Winning The International (TI) is the pinnacle of Dota 2 success, but defending the Aegis of Champions is an even more daunting challenge. Since its inception, only a few teams have managed to hold on to their titles and continue their dominance.
As we approach another thrilling TI, let’s review the performance of past champions in their attempts to defend their crown.
Natus Vincere (NAVI)
- Championship Team: TI1 (2011)
- TI2: 2nd Place
NAVI made history by winning the inaugural TI and securing the Aegis with an undefeated run. Their dominance continued with several major titles until TI2, where they reached the grand finals but fell short against Invictus Gaming (iG), finishing as runners-up.
Invictus Gaming (iG)
- Championship Team: TI2 (2012)
- TI3: 5-6th Place
iG, after a dominant performance at TI2, struggled at TI3. Despite a strong group stage showing, they were eliminated in the lower brackets, finishing in the 5-6th place.
Alliance
- Championship Team: TI3 (2013)
- TI4: 11-12th Place
Alliance’s victory at TI3 was marked by their strategic brilliance. However, at TI4, their form dropped significantly, and they were eliminated in the group stage, placing 11-12th.
Newbee
- Championship Team: TI4 (2014)
- TI5: 9-12th Place
Newbee’s dominance at TI4 was followed by a disappointing performance at TI5. The team, which had almost entirely changed its roster, finished in the 9-12th position.
Evil Geniuses (EG)
- Championship Team: TI5 (2015)
- TI6: 3rd Place
EG made history as the first North American team to win TI5. Despite a roster change, they maintained a strong performance at TI6, finishing in 3rd place.
Wings Gaming
- Championship Team: TI6 (2016)
- TI7: N/A
Wings Gaming’s unexpected victory at TI6 was followed by the disbandment of the roster due to disputes. They did not compete in TI7.
Team Liquid
- Championship Team: TI7 (2017)
- TI8: 4th Place
Team Liquid made history by coming from the lower bracket to win TI7. They continued their strong performance at TI8, finishing in 4th place.
OG
- Championship Team: TI8 (2018)
- TI9: 1st Place
- TI10: 7-8th Place
OG achieved back-to-back victories at TI8 and TI9, becoming the first team to defend their title successfully. However, they fell short at TI10, finishing in 7-8th place.
Team Spirit
- Championship Team: TI10 (2021)
- TI11: 13-16th Place
Team Spirit’s stunning victory at TI10 was followed by a less impressive performance at TI11, where they placed 13-16th.
Tundra Esports
- Championship Team: TI11 (2022)
- TI12: 13-16th Place
Tundra Esports’ dominant performance at TI11 was marred by a lackluster showing at TI12, finishing in 13-16th place.
Team Spirit
- Championship Team: TI12 (2023)
- TI13: TBD
Team Spirit reclaimed the Aegis at TI12, becoming only the second team to win TI twice. Their current performance at TI13 is yet to be determined.
Conclusion
Defending the Aegis remains one of the most challenging feats in Dota 2, with few teams successfully repeating their victories. As the competition continues, the quest for supremacy at The International becomes ever more intense.
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