A Historic Victory in Hamburg
On September 14, 2025, the world witnessed another unforgettable chapter in Dota 2 history as Team Falcons lifted the Aegis of Champions at The International 2025. Playing in front of a roaring crowd in Hamburg, Germany, Falcons triumphed over Xtreme Gaming in a nail-biting best-of-five series that ended 3-2. The victory not only crowned them the TI14 champions but also reinforced Western Europe’s dominance in competitive Dota 2.
The Journey to Glory
The roster of Skiter, Sneyking, Malr1ne, ATF, and Cr1t-, under the guidance of coach Aui_2000, delivered one of the most inspiring performances of the year. For Skiter and Sneyking, this marked their second TI title, while Malr1ne, ATF, and Cr1t- achieved their first. For veteran support Cr1t-, in particular, this victory was a long-awaited career-defining moment after years of being close but falling short. Coach Aui_2000 further cemented his legendary status by claiming his third career Aegis, becoming one of the most decorated figures in Dota 2 history.
The Road Through the Bracket
Falcons fought through a grueling playoff bracket to reach the grand final. They took down Parivision in a tense semifinal before facing the powerhouse Xtreme Gaming. Xtreme had looked unstoppable after sweeping BetBoom Team and defeating Parivision, but Falcons proved resilient, weathering every push and countering with clutch plays in the decisive moments. The grand final itself became a showcase of Dota 2 at its highest level, with dramatic swings in momentum and standout plays that will be remembered for years to come.
The Prize Pool and Legacy
The International 2025 featured a prize pool of over $2.6 million, raised through a mix of Valve’s initial contribution and in-game transactions. Team Falcons secured the largest share, while Xtreme Gaming walked away as valiant runners-up. Beyond the financial reward, the legacy of this victory will be etched into Dota 2’s history as a turning point for Falcons and as proof of Western Europe’s continued dominance in the global scene.
What This Means for Dota 2
The International remains the crown jewel of esports tournaments, and TI14 reminded fans why it holds such prestige. Team Falcons’ win highlighted the importance of teamwork, resilience, and adaptation in the face of immense pressure. With rising stars like Malr1ne and ATF now wearing the Aegis alongside veterans, the balance of experience and fresh talent defines this new era of Dota 2 competition.
The global community now looks ahead to how Falcons will carry this momentum into the next season, and whether Xtreme Gaming and other challengers can rise to claim the throne in future events.
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