“Finally, some new names on the Tier 1 scene,” — the community on L1GA TEAM’s qualification for The International 2026
David Mchedlishvili
The Russian-speaking Dota 2 community has reacted to L1GA TEAM’s qualification for The International 2026 from Europe.
Quotes are reproduced with the original spelling and punctuation from the sources
Caster Rustam “Adekvat” Mavlyutov commented on the possible future of Virtus.pro:
Congratulations to the HULIGANI players on making it to TI!
They didn’t have much success throughout the season, but they’re finishing strong—securing slots for the EWC and TI2026. These are the first major LANs for the guys. I hope they enjoy the games and the hype this summer!
And I even feel a little sorry for VP. So much time, money, and effort poured into a fading and unambitious roster. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more misguided investment in Dota, as they say. Obviously, a full disband—what other options are there?
Former 1w Team Dota 2 coach Timur “Ahilles” Kulmukhambetov noted the progress of L1GA TEAM carry Ilya “ssnovv1” Kondrashov:
Around December 31, I was chatting with Ilya “ssnov1.”
He was upset that he’d been cut from Avulus.
The team, where he was the leader and a key player, just pushed him aside.
In Week 1, they didn’t pick him for the team after the tryouts; they signed Violent instead.
A lot of haters from Solo would come to his stream and write nasty things.
Haters from Snov were constantly hanging out on my stream, too.
I told them that Ilya would qualify for the INT this year—they laughed at me.
But I was dead serious.
And now the League, with Snov on the roster, is competing in the EWC and the INT!
A fairy tale has come true.
Congrats, Ilya—I’m genuinely happy for you.
And for Olegator and Egorchik, too.
And the whole team did a great job.
Alexander Stranger is returning to Tier 1.
Well done.
Host Vasilisa “Vasilisa” Chernova congratulated L1GA TEAM on qualifying:
“I told you so—a team from the open qualifiers was 100 percent guaranteed to advance, and they did. Congrats, Hooligans—you worked hard and got the result.” <...>
Commentator Dmitry “CrystalMay” Korchevinin noted Virtus.pro’s slump:
Virtus.pro has lost their edge—bring in some fresh
blood! There are 1 or 2 from the two EEU teams; all that’s left is to beat Nigma!
Commentator Arseny “ArsZeeqq” Usov explained the reasons behind L1GA TEAM’s success:
What a smart move—they kicked out that 322 trash, brought in a really high-quality coach and manager, and just *** [wiped the floor with them].
Finally, some new names on the Tier 1 scene.
I’m really happy for the guys.
And huge respect to the organization for the decisions they made at exactly the right moment.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Earlier, L1GA TEAM defeated Virtus.pro in the lower bracket final of the closed European qualifiers for The International 2026. In addition, the team also qualified for the Esports World Cup 2026 as the representative from Eastern Europe.
David Mchedlishvili
