Team Spirit‘s incredible win at The International 10 instantly made the squad an overnight sensation around the world.
Their amazing achievement even caught the eye of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who congratulated them on their victory.
The win at TI10 has put their region back on top of the Dota 2 world, which was the first time the Aegis of Champions was won by a team from Russia.
The last time a team from the CIS region won Valve’s most prestigious tournament was when Ukrainian esports organization Natus Vincere won the first-ever International back in 2011.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates Team Spirit for winning The International 10 (TI10)
After completing their Cinderella run at TI10 by defeating tournament favorites PSG.LGD in a thrilling 3-2 grand final match, Team Spirit became the first Russian team to lift the Aegis of the Immortal. The team also took home the biggest prize in esports history totaling US$18,208,300.
The unbelievable achievement transcended Dota 2 and esports, as the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, reached out to give a personal message to Team Spirit for winning TI10.
In an official presidential letter posted on the Kremlin’s website, Vladimir Putin congratulated the team for becoming the first Russian team ever to win The International, the Dota 2 world championship.
He also praised them for their outstanding leadership qualities and solidarity throughout the competition.
Russian squads Team Spirit and Virtus.pro have proven that the region’s young talent are ready to dominate the Dota 2 world. Virtus.pro finished 5th-6th after being eliminated by fellow Russian squad Team Spirit, who went on to win the entire competition.
Hungry for more Dota 2 action? Check out the Heroes of the Game documentary presented by foodpanda.
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