How The International Trophy Became the Dota 2 Victory Symbol

The Aegis of the Champions is a symbol of the highest achievement in the world of esports related to Dota 2, growing in significance with each passing year. This artifact, awarded to the winners of The International, not only highlights their outstanding gaming achievements but also serves as a reminder of their path to glory.
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Aegis as an In-Game Item in Dota 2
In Dota 2, Aegis of the Immortal is one of the many unique and one of the most powerful items a player can have. This can be gotten by killing Roshan, one of the fiercest neutral bosses in the game. The Aegis allows its owner, to come back to life after being killed, and this assumes different dynamics of war and strategy to the teams. Players who possess the Aegis do not usually fear death. Even though they can die, they know they still possess a second life that is often helpful in bringing about a turn around in the game.
Credit: Valve Corporation
However the Aegis of the Immortal is highly beneficial, especially in the late game when the outcome of the match may be decided by a single battle. For this reason gaining an upper-hand over Roshan and therefore the Aegis becomes a major focus of every competitive Dota 2 game.
Aegis of the Champions: A Symbol of Triumph at The International
But in the community, ‘Aegis’ refers often not to the in-game item but to the main prize of the Championship — the Aegis of the Champions. In other words, it is the trophy that is carved in the form of the disc with the most distinct design in the field of Dota 2.
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The International, an annual world championship for Dota 2 organized by Valve, is one of the most prestigious tournaments in esports. The winners of The International receive the Aegis of the Champions, which not only attests to their skill but also immortalizes their names in the game's history. The names of all team members are engraved on the back of the trophy, making this artifact even more significant.
Appearance of the Aegis of the Champions
The Aegis of Champions is a huge decorated disk like the Aegis Moore in Dota 2. It embodies both mythological and fantasy elements and its being a shield in every sense also gives rise to a notion of superiority and triumph. The Aegis is decorated with various kinds of stylized symbols and runes at the front; the back is with the names of all the team members who once lifted the trophy as engravings.
Credit: Valve Corporation
The golden color of the Aegis and its detailed design highlight the grandeur and exclusivity of this award, making it one of the most coveted trophies in the world of esports.
Who Held the Aegis: The International Champions
Since its inception in 2011, the Aegis of the Champions has been awarded to numerous teams, each of which has left its mark on Dota 2 history. Below is a table of all the teams that have held the Aegis from 2011 to 2023:
Year | Champion |
---|---|
2011 | Natus Vincere |
2012 | Invictus Gaming |
2013 | Alliance |
2014 | Newbee |
2015 | Evil Geniuses |
2016 | Wings Gaming |
2017 | Team Liquid |
2018 | OG |
2019 | OG |
2020 | Natus Vincere |
2021 | PSG.LGD |
2022 | Tundra Esports |
2023 | Team Spirit |
Each of these teams has made a significant contribution to the development and popularity of Dota 2, and their names will forever be associated with the legendary Aegis of the Champions.
Aegis on the Dota 2 Map
Interestingly, the Aegis of the Champions can also be found on the Dota 2 map. In the top right corner of the map, the image of the Aegis is displayed, reminding players of the greatest achievements in esports. By clicking on this element, players can view a list of all the previous winners of The International, making the game even more interactive and historically significant.
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This addition to the map is not just a visual element but a tribute to all those who have reached the pinnacle of Dota 2, serving as a constant reminder of what millions of players worldwide strive for.
Conclusion
The Aegis of the Champions is not just a reward. The Aegis, Heroes, as it is formally known, is a constant reminder of the glory of the esports hero – as the quest of champions is termed, every year it is one other stunning deed that bears multiplication. It helps bridge gaps between lore periods as well as fans and players, forging a routine that has been able to grow for decades and many more ordinary gamers turned professional wow players. The Aegis history is synonymous with The International history, although, every year this victory sash returns to its new owners and the history begins all over again since 2011 age.