Dota 2’s Greatest Underdog Runs That Shocked the Esports World

Dota 2 has always been a game of giants, but some of its most unforgettable moments come from teams that had no business winning—until they did. Whether it was last-minute roster changes, lower-bracket miracles, or sheer willpower, these underdog stories remind us why we love esports. Here are three of the most legendary runs that proved anything is possible.

OG’s Unbelievable TI8 Run (2018)

OG wasn’t just an underdog at The International 8—they were practically written off before the tournament even started. Months before TI, the team fell apart, losing key players and scrambling to rebuild. They had to fight their way through the Open Qualifiers just to get a spot in the event. Analysts didn’t give them much of a chance.

Then, somehow, everything clicked. Led by N0tail, OG started dismantling top teams—VGJ.Storm, Evil Geniuses, and PSG.LGD. Their playstyle was unpredictable, their teamwork unshakable, and their resilience unmatched. The Grand Finals against PSG.LGD was an all-time classic, with OG pulling off a nerve-wracking 3-2 victory to claim the Aegis. It wasn’t just an underdog story—it was one of the greatest esports moments ever.

Team Spirit’s Fairytale at TI10 (2021)

If OG’s TI8 win was unexpected, Team Spirit’s TI10 run was straight-up unbelievable. They weren’t on anyone’s list of favorites, and after landing in the lower bracket early on, most assumed their run would be short-lived. But they had other plans.

One by one, they knocked out some of the tournament’s biggest names—two-time defending champions OG, regional powerhouse Virtus.pro, and a red-hot Invictus Gaming. Then, they took down Team Secret and made it to the Grand Finals.

Their opponent? PSG.LGD—again the heavy favorites. But Spirit wasn’t fazed. Collapse’s Magnus plays became legendary, and in a dramatic five-game series, they shocked the world with a 3-2 win. From a lower-bracket afterthought to lifting the Aegis, Team Spirit’s run was the kind of magic that only happens once in a lifetime.

Ad Finem’s Wild Ride at The Boston Major (2016)

Not every underdog story ends with a trophy, but sometimes, just getting to the finals is enough to make history. That was the case for Ad Finem at The Boston Major.

The Greek squad had no real international success before the tournament, but they played with a level of passion that made them impossible to ignore. They took down heavyweights like Newbee and Digital Chaos, riding their momentum all the way to the Grand Finals against OG.

They didn’t win in the end, but their aggressive playstyle and fearless attitude made them instant fan favorites. Boston was a turning point—not just for Ad Finem, but for underdog teams everywhere. They proved that heart and grit can take you further than anyone expects.

Dota 2 has given us plenty of dominant teams, but the real magic happens when the unexpected unfolds. These runs weren’t just about winning—they were about proving that anything is possible. Because in Dota, the game isn’t over until it’s over, and sometimes, the biggest dreams come true.