Cover-Credits:
Invictus Gaming achieved a return to Division 1 following a fantastic streak of performances in the China Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2021-22 Tour 3: Division 2. The addition of renowned support player Xu "fy" Linsen prior to the season appears to have benefited the squad. While this is a positive step for both fy and Invictus Gaming, the player stated in a recent post-match winner's interview that his goal is to win the coveted Aegis of the Champions at The International (TI). According to fy, while he has won countless awards over the course of his career, the Aegis of the Champions is the only one that captures his attention.
fy says that the Aegis of the Champions is unlike any other trophy
Following Invictus Gaming’s 2-0 triumph against Team MagMa in the final series of Division 2, fy, one of the most experienced players in Chinese Dota 2, was questioned if the trophy case at the team's bootcamp motivated him.
Perhaps alluding to the Aegis of the Champions that Invictus Gaming earned at TI2, fy stated that it is the lone trophy that he looks forward to amidst all the other ones in the case.
“I noticed that there’s the Aegis of the Immortal (Champions). That’s the only thing I pay attention to. I have many trophies as well so, besides the Aegis, none of them really got my attention. So, that’s the only one I am looking forward to.”
Fy has won multiple top-tier events across his stellar Dota 2 career. He has two second place finishes at TI4, TI8, a third place finish at TI9, and a fourth place finish at TI5, but he has never lifted the Aegis of Champions. The player, noted for his raw talent and game knowledge, has spent most of his career in the high ranks of pro Dota 2.
To have a shot at lifting the Aegis this year, fy and his teammates will have to make their way through the regional qualifier, where they will face some of the best teams from Division 1 who do not qualify through DPC points.
According to the scrims, fy stated that while they were not in their greatest form at the start, they were improving every day and providing a strong battle to other Division 1 teams.
“There’s wins and losses. I think we are in better condition right now. We have a better win rate right now. Previously, we were still a new team, we are still trying to play together, figure each other out, also Emo had some injury that’s why we were not in good shape but right now, we are definitely getting better.”
In terms of the regional qualifier, fy believes his team will have an advantage since they will be concentrating solely on it, whereas other Division 1 Chinese teams that qualify for the PGL Arlington Major will also be thinking about winning some DPC points.
The regional qualifier will take place following the PGL Arlington Major, which is to be held from 4th to 14th August. Royal Never Give Up from China has already clinched a berth at the Major, with three more seats remaining available.
