Chinese Squad Wins Dota 2 LAN Championship Over One of the Favorites at TI14

Team Tidebound achieved a remarkable victory for Chinese Dota 2 by securing the Clavision Masters 2025 trophy after a thrilling 3-2 battle against the favorites, Tundra Esports. The grand finale, held at the Bo Ao Indoor Stadium in Zhangjiakou, not only assigned a champion but also made history.

This marks the first occasion in several years that a Chinese team has triumphed in a premier Dota 2 LAN event, ending a prolonged international drought and sparking enthusiasm across the nation. Despite the absence of well-known teams like Team Spirit and Team Falcons, the Clavision Masters managed to gather some of the world’s top squads including Tundra, BetBoom Team, and Gaimin Gladiators.

However, it was Tidebound who ultimately excelled. After initially facing defeat against Tundra in the early stages of the tournament, they demonstrated resilience by mounting a comeback. Their decisive victory over Xtreme Gaming secured them another opportunity to contend for the title, and this time, they did not let it go to waste. The win was significant and will be remembered by fans for a long time.

Team Tidebound’s players demonstrated remarkable determination to clinch the grand finals against Tundra Esports.

The grand finals of the Clavision Masters 2025 delivered the excitement fans anticipated, filled with suspense throughout all five games. Tundra Esports started strong in game one, employing an aggressive strategy revolving around 33’s Bristleback that allowed them to command the map and secure a win. Nevertheless, Team Tidebound responded with renewed energy in game two, showcasing improved teamwork and late-game strategies, highlighted by carry player Shiro’s impressive performance on Weaver, which turned crucial team fights in Tidebound’s favor.

In game three, the reliable offlaner Bach shone with a fantastic display on Queen of Pain, enabling Tidebound to maintain pressure and control over vision. Tundra was not to be underestimated, however, as they regrouped in game four, leveraging strong lane control that transitioned into a remarkable performance by Bzm on Invoker, forcing the series into a decisive fifth game.

That’s when Tidebound truly exhibited their capabilities. With intelligent drafting, adaptable strategies, and impeccable execution during teamfights, they took command of the final match. Shiro’s Medusa emerged as the key player in the late game, leading Tidebound to a 44-minute victory amid a jubilant home crowd.

Will Team Tidebound maintain their momentum for The International 2025?

For Team Tidebound, this victory represents more than just a trophy; it could herald a new chapter for Chinese Dota 2. Securing the Clavision Masters title, especially as the region’s first top-tier LAN victory in several years, evokes memories of a time when China consistently led in esports. More than mere nostalgia, it sends a powerful message: they are ready to reclaim their status as contenders.

With $213,500 in prize earnings and enthusiastic support from the local audience, Tidebound’s victory has generated significant excitement among Chinese Dota enthusiasts. It serves as a reminder of the rapid shifts in momentum within esports, positioning the spotlight squarely on them.

As they approach The International 2025, a pressing question remains: Can this team carry the momentum from the Clavision Masters and secure an even deeper run on Dota 2’s grandest stage against powerhouse teams like Spirit, Falcons, Aurora, and other strong contenders from various regions?