Santa commented on L1GA TEAM and Nigma Galaxy’s qualification for The International 2026

The Hooligans, aka L1, sent VP home for a reset. Stranger was given free rein, built the roster from scratch, and didn’t mess it up. Oh, he definitely didn’t mess it up. He saw something in these guys that others didn’t. The guys have only been playing together for three months, but in that short time, they’ve achieved what many can’t boast about. Namely, they qualified for both Riyadh and Int. Specifically in this qualifier, the Hooligans made it through the open qualifiers (!), fought their way through the thorns to the stars, fell early into the losers’ bracket, and there, in the first round, they barely beat Chikibamboni (Rune Eaters) with mega-cips(!), charging into the throne room with a rapier. At that moment, the team evolved to a whole new level, becoming more of a family than just a team. There’s a saying that the more hardships guys go through, the stronger they become. My gut feeling at that moment screamed, “The Hooligans are going to take this.” Next, Enjoy (1w) were swept aside without a chance, even though L1 had previously held their own against them. Then, in an incredibly intense battle, Navi fell. And today’s showdown with Virtus Pro—I think people will be talking about it for a long time. So what’s the bottom line? A group of guys who got together just three months ago made it to the two biggest tournaments of the year and gave EVERY Tier 2 and Tier 1.5 team in the region a run for their money. Isn’t that a success? Bravo!

Last but not least, the slot went to Nigma Galaxy. The Emperor of Humanity can’t be countered—not even in his main role. Rich Sumail didn’t just play mid heroes (hello, Drow and Long Druid). A talented person is talented in everything. Lorenof is the strongest stand-in; Davai is a rich dad; Kuroki is back on Int; GH is a high-skilled, older, good-natured guy (anti-Gul). Omar is simply Omar—just a guy who does his job. A reincarnation of the legendary Liquid, who flexed between Miracle and Matumba. Having two mid laners on the team seems like a fatal mistake at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it’s an unbeatable combo that can’t be countered. This is the very definition of controlled chaos—impossible to predict. Nigma boasts three Intelligence champions: Sumail, GH, and Kuroki. Without them, the tournament of the year wouldn’t be nearly as spectacular. I predict they’ll put on a stellar performance!