Ame’s pursuit of the Aegis of Champions slipped away yet again as Team Falcons edged out Xtreme Gaming 3-2 in a dramatic grand final at The International 2025.
The heartbreaking loss in Hamburg marked the third time the Dota 2 player often called “The Uncrowned King” has fallen in the deciding game of a TI grand final, repeating the pain he first endured in 2018 and again in 2021 with PSG.LGD. For a legend who has competed in seven Internationals and carried countless teams through unforgettable runs, the ultimate prize remains agonizingly out of reach.
This latest defeat adds another cruel twist to Ame’s legacy. Despite powering through a grueling lower bracket, where Xtreme Gaming eliminated several tournament favorites, Ame once again fell just short. As analysts pointed out, it was the third time a Magnus pick sealed his fate in game five of a grand final, mirroring his losses in 2018 and 2021.
Beyond his personal struggle, the result extends China’s championship drought to nearly a decade, with Wings Gaming still holding the nation’s last title from their 2016 triumph. While Ame was left to grapple with another near miss, Team Falcons cemented themselves in history.
The MENA powerhouse went unbeaten through the upper bracket and showed immense composure in the 58-minute decider, holding firm against Xtreme Gaming’s desperate comeback attempts. Their consistency was rewarded with the $1.1 million grand prize and the organization’s first TI championship, an achievement that firmly establishes them among the greats.
Skiter proved to be the final’s standout performer, delivering when it mattered most to lock in the series for Falcons. His impact was recognized as grand final MVP, while both he and longtime teammate Sneyking lifted their second Aegis, having already claimed glory with Tundra Esports in 2022. Their triumph also underscored the West’s dominance, as Falcons became the seventh team from the region to win The International.
The tournament also brought milestones that will be remembered for years. Aui_2000 etched his name deeper into Dota 2 lore by becoming the first person ever to win three TIs across roles as both player and coach, a journey that began with Evil Geniuses in 2015 before continuing with Tundra in 2022. Another emotional moment came for Cr1t-, who finally earned his first Aegis after nine attempts, a testament to resilience and dedication across nearly a decade of elite competition.
For Ame, though, the story remains bittersweet. With more than $4.4 million in career winnings and countless titles, he holds the record as the most successful player to never lift the Aegis. His brilliance and longevity are undeniable, yet his legacy will forever carry the shadow of the trophy that continues to evade him. As Team Falcons celebrated their entry into Dota’s most exclusive club, Ame and Chinese Dota were left once again waiting for a redemption that has grown elusive for nearly ten years.
