Aurora Gaming defeated Team Spirit 3-2 in the FISSURE Universe Episode 8 grand final to secure the organisation’s first-ever tournament victory.
Eastern European team
Aurora Gaming has claimed the organisation’s first-ever Dota 2 trophy following an intense victory over 
Team Spirit at FISSURE Universe Episode 8. The win comes off the back of a Cinderella run, as the team battled through the qualifiers before eventually toppling the favourites in the grand finals, taking home US$125,000 in prize money.
Aurora notably achieved this momentous feat without its full roster. The team’s midlaner, 
Rafli Fathur “Mikoto” Rahman, had to step away to settle visa applications as the organisation prepares for upcoming LAN events. This prompted Ukrainian player 
Artem “Lorenof” Melnick to stand in throughout both the qualifiers and the main event.
The odds were further stacked against Aurora after a rough start to the season. The team finished among the bottom placements at last December’s DreamLeague Season 27, ending in 17th–21st place. Aurora also failed to qualify for DreamLeague Season 28 after losing to BetBoom Team in the Eastern European rounds. Overall, things were not looking promising for Aurora heading into their first tournament of the year–but surprises ensued.
Aurora’s path to victory at FISSURE Universe Episode 8
Aurora’s triumphant journey began in the Play-In qualifier, where the team prevailed over Nigma Galaxy, Virtus.pro, and several other stacks. Unsurprisingly, Aurora advanced to the main event in convincing fashion.
However, doubts remained over whether the team could maintain that dominance, as they were set to face a far more formidable lineup–including Team Spirit, Team Yandex, and MOUZ, arguably the strongest-performing teams at the start of the season.
Against all odds, Aurora delivered a strong showing. Over the course of the four-day event, the team cruised through the upper bracket, defeating 
BetBoom Team, 
Team Yandex, and Team Spirit. Aurora later faced Team Spirit once again in a grand final rematch, where they held their nerve in a tightly contested series to win the series 3–2.
This first tournament victory is sure to provide a major confidence boost for Aurora as they look ahead to bigger events, with PGL Wallachia Season 7 and ESL One Birmingham already confirmed.
Before those marquee tournaments, however, Aurora will compete in DreamLeague Division 2 Season 3, starting tomorrow, as they pursue another chance to qualify for DreamLeague Season 28.
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