Xm after defeating Team Falcons in the Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2026 playoffs: “Chinese Dota 2 is back.”
Vici Gaming midlaner Guo “Xm” Hongcheng spoke about the match and explained his hero picks in an interview following the victory over Team Falcons in the Esports World Cup 2026 playoffs.
On whether the team expected such an easy victory
This was an expected result because five days is a huge break—our hands are calloused from hard work, but theirs aren’t.
On the Lina build on the first map
I saw this build on TikTok; I was watching some short videos and thought, “This seems to work.” And when I looked at their draft, I decided this build would work here, and it really did.
On picking Slark on the second map
Slark has always been my go-to against Ember Spirit. I wanted to pick him, but we had to discuss it with the team. Then XinQ said, “I’m playing Keeper of the Light; I can provide mana for Slark.” So we went with XinQ’s decision and picked Slark.
On whether Chinese Dota 2 is back after this victory
Absolutely, Chinese Dota 2 is back.
Team Falcons finished in 5th–8th place at the 2026 Dota 2 Esports World Cup. The team earned $70,000 and 200 EWC club points. The playoffs are taking place from July 16 to 19. Participants are competing for a $2,000,000 prize pool.
Photo: Esports Foundation.
David Mchedlishvili
