Dota 2: After 3 years of waiting, Na`Vi is finally back at The International

A dream come true: Na`Vi and Alliance will now return to The International. The Ukrainian organization won the first Aegis of Champions title in 2011, and now they have officially returned to the most prestigious arena of Dota 2.

Na`Vi beat Winstrike 3-0 in the CIS TI9 Regional Qualifier. Thus, fans will witness the confrontation of one of the most classic Dota 2 rivalries when Alliance also won the right to attend TI9 through the Dota Pro Circuit points system. Unlike Alliance, Na`Vi had to overcome a long line from the regional qualifiers, almost not making it to the top 4. Natus Vincere previously had an unfavorable playoff start when he lost 1-2 to Vega in the win bracket.

After taking revenge on Vega in the losing bracket final, Na`Vi advanced to the grand final against Winstrike. Natus Vincere’s Crystallize has two perfect matches and doesn’t lose a single life.

In the first series, Crystallize played Naga Siren with the Manta-Diffusal combo to help the team speed up and join the teamfight early. Game 2, he held Sven in the front line. Winstrike fought back in game 3 and made it difficult for the Ukrainian team for the first 30 minutes. However, with a successful teamfight and a Roshan hit, Na`Vi punished Winstrike’s aggressive play and turned the game around.

The atmosphere & emotions of our Dota 2 roster after qualifying for The International 2019! Three cheers for our boys! ? #navigation pic.twitter.com/4qjin8i6Zz

— Natus Vincere (@natusvincere) July 10, 2019

It’s been 3 years since both Na`Vi and Alliance last qualified for TI. The wait is finally over. TI9 will take place in Shanghai from August 15-25, 16 teams will fight for a prize pool of more than $26,000,000 USD.

Currently, the qualifiers for the two regions have ended: Mineski won the right to represent Southeast Asia, and Na`Vi took the CIS spot. Qualifiers for the remaining regions will take place in the following days.