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 yr, the group 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 group 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 phases. Nonetheless, they persistently did not advance previous the group phases. AVULUS typically 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.
In consequence, 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 confer with because the “Tier 1.5 drawback” in Dota 2 and esports generally. The group was robust sufficient to battle by way of qualifiers and earn S-Tier slots, however was not often aggressive as soon as going through the perfect 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 ultimately collapse underneath the load of expectations and prices.
It’s a really acquainted story throughout the esports ecosystem. Not too long ago, Shopify Riot withdrew from the scene, regardless of being a extra established group with higher monetary backing. This was resulting from lackluster outcomes, regardless of its roster brimming with potential.
AVULUS’ exit looks like a reminder of how fragile the aggressive setting will be, particularly in case your group is caught between Tier 1 and Tier 2. Low placements in tournaments, even the largest ones, simply don’t minimize it typically.
A Plan to Return
In contrast to some orgs which have exited the scene instantly, AVULUS emphasised its intention to remain inside the house. Of their announcement, the group confirmed plans to rebuild and return for the following 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 doubtless look to the eventual post-TI shuffle, when free brokers and roster swaps are plentiful. With the suitable pickups and strikes, AVULUS might 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 will be whenever you’re not within the high tier. With out deep event runs, monetary backing rapidly turns into unsure, and you’ll by no means assure your slot on the group.
Nonetheless, AVULUS’ determination to stay round does provide a glimmer of hope. Whereas this venture didn’t work out, its dedication to the following season does give Tier 2 opponents a sigh of aid – displaying that some organizations are nonetheless keen to take a position and doubtlessly encourage others to do the identical.
