One step closer. The story of Virtus.pro at The Kiev Major 2017

The Kiev Major 2017 was a key event for the entire Dota 2 community. Our team had the honor of representing our region in the first Major held in the CIS.

Virtus.pro G2A had confirmed its status as the strongest team in the regional qualifiers for the Kiev tournament. Our Dota 2 roster bested all their group opponents in succession, and went on to defeat Team Empire and Natus Vincere in the playoffs.

The group stage of the Kiev tournament was held on April 24–25 and used the Swiss system. Our team played three matches over these two days and was the first to advance to the playoffs, having not lost a single match.

Team Faceless, Team Random and TNC Pro Team succumbed to the Bears. The second round match was of particular interest; VP faced The International’s defending champions, Team Random (formerly Wings Gaming). The Chinese squad was able to tie the score in the series, but lost in the deciding battle.

The group stage results determined that another Chinese team, iG Vitality, would be our team’s opponent in the first round of the playoffs. Virtus.pro played two fast-paced games, resulting in a convincing 2-0 victory.

In the quarterfinals of the Kiev championship, VP.G2A faced Vici Gaming Jeremy. Despite what the analysts had predicted, this Chinese team was no “walk in the park” for our players.

VC.Jeremy prevailed in the first game, which had gone into a very late stage, and made the deciding standoff an even fight. There was a lot of action from both teams and tension was growing, making VP fans a little nervous, but our team did not let them down, and went on to the semifinals.

Invictus Gaming was Virtus.pro G2A’s rival for the spot in the grand final. In both games, VP gradually gained a lead, tying the opposing team down inside their base. A convincing double victory secured our players’ advancement to the grand final and their chance to fight for the champion’s title of The Kiev Major 2017.

The grand final between Virtus.pro and OG was a highlight of the Kiev tournament. Both teams turned up in their best form for the match, and showed some amazingly beautiful and intense play.

For the first time in the long history of Majors, the standoff went on for five games. The teams traded wins twice, with OG having to catch up. The winner was decided in game five, which began with VP domination in the early stage.

Good positional play and a clever use of pinpoint attacks allowed OG to turn the tide of the battle. Our team attempted to come back in the game with defensive actions, but the champions of three Majors proved unstoppable.

Virtus.pro placed second in The Kiev Major 2017 and won $500,000; most importantly, however, our team earned respect and love from fans.