World Pro Invitational title belt, as rOtk took center stage to announce to the crowd “Chinese Dota will never die.”

Vici Gaming captain Dy: “We had no pressure being in the finals at all”