Team Spirit Are Your Riyadh Masters 2023 Champions: Resounding 3-1 Victory over Team Liquid

The grand finals of the Riyadh Masters 2023 unfolded in an exciting showdown between Team Spirit and Team Liquid, two powerhouses from their respective regions, vying for the prestigious title and the lion's share of the jaw-dropping $15 million prize pool. After an intense series of four matches, Team Spirit emerged triumphant with a 3-1 victory over Team Liquid, marking their first major tournament win since the PGL Arlington Major in 2022. The match showcased Team Spirit's unconventional playstyle, often playing heroes that other teams have not played.

Team Liquid's Strong Start and Team Spirit's Comeback 

In the opening game, Team Liquid came out strong with a well-executed Leshrac pick that stifled Team Spirit's dramatic wombo-combo lineup. The match lasted only 33 minutes, setting a decisive tone in Liquid's favor. However, Team Spirit quickly regained their footing in game two, securing a more comfortable draft and stalling Team Liquid's early aggression. With a Batrider pick in hand, they turned the tide, leading to a 50-minute match that turned the series in their favor.

Team Spirit's dominance only intensified as the series progressed. Despite Team Liquid's return to the Leshrac pick in game three, it was not enough to counter Team Spirit's lineup, which had an unconventional Troll Warlord pick.

In the fourth and final game, Team Spirit went back to some of their comfort picks, such as  Team Spirit's exceptional coordination and execution sealed their historic victory in Riyadh, earning them the title of champions. Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk on Terrorblade, Denis "Larl" Sigitov on Snapfire, and Magomed "Collapse" Khalilov on Beastmaster.

A historical milestone and massive earnings for Team Spirit

This triumph marks a historical milestone as the players etch their names in Dota 2 history. The $5 million first-place prize propels the team to new heights, securing a third of the colossal $15 million prize pool. This achievement surpasses their earnings in the entirety of the 2023 DPC season, and it is their most significant prize since TI10, where four of the current players on Team Spirit (along with Alexander "TORONTOTOKYO" Khertek) garnered a share of over $18 million. Their remarkable feat catapults them into the top 10 highest-earning players across all esports titles, cementing their legacy as icons in the esports world.

Team Spirit's triumphant victory at the Riyadh Masters 2023 is a testament to their exceptional skills, teamwork, and determination. Defeating one of the strongest teams in the world, they showcased their prowess as champions on the grand stage. With a resounding 3-1 victory over Team Liquid, Team Spirit has solidified its place as one of the strongest teams in the competitive landscape