Virtus.pro, often referred to as VP, has a storied history in the competitive gaming world, cementing itself as one of the leading organizations in the Dota 2 esports scene. From its humble beginnings in the early 2000s to becoming a powerhouse in international tournaments, Virtus.pro has left an indelible mark on the landscape of professional gaming. This article dives deep into VP’s journey, exploring its origins, the evolution of its roster, major achievements, challenges, and its lasting legacy in the world of Dota 2.
The Origins of Virtus.pro – A Journey from Counter-Strike to Dota
Virtus.pro was established in 2003 by Irina “Runcha” Semenova, with its initial focus on Counter-Strike 1.6. The organization quickly expanded into other games, including DotA Allstars in 2007, capitalizing on the growing interest in competitive gaming. VP’s first Dota roster comprised prominent players such as NS, ARS-ART, Vigoss, Admiration, and Jolie. This team achieved remarkable success, clinching three MYM Prime Defending series tournaments in 2007. However, after securing a third-place victory at MYM Prime Defending 2008, the team vanished from the esports scene, leaving their fans in anticipation of their return.
Transition to Dota 2 – Rebuilding the Foundation
The resurgence of Dota 2 in 2012 saw Virtus.pro assembling a new squad to adapt to the game’s rising popularity. The lineup featured Yaroslav “NS” Kuznetsov, Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi, Alexander “Santa” Koltan, Andrey “Dread” Golubev, and Sergey “ARS-ART” Revin. Although the roster showed promise in smaller tournaments, they struggled to achieve significant milestones, leading to several roster adjustments over the months. By the end of 2012, players like KSi, Crazy, and Illidan had joined to strengthen the team.
The Struggles of Stability – Regular Roster Changes
Between 2013 and 2015, Virtus.pro faced challenges in maintaining a consistent roster. Frequent changes disrupted team synergy, impacting their performances inmajor tournaments. Despite their struggles, the team managed to secure victories at events such as BTS Europe #4 and qualified for prestigious tournaments. However, their performance at The International 2013 fell short of expectations. This phase was tumultuous but served as a stepping stone for more significant achievements that lay ahead.
The Golden Era of Virtus.pro – Climbing to Glory
Virtus.pro’s most iconic period began in 2016 with the assembly of their legendary “Golden roster,” comprising Alexey “Solo” Berezin, Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev, Vladimir “No[o]ne” Minenko, Pavel “9pasha” Khvastunov, and Ilya “Lil” Ilyuk. With unmatched chemistry and skill, this lineup achieved numerous victories, including:
- Second place at The Kiev Major 2017
- Multiple ESL One championships such as Katowice 2018 and Birmingham 2018
- Winning The Bucharest Major in 2018
- Victory at The Kuala Lumpur Major in November 2018
Though they consistently performed well, securing high placements at The International, the team never managed to win the prestigious TI championship. Nevertheless, they solidified their reputation as one of the most dominant forces in the Dota 2 scene.
Challenges – Decline and Rebuilding
The post-2018 period brought challenges for Virtus.pro, as the team struggled to match its previous performances. Key players such as RAMZES666 and 9pasha departed, leading to roster overhauls. Players like Resolut1on and epileptick1d were brought in to rejuvenate the lineup, but success remained elusive. By September 2020, a decision was made to move all players to inactive status, marking the end of an Era.
Emergence of VP.Prodigy
In November 2020, the organization promoted its youth team, VP.Prodigy, to the main roster. This refreshed lineup displayed stellar performance, particularly in the Dota Pro Circuit 2021, becoming the only team globally to achieve a 7-0 scoreline in consecutive regional leagues. However, geopolitical tensions in 2022 forced Virtus.pro to compete under the “Outsiders” name after ESL’s ban on Russian esports organizations. Despite the controversies, including disqualification from ESL One Stockholm Major due to a player-related incident, Virtus.pro remained resilient in its pursuit of competitive success.
Current Roster and Leadership
As of the latest updates, the Virtus.pro roster features notable players like Ilya “squad1x” Kuvaldin and Evgeniy “Noticed” Ignatenko, accompanied by seasoned coaching staff including Sergey “G” Bragin and analyst Timur “Ahilles” Kulmukhambetov. Although some players, such as Kiritych and Antares, are inactive, Virtus.pro continues to rebuild its legacy under experienced leadership.
Virtus.pro’s Legacy in Esports
Over its illustrious history, Virtus.pro has been represented by more than 50 players and has amassed an impressive tally of over 100 gold, 170 silver, and 220 bronze medals across multiple esports titles. Their legacy in Dota 2 is etched in memories of iconic moments, legendary plays, and their indomitable spirit.
How to Follow Virtus.pro in Dota 2?
- Visit the official website of Virtus.pro for updates.
- Follow their social media channels for live updates and announcements.
- Track their matches on platforms like Dota 2’s in-game spectating feature or Dota2ProTracker.
- Subscribe to esports streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube to catch their live games.
Virtus.pro Dota 2 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Virtus.pro?
Virtus.pro is a professional esports organization that has been active since 2003, competing in various games including Dota 2.
Who founded Virtus.pro?
Virtus.pro was founded by Irina “Runcha” Semenova in 2003.
When did Virtus.pro start competing in Dota 2?
Virtus.pro transitioned to Dota 2 in 2012 with a new roster.
What was the Golden roster of Virtus.pro?
The Golden roster featured players such as Solo, RAMZES666, No[o]ne, 9pasha, and Lil, who led the team to numerous victories from 2016 to 2018.
What were Virtus.pro’s major victories?
Virtus.pro won several prestigious tournaments, including ESL One Katowice 2018, The Bucharest Major, and The Kuala Lumpur Major.
Why did Virtus.pro compete as Outsiders?
Virtus.pro had to compete under the tag “Outsiders” after ESL’s ban on Russian esports organizations during geopolitical tensions in 2022.
Who are the current players on the Virtus.pro Dota 2 roster?
The roster includes players like Ilya “squad1x” Kuvaldin and Evgeniy “Noticed” Ignatenko, along with others.
Who is Virtus.pro’s current coach?
Sergey “G” Bragin serves as the coach of Virtus.pro’s Dota 2 team.
What challenges has Virtus.pro faced recently?
Virtus.pro has dealt with roster changes, declining performance, and geopolitical challenges, including competing under a different name in 2022.
What makes Virtus.pro a legendary Dota 2 team?
Virtus.pro’s consistent performances, iconic Golden roster, and numerous wins across major tournaments have solidified their legacy in esports.
