Wings Gaming

Rise of a Champion

Wings Gaming was established in the middle of 2014, following the roster changes that occurred after The International 2014. The specific roster that would go on to win the world championship was assembled in August 2015. The team's early results were modest, including a 17th to 20th place finish at the Dota 2 Asia Championships in 2015.

Their breakthrough year was 2016. They began by winning ESL One Manila, then secured a second-place finish at the Nanyang Dota 2 Championships Season 2. A victory at The Summit 5 confirmed their status as a top contender heading into the year's biggest event.

The International 2016 Triumph

At The International 2016, Wings Gaming delivered one of the most impressive performances in Dota 2 history. They defeated Digital Chaos in the grand finals to claim the Aegis of Champions. This victory earned the team a first prize of over $9 million, a sum that set a Guinness World Record for the largest first prize in an esports tournament at the time.

The win was notable not just for the prize money, but for the team's style of play. Wings were celebrated for their aggressive strategies and a deep hero pool, which made them unpredictable and difficult for opponents to prepare against. They were often described as a dark horse that captured the imagination of fans.

Post-TI6 Success and Recognition

Following their win, Wings Gaming continued to perform strongly in late 2016. They won the Nanyang Cruise Cup and the Northern Arena BEAT Invitational, and placed fourth at The Summit 6. Their success transcended esports, earning them a nomination in the best non-Olympic athlete category of the 2016 Chinese Top 10 Laureus Sport Awards, a first for an esports team. They were also nominated for esports team of the year at The Game Awards 2016.

Disbandment and Legacy

The team's competitive run came to an abrupt end in early 2017. Just before the Kiev Major in April, all five members of the playing roster left Wings Gaming. They competed at that tournament under the name Team Random, but finished in last place and disbanded shortly after, with most players taking a break from professional play.

This breakup marked the effective end of Wings Gaming as a competitive force. The organization has had no active teams since. The former world champions briefly reunited for an exhibition match at the Chongqing Major in 2019, providing a nostalgic moment for fans. Despite their short time at the top, Wings Gaming left a mark on Dota 2, remembered for their championship run, record-breaking earnings, and dynamic playstyle.

Notable Tournament Results

Wings Gaming's competitive record is headlined by their victory at The International 2016. Other key achievements in 2016 include first place at ESL One Manila, The Summit 5, the Nanyang Cruise Cup, and the Northern Arena BEAT Invitational. They also placed second at the Nanyang Dota 2 Championships Season 2.

In 2017, before the roster departed, they managed a 3rd-4th place finish at ESL One Genting and a 9th-12th place finish at the Dota 2 Asia Champions 2017. Earlier in their development, they had placed 13th-16th at the Manila Major and 9th-16th at the Boston Major in 2016.