AVULUS has formally disbanded its Dota 2 roster after a string of disappointing outcomes all through the 2025 season.
Regardless of qualifying for a number of S-Tier LAN occasions within the 12 months, the workforce not often superior past the underside locations. Nonetheless, the group says it stays dedicated to the scene and is already planning to return with a brand new roster coming into 2026.
Tal “Fly” Aizik enjoying for AVULUS Picture Credit score: PGL
A Season of Missed Alternatives
AVULUS’ 2025 marketing campaign was primarily met with frustration. The workforce secured slots at main occasions, together with ESL One Raleigh, DreamLeague, and PGL Wallachia, the place it had the chance to play on Dota’s largest levels. Nonetheless, they constantly did not advance previous the group levels. AVULUS usually ended occasions with last-place finishes.
Even in on-line competitions, the roster couldn’t discover any consistency. Regardless of being a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, AVULUS did not take down weaker competitors to win smaller-scale occasions.
Consequently, the complete squad, besides for 2 members, has been launched from the roster, as confirmed within the group’s official assertion.
Former AVULUS gamers:
Aliaksei “Smiling Knight” Svirydau (Retained)
Vitaliy “Worick” Brezgin (Retained)
Andreas “Xibbe” Ragnemalm
Athanasios “dEsire” Kartsabas
Tal “Fly” Aizik
The Fragility of the Dota 2 Tier 1.5 Ecosystem
AVULUS’ struggles might spotlight what many consult with because the “Tier 1.5 downside” in Dota 2 and esports on the whole. The workforce was sturdy sufficient to battle by means of qualifiers and earn S-Tier slots, however was not often aggressive as soon as going through the very best groups within the scene.
There’s a transparent hole between the world’s elite and squads like AVULUS, making a cycle the place groups qualify, underperform, and finally collapse underneath the load of expectations and prices.
It’s a really acquainted story throughout the esports ecosystem. Lately, Shopify Riot withdrew from the scene, regardless of being a extra established group with higher monetary backing. This was on account of lackluster outcomes, regardless of its roster brimming with potential.
AVULUS’ exit looks like a reminder of how fragile the aggressive atmosphere could be, particularly in case your workforce is caught between Tier 1 and Tier 2. Low placements in tournaments, even the largest ones, simply don’t reduce it typically.
A Plan to Return
Not like some orgs which have exited the scene instantly, AVULUS emphasised its intention to remain throughout the house. Of their announcement, the workforce confirmed plans to rebuild and return for the subsequent season.
For now, solely Smiling Knight and Worick will stay within the group, although there’s no assure they’ll be a part of the ultimate lineup subsequent season, as roster modifications are nonetheless doable.
Given the timing, it’s apparent AVULUS will probably look to the eventual post-TI shuffle, when free brokers and roster swaps are plentiful. With the best pickups and strikes, AVULUS may come again stronger in 2026.
What Does This Imply for Tier 2 Dota?
The collapse of the AVULUS roster is a harsh reminder of how precarious life could be once you’re not within the high tier. With out deep event runs, monetary backing rapidly turns into unsure, and you may by no means assure your slot on the workforce.
Nonetheless, AVULUS’ determination to stay round does supply a glimmer of hope. Whereas this mission didn’t work out, its dedication to the subsequent season does give Tier 2 rivals a sigh of reduction – displaying that some organizations are nonetheless prepared to take a position and doubtlessly encourage others to do the identical.
