In the ever-shifting tides of competitive Dota 2, where legends are forged and then often swept away by new challengers, one name has now carved an absolutely indelible mark. Curtis “Aui_2000” Ling has achieved the seemingly impossible: becoming the first individual in history to win The International, Dota 2`s premier championship, a staggering three times.
A Tripartite Triumph Across Roles
The latest addition to Aui_2000`s illustrious trophy cabinet came with Team Falcons, where he masterminded their dominant run as coach at The International 2025. Their hard-fought 3-2 victory over Xtreme Gaming in a thrilling grand final not only secured the Aegis of Champions for Falcons but also cemented Ling`s status as an unparalleled strategic genius in the scene.
What makes this achievement truly extraordinary is the versatility with which Aui_2000 has claimed his titles. Unlike others who might specialize in a single role or remain with a singular championship-winning roster, Ling has demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt and excel in various capacities:
- 2015: Player – Evil Geniuses. His first taste of glory came as a formidable position 4 support for the iconic North American squad, Evil Geniuses. That roster`s innovative playstyle and Ling`s crucial contributions culminated in one of TI`s most memorable triumphs.
- 2022: Coach – Tundra Esports. After transitioning from professional play to a coaching role, Aui_2000 guided Tundra Esports to an unexpected yet incredibly well-deserved victory at The International 2022. His strategic insights and drafting prowess were widely credited for Tundra`s meteoric rise and championship run.
- 2025: Coach – Team Falcons. Proving that his success in 2022 was no fluke, Ling once again stood at the helm of a championship team, leading Team Falcons through the crucible of TI 2025. This latest win solidifies his reputation as perhaps the most effective mind in Dota 2 esports, capable of elevating different teams to the pinnacle of competition.
The Uncharted Territory of Three Aegises
Before Ling`s third triumph, the prestigious club of two-time TI winners was exclusive enough, a testament to enduring excellence. To surpass that, and to do so across different eras and, crucially, in different core roles (player and coach), speaks volumes about his profound understanding of Dota 2 and his leadership capabilities. It`s a feat that redefines “legendary” in esports.
“Winning The International is notoriously difficult. The pressure, the constantly evolving meta, the sheer talent pool – it all conspires to make a single victory a monumental task. To achieve it thrice, in roles demanding fundamentally different skill sets, borders on the audacious. One might almost suspect Aui_2000 has a secret blueprint for success, or perhaps just an uncanny ability to predict the future of the game.”
The International 2025: A Stage for History
The International 2025, held from September 4 to 14 in Germany, served as the backdrop for this historic event. Sixteen of the world`s elite Dota 2 teams converged, vying for a prize pool of $2.6 million. This year, the prize fund`s structure saw a portion influenced by the sales of participant and caster bundles, adding a fresh dimension to community engagement and direct support for the competitive ecosystem.
Team Falcons` journey to the grand final was marked by resilience and strategic depth, culminating in their epic showdown against Xtreme Gaming. The 3-2 scoreline suggests a battle fought tooth and nail, a fitting challenge for a team destined to make history under Aui_2000`s guidance.
A Legacy Defined by Mastery and Adaptability
Curtis “Aui_2000” Ling`s third Aegis is not merely another trophy; it`s a testament to sustained excellence, adaptability, and an unparalleled strategic mind. He has demonstrated that true mastery in esports transcends individual mechanical skill, encompassing deep game knowledge, leadership, and the ability to inspire a team to perform at its absolute peak. In a game where the meta shifts like sand, Aui_2000 remains a constant, a beacon of competitive achievement, and now, undeniably, the most decorated champion in The International`s storied history.
