Vici Gaming returns to Dota 2 scene with powerhouse lineup for TI 2025 run

Vici Gaming has returned to Dota 2 with a roster of its former players in a bid to qualify for TI 2025.

Legendary Chinese organisation Vici Gaming (VG) has officially returned to the competitive Dota 2 scene, fielding a star-studded lineup for the upcoming qualifiers of The International (TI) 2025, the game’s annual world championship.

A staple in Chinese Dota, VG is widely regarded as one of the most successful teams in the region’s history. The team made an impressive debut TI 2014, finishing second, followed by a fourth place result the next year, and Top 6 finishes in both TI 2019 and TI 2021. Despite its consistent performance over the past decade, the organisation encountered a period of decline, ultimately resulting in its disbandment.

In May 2023, struggling to find form in the now-defunct Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) Chinese regional league. They placed 7th in Division I, resulting in relegation. Rather than continue, the team disbanded and faded from the scene.

But VG is now officially back. The organisation recently registered a new roster for the upcoming TI 2025 qualifiers, marking its return after two years of absence.

Vici Gaming’s new Dota 2 roster

VG’s new lineup some of the most iconic names from the Chinese Dota scene, namely Chengjun “Paparazi灬” Zhang (registered under the name ‘kikyo’), Jiaoyang “Ori” Zeng, Haiyang “Yang” Zhou, Liangzhi “KAKA” Hu, and Cong “Dy” Ding.

This veteran roster consists of players who are all making comebacks after extended periods of inactivity, and all of them have already played for VG in the past.

Paparazi灬, known for his high-tier carry performances, represented VG from 2017 to 2020 before moving to Elephant and later Xtreme Gaming. He has been inactive since July 2023.

Mid laner Ori is best remembered for his time with Team Aster, where he helped the team secure a fourth place finish at TI 2022. He then underwent a year of retirement before coming back with Azure Ray for the 2024 season, but went inactive again in July last year.

Joining them is veteran captain Kaka, renowned for leading Invictus Gaming to victory at the ONE Esports Singapore Major 2021 and a fourth place finish at TI 2021. Following that, he played for Royal Never Give Up, Xtreme Gaming, and most recently Team Aster, which he left in November 2023 before stepping away from the scene.

Long-time VG player Yang also returns, resuming his role as an offlaner after going inactive in May 2023. Rounding out the roster is Dy, another familiar face within the organisation, who will take on the position five support role, marking his return from retirement since October last year.

VG to compete in TI 2025 qualifiers

The newly formed VG roster will have limited time to practice before the TI 2025 Chinese qualifier begins. Currently, the players are warming up in the ongoing Chinese tournament, Dota 2 Immortals Cup Season 1, although they are not representing VG and are competing on separate stacks.

The first TI open qualifier will take place from 2 to 3 June, followed by a second open qualifier from 4 to 5 June. Three teams from each open qualifier will advance to the closed qualifier, where they will be joined by directly invited teams, Xtreme Gaming and Yakult Brothers.

The competition is expected to be even more intense following the recent announcement of Somnus returning with Azure Ray in a bid to qualify for TI 2025.

Unfortunately for China Dota enthusiasts, only one team from the China qualifier will secure a coveted spot at The International. The winner will join their fellow Chinese team All Gamers Global, formerly known as Team Tidebound, who have already received a direct invite to the world championship.