“Zero growth as a team”—the community reacts to VP’s loss to Rune Eaters at the 2026 Esports World Cup in Dota 2
The Russian-speaking Dota 2 community has shared its thoughts on Virtus.pro’s match against Rune Eaters in the first round of the survival stage of the 2026 Esports World Cup on their social media channels.
Quotes are reproduced with the original spelling and punctuation from the sources
Commentator Vladimir “Maelstorm” Kuzminov reflected on Virtus.pro’s future following their elimination from the 2026 Esports World Cup:
VP drew the toughest opponents in the bracket, but they still managed to go home. We’re waiting to see what happens with the organization—rumor has it there’s a major shakeup underway, including the CEO’s departure.
Caster and analyst Rustam “Adekvat” Mavlyutov praised Rune Eaters for their comeback in the series:
Bravo, Rune Eaters!!! You read the first two games perfectly!
VP’s season is over. And they never really got started, to be honest.
Dmitry “CrystalMay” Korchevinin, a member of the Russian-language broadcast team, noted the “Bears’” poor performance this season:
Virtus.pro’s last game of the season. They were eliminated by RE at the most important tournament for the team. Zero progress throughout the season, zero growth as a team. A predictable result for the season
—GG WP
Virtus.pro lost to Rune Eaters 1–2 and exited the Esports World Cup 2026, finishing in 13th–16th place. Earlier, the “Bears” failed to qualify for The International 2026, being eliminated in the European qualifier finals.
Photo by Dmitry “CrystalMay” Korchevinin.
Semyon Nomerovsky
