After defeating Chinese juggernauts PSG, Eastern European dark horses Team Spirit have completed one of the greatest Triumph runs in esports history. Team Spirit defeated LGD 3-2 in the grand finals of The International 10 (TI10) to win the Aegis of Champions and the lion’s share of the tournament’s total prize pool of US$18.2 million. Spirit is also the second Eastern European team to win the Aegis of Champions, following Natus Vincere’s victory in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2011.
WE ARE THE INTERNATIONAL 10 CHAMPIONS 🐉
It was an amazing adventure. We thank all the fans for your support! We wouldn’t be there without you. See you next season!#SPIRITIX pic.twitter.com/JWB5buXfEW
— Team Spirit @TIX (@Team__Spirit) October 17, 2021
The first game was won by Team Spirit, who had 18 kills to PSG’s two. LGD has a total of five. The second encounter was even more conclusive, as TSpirit and PSG combined for 24 kills. LGD only receives an 8. Over the first two games, the Russian team was also in the lead in terms of Towers and Barracks.
TSpirit had a great run all the way to the final, even defeating last year’s champions, OG, and Secret in the lower bracket finals earlier today. Despite losing rounds against PSG: LGB, they were able to win the championship in the final match. LGD advanced to the Main Event’s upper bracket after finishing in the Top 4 of Group B during the Group Stage, with the Chinese powerhouse topping the group with a 15-1 record and the Eastern European underdogs narrowly making the cut with a 10-6 record.
The International 2021 has had a peculiar journey. The total prize pool of $40 million is the greatest in the tournament’s history. It was originally scheduled to take place in Stockholm, Sweden, but permission was denied after the Swedish Sports Federation voted not to welcome esports into the federation.
The International will be staged in front of a live audience in Bucharest’s Arena National, it was subsequently confirmed. However, because of an increase of Covid cases in the city, Valve halted ticket sales and granted refunds just days before the competition. Valve offered internet viewers the option of “Spectator Cheering” to alleviate the awkwardness of a hushed arena, but the feature was deleted after user backlash.
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