The world of eSports is filled with exhilarating victories, heartbreaking losses, and of course, underdogs who defy all odds. It’s these underdogs, the teams that rise from obscurity to clinch coveted trophies and massive prizes, that often make the most lasting impressions on fans and players alike.
In this article, we explore the captivating journeys of three underdog teams that not only clinched prestigious victories but also secured significant monetary rewards, forever etching their names in the annals of eSports history. Let’s dive in and relive these electrifying stories of determination, skill, and triumphant victory.
Team OG’s Historic Win in The International 2018
Few can forget Team OG’s astonishing underdog win at The International 2018. The stakes were incredibly high, with a whopping $25.5 million prize pool on the line, the largest in eSports history at the time.
OG had to overcome significant adversity, including a last-minute roster shuffle and an underwhelming qualifying phase, before making it to the tournament. Yet, the team soldiered on, performing exceptionally well against well-established giants in the Dota 2 scene.
Despite the odds, OG emerged victorious, securing an unprecedented $11.2 million for their win. The triumph marked the team’s entry into the eSports hall of fame, turning them from underdogs into legends overnight.
Cloud9’s Unexpected Triumph at the Boston Major
In the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive arena, one underdog story that stands out is that of Cloud9 at the 2018 Boston Major. They were the first North American team to win a Major, and their victory came as a surprise to many, with several analysts having predicted an early exit for the team.
With a prize pool of $1 million, Cloud9 had to battle against powerhouses like SK Gaming and FaZe Clan, the latter being the favorite to win the Major. Cloud9, however, was undeterred by these obstacles.
The grand finale against FaZe Clan was an intense back-and-forth match that ended in overtime. With precision, strategy, and a little bit of luck, Cloud9 emerged victorious, walking away with the trophy and a $500,000 prize, a significant amount for an underdog team.
The Rise of Taipei Assassins in League of Legends
When discussing underdog stories in eSports, it would be a glaring omission not to mention the Taipei Assassins’ stunning win at the Season 2 League of Legends World Championship. The prize pool was $2 million, a then-unprecedented amount in the history of the game.
Many spectators dismissed the Taiwanese team’s chances, as they were competing against heavily favored teams like Moscow Five and Azubu Frost. However, the Assassins silenced their critics, showcasing spectacular gameplay and strategy that took their opponents by surprise.
Their triumphant run culminated in a victory over Azubu Frost in the finals, earning them the title of World Champions and a whopping $1 million in prize money. Their journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of immense odds, victory is possible with determination and skill.
Underdogs and the Essence of eSports
The journeys of Team OG, Cloud9, and Taipei Assassins highlight the immense potential of underdogs in eSports. These teams, initially overlooked, defied expectations, demonstrating that determination, teamwork, and skill could culminate in not just coveted victories, but also substantial monetary rewards.
The beauty of eSports lies in its unpredictability and the fact that even the so-called underdogs can have their day of glory. These stories of victory serve as an inspiration to all aspiring eSports athletes, teaching us that with perseverance and hard work, it’s possible to turn dreams into reality, irrespective of the odds. After all, in the world of eSports, it’s not always about the strongest or the most popular; sometimes, it’s about those who dare to defy the odds.