Sun Sep 15 16:48:12 UTC 2024: ## Team Liquid Crowned Dota 2 World Champions at The International 13
**Seattle, Washington -** Team Liquid has claimed the prestigious Aegis of Champions, defeating Gaimin Gladiators 3-0 in a dominant grand final performance at The International 13. The victory marks the second International title for the Team Liquid organization, and a first for this particular roster, cementing their status as the world’s best Dota 2 team.
Despite being considered favorites, Team Liquid faced skepticism due to their history of falling short in grand finals, especially against Gaimin Gladiators. However, they silenced their critics with an emphatic display of skill and strategy, proving their mettle on the biggest stage.
The win is particularly momentous for Neta “33” Shapira, who becomes one of only a few players to win The International twice. His previous victory came in 2022 with Tundra Esports.
Team Liquid’s journey to the championship was one of dominance. They suffered only a single loss to defending champions Team Spirit in the group stage. Following this, they embarked on a relentless upper bracket run, overcoming formidable opponents like Xtreme Gaming, Cloud9, and even Gaimin Gladiators earlier in the tournament.
The grand final itself saw Liquid take control early, capitalizing on a powerful combination of Nature’s Prophet, Shadow Demon, and Tusk in the first two games. Although the third game saw them forced onto different heroes, they still emerged victorious, leaving little room for Gaimin Gladiators to stage a comeback.
The victory not only brings the Aegis of Champions to Team Liquid but also over $1.1 million in prize money. Gaimin Gladiators received over $350,000 for their second-place finish.
Beyond the thrilling action on the main stage, The International 13 also brought other exciting news. Fans were treated to the first-ever broadcast of Deadlock gameplay, and a brand new Dota 2 hero named Kez was revealed. Kez is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
This year’s International has been a memorable event, filled with incredible Dota 2 action and exciting announcements. Team Liquid’s dominant victory, however, stands out as a particularly satisfying moment for fans, a culmination of their journey to overcome past setbacks and finally secure the ultimate prize.
First Piper 