Remarkable throws
Ninjas in Pyjamas (during the Esportal Dota 2 League Invitational Tournament 3 finals)
In a series of back and forth throws between Ninjas in Pyjamas and Power Rangers, based on over-extension and poor decisions, NiP finally had secured a chance to win after being so far behind at the beginning of the game. In PR’s base, NiP threw themselves into the barracks only to be killed by Necro’s ulti with aghanim’s scepter. Even though the team was able to gain mega creeps, two of the Swedes had no buybacks and Power Rangers managed to advance into NiP’s base. Necro’s ulti disabled NiP from being able to defend their base and Power Rangers seized the victory. Ninjas in Pyjamas ended up winning the finals, 3:2.
Na’Vi (during the ESL One New York European Qualifiers – Semifinals)
When Na’Vi entered Vega’s base to start taking barracks, they should have just backed out, but instead they wanted to force Vega back, as they were trading barracks. They started hitting the tier 4 towers, which resulted into a disastrous team wipe. Shortly afterwards, Na’Vi started to get picked off and caught one by one. Time started to slip away from them and Vega’s heroes were better suited for the late game. Na’Vi seemed to have lost all focus and motivation, throwing useless black holes and continuing in poor team fights. Na’Vi ended up losing the series, 1:2.
Vega Squadron (during The International 5 European qualifiers group stage)
Towards the end of the series between Natus Vincere and Vega Squadron, Na’Vi had gained the lead. It started to seem almost as if Na’Vi might have been losing it all, but the Ukrainians were able to make an incredible recovery, mostly by capitalizing on Vega’s mistakes and poor decisions. Two fantastic RP’s from Danil “Dendi” Ishutin’s Magnus in their base resulted in a team wipe on Vega. Four heroes from Vega then immediately bough back into the game. Upon an attempt to re-seize the base, Alexander “XBOCT” Dashkevich and his rapier killed three heroes that had no more buybacks available and while their throne was already losing HP, Na’Vi went down the midlane to take the barracks and then the throne, right out from under Vega. Vega Squadron lost the series, 0:2.
Cloud 9 (during the DAC main event, Lower Brackets, round 3)
In a series against Team Secret, Cloud 9 went to push mid barracks and didn’t realize that Lycan and Queen of Pain were split pushing them on both sides of the map. With no TPs, Cloud 9 were forced into a situation where they also had to fight three of Team Secret’s heroes. Meanwhile, Armand “bOne7” Pittner went into Team Secret’s fountain to suicide so that he could die and buyback at their own base. However, once he had died, he didn’t have money for buyback and couldn’t do anything. Cloud 9 lost the series, 1:2.
Virtus.Pro (during The International 5)
Virtus.Pro were in the lead in a game against compLexity Gaming. coL managed to even things out from being behind 12K gold and then took the game. However, the Americans lost the series, 1:2.
Bonus: Sensational game ending (The International 5 All Star Match)
In one of the most remarkable comebacks of The International 5, as Team Chuan was about take down the throne, iceiceice kicked heroes into the fountain and saved the throne multiple times, allowing the Omniknight to then use his ultimate to make it invulnerable. Once the base was cleared of enemies, Team Notail/BigDaddy just went straight for the base. Xu “BurNIng” Zhilei picked up a dropped rapier and with SumaiL having one too, they were able to take down the throne with ease and win the game. With over 200 kills, plenty of all-chat flaming, an epic comeback and an intense game winning base race, this match could not have been any better planned, sealed and delivered if Valve had wanted it to be.
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