Falcons Leave Dota 2 a Year After Winning the Aegis

Transfer Market

07 September 2026 15:24

Well, that was unexpected.

The Saudi organisation confirmed its exit on 6 September, ending a run that started in 2023.

"Farewell, Dota 2. It's been an incredible ride. Thanks to the players, staff, and the community for the unforgettable memories."

The team stated "While Dota 2 holds a legendary place in competitive gaming, our global focus is shifting toward expanding ecosystems that offer greater strategic alignment and long-term operational sustainability for our organisation."

The record

Skiter, Malr1ne, ATF, Cr1t- and Sneyking, coached by Aui_2000, stayed together for nearly three years, the longest-tenured lineup in the scene.

799 games, 65.4% win rate
11 trophies in the post-DPC era, seven of them Tier 1
The Aegis at TI 2025 in Hamburg, 3-2 over Xtreme Gaming
A 3-0 grand final at DreamLeague Season 23 against Gaimin Gladiators
ESL One Birmingham 2024 and BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024
Top of the ESL Pro Tour Season 2 leaderboard

Then 2026 happened

Defending champions, thirteen events, one Tier 1 title.

They still got a direct invite to TI 2026 as reigning champions and went 3-2 in groups, swept Vici Gaming to reach the main stage, then lost 1-2 to Nigma Galaxy in the upper bracket opener and 1-2 to Team Liquid on the way down.

Cr1t- had already told the TI broadcast that everyone knew it was probably the last tournament for the roster together.

Where everyone goes

Skiter, Malr1ne, ATF and Sneyking are free agents with no announcements yet.

Cr1t- has signalled he's likely done, saying after elimination that it was probably his final International, though he hasn't posted a formal retirement yet.

Aui_2000 confirmed his own retirement to esports.ru, closing a career with three Aegis wins: as a player with Evil Geniuses in 2015, then as coach for Tundra in 2022 and Falcons in 2025.

ATF: "very grateful to have played in this organization, many memorable moments and legendary wins shared."

Sneyking "Without this organization we wouldn't have been able achieve some of the greatest peaks in dota."

More:Falcons' Seventh Straight Final Loss Buries the Superteam Myth

Tags: Team Falcons

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