ESL One Katowice 2018 Recap
Image Banner © Helena Kristiansson via ESL
24 days after Vladimir “RodjER” Nikogosyan’s addition to the official line-up, Virtus.pro was able to clinch the number one spot on the Dota Pro Circuit leaderboards.
The Russian-based organization was behind Team Secret and Team Liquid at the Dota Pro Circuit rankings before beating Vici Gaming, 3-1, at the grand final of the ESL One Katowice 2018, the third Major tournament of the season, earlier today. After receiving the lion’s share of the Dota Pro Circuit points, Virtus.pro was able to pull ahead of the former leader, Team Secret by 690 points.
RodjER, who was traded from Natus Vincere for Ilya “Lil” Ilyuk during the Winter Shuffle 2018, was a vital part of Virtus.pro’s second Major tournament win. He was able to expand Virtus.pro’s hero pool by adding Chen and Naga Siren to their already massive arsenal. He also took part in Virtus.pro’s historic win against Evil Geniuses, ultimately ending their 1063 days of losing skid against the North America-based organization.
In the first two games of the best-of-five series against Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro capitalized on RodjER’s team fight prowess by drafting him initiators like Earthshaker and Nyx Assassin. This gave 9pasha and Ramzes666 the liberty to flex their versatility by successfully running strategies like a carry Omniknight in Game 1.
On top of the championship title, RodjER was also awarded the Mercedez-Benz MVP award on his first Major tournament. This granted him a brand-new Mercedez-Benz car along with his share of the $400,000 prize money Virtus.pro will receive. During the ESL One Hamburg 2017, Virtus.pro’s team captain Solo was also awarded the Mercedez-Benz MVP title.
Virtus.pro will look to extend their Dota Pro Circuit lead at the The Bucharest Major which will start on March 4.
