Invictus Gaming shine in China Kiev Major qualifiers

Invcitus Gaming’s potential has started to surface this season, reaching the top during the China Kiev Major qualifiers. The Chinese team took the top place and seed in the group stage and then became the second of the organization’s teams to lay claim to the main event spot. Xu “BurNIng” Zhilei and company will be heading to the Kiev Major to take place between April 27th – April 30th, joining Wings Gaming, Digital Chaos, Evil Geniuses, Newbee, OG, Team Liquid, Ad Finem, Team VG.J, Team Faceless, TnC Pro, iG.Vitality, Virtus.Pro, Team Secret, Team Onyx and SG esports.

Invictus Gaming fully emerged from the fog and recent obscurity during the China Kiev Major qualifiers.

After rough stretch and spate of disappointing finishes for the last year, the team faded into the background of the Chinese Dota 2 scene.

Quietly and surely the team has stuck together and continued to grind through – with the most satisfying result – a place in the Kiev Major.

Invcitus Gaming topped the group stage with a 7:2 record. In the playoffs, they continued to show dominance and power, but fell to their sister team iG.Vitality in the upper bracket finals, losing out on seizing the first qualifying slot.

In the lower brackets they faced ViCi Gaming in a three game battle. Following two hard fought matches for each team, Invictus Gaming sealed the deal and their fate in the deciding game in only 24 minutes. Led by a Burning on Vengeful Spirit, the team snatched away any hopes left for ViCi Gaming.

Their win secured them a place among the best at the Kiev Major.

All 16 teams are now officially decided and getting ready to prepare.

Invictus Gaming China Kiev Major qualifiers winners

Burning at The Summit 3

Invictus Gaming had a very difficult time last year. After a disappointing 12th place finish at TI5, the team was once again subject to nonstop roster changes and instability – resulting in little to no achievements. It marked the first time that the organization and Luo “Ferrari_430” Feich did not participate in the Internationals since TI1.

The iconic and TI2 championship organization has made some drastic changes to their roster for the upcoming Fall Major 2016 season, adding famed veteran Xu “BurNIng” Zhilei and Fu “Q” Bin to the squad, moving Ou “Op” Peng up from IG.Vitality.

At the end of August, Luo “Ferrari_430” Feichi left Invictus Gaming after more than 5 years with the organization.At this time it is unknown as to the future status of the highly acclaimed ‘pianist’.

Chen “Rong” Jingwu and Zhao “qd” Shungeng have also been replaced on the squad, leaving Lin “Xxs” Jing and Ye “BoBoKa” Zhibiao left on the lineup.

Introduced to DotA by his friends, at the end of 2007, it wouldn’t be until his last DotA 1 team, DK, transitioned to Dota 2 that Burning would make his first splash into the scene. The Chinese star stayed with DK until after TI4, when he left the team after a fourth place finish, and decided to retire from competitive play temporarily. Burning is regarded as one of the best and most experienced carry players in the world, probably the most famous Chinese Dota 2 player of all time, considered by many a legend. With such steep and enormous revere from others and a nickname of B-God. He is the exemplification of consistency and superior performances. He has an exceptional ability to farm while still remaining active in the game, by supporting his team quickly in fights and taking objectives when necessary.

Q kicked off his professional Dota 2 career playing for the LGD youth squad in 2014. He transitioned with his teammates when the squad decided to go solo, under the CDEC tag. As CDEC’s captain, Q has outdrafted even the best teams in the world at TI5. His selections and leadership for execution is flawless. There is little doubt that his team respects and follows his calls and foresight.

Op has moved up from IG.Vitality to the main squad. He started his career in Dota 2 in March 2016 with the organization.

The team has stayed together since – despite subpar and disappointing results. Their commitment seems to be starting to pay off with a fourth place Dota2 Professional League Season 2 – Top at the start of the new season, 1st-2nd place in the Dota 2 Asia Championships 2017 China Qualifier and fourth place at Dota Pit League Season 5.

Invictus Gaming roster

Xu “BurNIng” Zhilei
Ou “Op” Peng
Lin “Xxs” Jing
Fu “Q” Bin
Ye “BoBoKa” Zhibiao

China Kiev Major qualifiers China Kiev Major qualifiers China Kiev Major qualifiers China Kiev Major qualifiers China Kiev Major qualifiers

Kiev Major

The Kiev Major is scheduled to take place between April 27-30th at the National Palace of Arts, in Kiev, Ukraine. National Palace of Arts is one of the main theater venues in Kiev, Ukraine. It was opened in 1970 with a seating capacity of almost 4,000 in the main concert hall – approximately the same size as Wang Theater where the Boston Major was held this last fall.

In the past, StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 hosted CS:GO at the event successfully.

The event will be hosted by PGL and will be the last Major ore-TI7.

Kiev Major teams

Kiev Major dates

• The Kiev Major group stage will take place starting April TBA.
• The Kiev Major main event will take place between April 27-30th at the National Palace of Arts, in Kiev, Ukraine.