This triumph marks Liquid’s second-ever The International championship, making them only the third organisation in Dota history to win the Aegis of Champions twice, joining the ranks of OG and Team Spirit.

The grand final between Team Liquid and Gaimin Gladiators wasn’t just another Dota 2 showdown—it was the culmination of a rivalry that began at the Lima Major 2023, where Gaimin Gladiators first dealt Liquid a painful 3-0 loss.

Since then, Gladiators had become a recurring nightmare for Liquid, besting them in four more major grand finals across DreamLeague Season 19, ESL One Berlin, and the Bali Major in 2023, as well as the Riyadh Masters 2024.

However, when it mattered most, Liquid turned the tables in emphatic fashion, sweeping their longtime rivals in what would become one of the most one-sided grand finals in TI history.

Liquid’s journey to the top in Copenhagen was nothing short of flawless.

After a strong performance in the group stage, the team did not drop a single game in the playoffs, culminating in their 3-0 grand final victory.

Team Liquid dominated Gaimin Gladiators in the Grand Final, 3-0, becoming the third team in history to lift the Aegis of Champions for a second time. #Dota2 #TI13 pic.twitter.com/yGBnvmfb5t

— The International (@dota2ti) September 15, 2024

Their roster, featuring seasoned veterans like Micha? “Nisha” Jankowski, Aydin “Insania” Sarkohi, and Michael “miCKe” Vu, displayed incredible growth and unity.

Offlaner Neta “33” Shapira became the first-ever player to win The International with two different teams, while Nisha, after several close calls in previous years, finally lifted the Aegis, completing his personal journey to TI glory.

Gaimin Gladiators surprised fans in the opening game with a last-pick Rikimaru for Quinn “Quinn” Callahan to counter Nisha’s Puck.

Early skirmishes were evenly matched, but Gladiators pulled ahead with Chen’s aura-based sustain.

However, Liquid adapted by splitting the map and isolating their opponents, and with standout performances from Tusk and Visage, they swiftly took the first game in 30 minutes.

Gladiators attempted to deny Nisha’s Puck by picking it themselves in the second game, but Liquid outdrafted them with a powerful Bristleback and Shadow Demon combo.

By 12 minutes, Bristleback had an Aghanim’s Scepter, allowing Liquid to dominate the map.

Despite Gladiators’ efforts, Liquid’s control was relentless, and they closed out the game in 44 minutes.

The final game saw Quinn on Pangolier and Nisha back on his signature Puck.

Despite Gladiators’ strong early game, a key moment at 17 minutes—a perfectly timed Dream Coil and Terrorise combo—shifted momentum entirely in Liquid’s favour.

From there, Liquid methodically dismantled Gladiators, forcing them to tap out after 34 minutes, securing the 3-0 sweep.

Liquid’s coach, William “Blitz” Lee, delivered one of the most emotional post-TI speeches in recent memory, reflecting on the team’s journey through years of struggle.

“I feel like they took a chance on a guy who’s never coached a winning team before,” he said.

“We had so many losses and went five years without winning anything. And we could’ve disbanded 20 different times like people told us to.

“We didn’t even make a TI, and Liquid still kept us on.

“I didn’t do anything here; I’m just so glad that people like Zai, Nisha, Matu—they took a chance on us and were willing to play with us. And I’m so glad that I didn’t ruin Nisha’s career.”

His speech underscored the resilience and unity that defined Liquid’s journey, emphasising the importance of trusting the process and growing as a team.

Liquid’s victory at TI 2024 wasn’t just about the Aegis; it was the culmination of a five-year journey, overcoming countless setbacks to triumph on the biggest stage.

For Gaimin Gladiators, the result was another heartbreaking grand final loss, their second consecutive defeat after falling to Team Spirit at TI 2023.

Nevertheless, they leave TI 2024 as one of the strongest teams in the world, with the hope that their time will come soon.

Team Liquid’s emphatic victory in Copenhagen solidified their place among Dota 2’s elite, proving once again that perseverance, teamwork, and faith in one another can lead to the greatest of achievements.

WE ARE THE INTERNATIONAL 2024 CHAMPIONS!

HOW THE TIDES HAVE TURNED #TI13 #TLWIN pic.twitter.com/WLLe4CqjDq

— Team Liquid Dota (@teamliquiddota) September 15, 2024

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The organization acknowledged that they have ended ties with the player on mutual ground and bid him farewell in his future endeavors.

“What a journey it has been with you Nisha.Four years, more than 700 games together, we travelled the world together and cherished every single moment. Farewell, young King,” the team tweeted.

His fellow teammate Clement “Puppey” Ivanov also took to his official Twitter page to send tributes to Nisha, noting that it was a remarkable time with the Polish player on the team.

“What can I say about my boy Nisha…” Puppey said. “We’ve shared many laughs, traveled the world, and won a bunch of tournaments. I wish him all the best and hope that his fire will keep burning for many more years.”

Nisha started his run with Team Secret in September 2018 and has played a total of “700 games” while representing the team. The 22-year-old has also represented a couple of other teams, such as Let’s Do It, with which he launched his presence in the Dota 2 scene in 2014. The Polish have also represented teams such as Team Singularity, ALTERNATE aTTaX, and a couple of others.

The midlaner has made a name for himself and has amazed spectators in several of his games. Nisha was the first player from Poland to attend The International as a player. And this he achieved in 2019, when Team Secret qualified through the Dota Pro Circuit. He has also been named by the 2020 Esports Awards as the Esports PC Player of the Year.

At the TI10, Nisha was also part of Team Secret when they emerged in third place, and most recently at the TI11, the team gave a marvelous run, earning a second place just behind Tundra Esports, which was crowned the winner of the Valve tournament.

Team Secret’s roster currently includes carry player Remco “Crystallis” Arets, Ukrainian offlaner Roman “Resolut1on” Fomynok, support player Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, Baqyt “Zayac” Emiljanov, who only joined the team in July, and South Korean Coach Lee “Heen” Seung Gon.

Currently, it is unclear what Nisha’s plans are or which player will replace him on the top tier team. Nonetheless, it is likely that the player may find a team in the coming weeks or is already in talks with other Dota 2 teams, being that the 2023 Dota 2 season is around the corner.

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