In the fiercely competitive world of Dota 2, numerous teams rise and fall, but only a few manage to make a lasting impact. One of the newest teams making waves in the European Dota 2 scene is AVULUS. Despite being formed recently in mid-2024, AVULUS has quickly built a reputation for its skilled roster and promising performances in several major tournaments. This article takes an in-depth look at AVULUS, its history, current roster, achievements, upcoming events, and its potential in the ever-evolving Dota 2 esports scene.
AVULUS – Team Formation and Early History
AVULUS is a professional European Dota 2 team that was formed in late spring 2024. The team was established with a strong competitive vision, aiming to participate in top-tier tournaments. Their first significant milestone came when they received a direct invitation to the closed qualifiers of the Elite League Season 2 in the Eastern European region.
In August 2024, AVULUS further solidified its place in the competitive circuit by participating in the open qualifiers for PGL Wallachia Season 2, where they emerged victorious and secured a spot in the closed stage of the qualifiers. This early success demonstrated the team’s potential and set the stage for future performances.
AVULUS – Current Roster
AVULUS boasts a well-rounded and talented roster composed of experienced players from prominent teams. As of 2025, the active roster includes:
- Smiling Knight (Aliaksei Svirydau) – Carry player, joined on August 29, 2024.
- Stormstormer (Daniel Schoetzau) – Midlaner, joined from EggiEggi on August 9, 2024.
- Xibbe (Andreas Ragnemalm) – Offlaner, formerly from CF, joined on August 6, 2024.
- Ekki (Marcel Hołowienko) – Semi-support, previously with Team Tea, joined on August 6, 2024.
- SoNNeikO (Akbar Butaev) – Full support and team captain, joined from DARKon August 6, 2024.
This skilled lineup combines youthful energy and veteran experience, allowing AVULUS to compete with some of the best teams in the Dota 2 scene.
Former Players
A notable former player of AVULUS is Mikey (Kasra Mesbah), who was originally part of the team’s roster but departed on August 8, 2024. Despite his short stint with the team, his contributions played a role in shaping AVULUS’s early strategy.
Coaching and Management
Behind every great Dota 2 team is an equally great coaching and management staff. AVULUS is no exception:
- Coach: Mag~ (Andrij Chipenko) – Joined the team on August 29, 2024.
- Team Manager: poppy_bo (Tatiana Zhuravleva) – Appointed on August 29, 2024.
The combined experience of the coaching and management team plays a crucial role in defining AVULUS’s playstyle and fostering team synergy.
Major Tournaments and Achievements
Since its inception, AVULUS has actively participated in multiple tournaments, proving their capability and ambition. Some key tournaments they have competed in include:
- Cyberscore.live Cup – Participated in June 2024.
- PGL Wallachia Season 2 – Advanced through the open qualifiers to the closed stage.
- FISSURE PLAYGROUND #1 – An ongoing tournament as of January 2025.
- DreamLeague Season 25 – Scheduled for February 16, 2025.
- PGL Wallachia Season 3 – Secured a berth in the closed qualifiers, scheduled for March 8, 2025.
- ESL One Raleigh 2025 – Expected participation on April 7, 2025.
Performance and Rankings
Despite being a relatively new team, AVULUS has already established itself as a formidable competitor. According to the Ensigame Dota 2 Ranking, AVULUS currently holds the #11 spot with an Ensi.Score of 1720. This ranking reflects the team’s strong performances in recent tournaments.
Financial Performance
AVULUS has managed to secure a total tournament earning of approximately $290,000 since its formation. As the team progresses and secures further victories, this figure is expected to grow significantly.
Upcoming Matches and Notable Opponents
One of the highly anticipated upcoming matches for AVULUS is their clash against Talon in the FISSURE PLAYGROUND #1 on January 27, 2025. This match is expected to test AVULUS’s strategic adaptability and coordination.
Another crucial encounter to look out for is their matches against Team Liquid, a team they have previously faced with mixed results. Predictions often favor Team Liquid due to its extensive experience, but AVULUS has shown its ability to defy expectations.
How to Follow AVULUS’s Matches
For fans who want to stay updated on AVULUS’s progress, here’s how you can follow their matches:
- Visit Liquipedia for updated tournament schedules.
- Follow their live streams on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming.
- Check out their social media channels for announcements and updates.
- Join Dota 2 esports forums and communities for discussions and analysis.
FAQ – AVULUS and Dota 2
What is AVULUS?
AVULUS is a professional European Dota 2 team formed in 2024, competing in major tournaments.
Who are the current members of AVULUS?
The team consists of Smiling Knight, Stormstormer, Xibbe, Ekki, and SoNNeikO.
Who is AVULUS’s team captain?
SoNNeikO, also known as Akbar Butaev, serves as the team captain and full support player.
What tournaments has AVULUS participated in?
AVULUS has played in events like PGL Wallachia Season 2, DreamLeague Season 25, and the Cyberscore.live Cup.
Who is AVULUS’s coach?
AVULUS is coached by Mag~, who joined the team in August 2024.
What is AVULUS’s biggest achievement so far?
Their qualification for PGL Wallachia Season 3 and a rank of #11 in the Ensigame Dota 2 Ranking are among their notable achievements.
Where can I watch AVULUS’s games live?
AVULUS’s games can be watched on Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and tournament platforms like ESL and PGL.
How much prize money has AVULUS won?
As of 2025, AVULUS has accumulated total winnings of around $290,000.
What is AVULUS’s playstyle?
AVULUS emphasizes aggressive early-game rotations, strong laning strategies, and efficient team fights.
Who manages AVULUS?
The team is managed by Tatiana Zhuravleva (poppy_bo), who joined in 2024.
AVULUS is a rising force in the Dota 2 competitive scene. With a talented roster, strategic gameplay, and rising rankings, the team is expected to be a significant contender in upcoming tournaments. Dota 2 fans should keep an eye on AVULUS as they continue their journey to the top.
