The renowned Chinese esports organization Vici Gaming has officially announced its comeback to competitive Dota 2. After a period of absence and internal restructuring, the storied team is making headlines once more with a revamped roster ready to challenge the international stage at FISSURE Playground 2 this October.
Key Takeaways
- Vici Gaming returns to competitive Dota 2 with a fresh lineup after major roster changes.
- The new team debuts at FISSURE Playground 2, October 23–November 2, 2025.
- Veterans Pyw and Dy reunite, with several key additions and a respected coach.
Vici Gaming’s Competitive Legacy
Founded in 2012, Vici Gaming rapidly established itself as one of the elite teams in Chinese Dota 2. The organization’s greatest successes include finals appearances at The International 2014, as well as tournament wins at ESL One Hamburg 2018 and the EPICENTER Major. Their consistent performances from 2018 to 2019 made them a dominant force within the region.
Despite a downturn following the introduction of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), which led to missed qualifications and eventual demotion by 2023, the team’s return signals a renewed ambition to reclaim their position. Their brief outing in The International 2025 qualifiers hinted at a possible resurgence, which is now validated with the new roster unveiling.
The Rebuilt Roster: Blending Experience and Youth
Vici Gaming’s new lineup strikes a balance between seasoned veterans and emerging talent. The current roster includes:
- Lou “Lou” Zhen (Carry)
- Guo “Xm” Hongcheng (Mid)
- Chung “Ws” Wei Shen (Offlane)
- Xiong “Pyw” Jiahan (Support)
- Ding “Dy” Cong (Support)
- Wang “Maps” Yutian (Coach)
For their debut at FISSURE Playground 2, Lin "planet" Hao will serve as a stand-in for Pyw due to personal commitments. Notably, Pyw and Dy are reuniting, aiming to recapture the magic that led to previous championship victories. The inclusion of frontliners from Xtreme Gaming and Talon Esports infuses fresh energy and tactics into the mix.
Immediate Challenges and Future Prospects
The return comes amid a wave of roster shuffles throughout the off-season. Despite uncertainties, Vici Gaming’s direct invite to FISSURE Playground 2 underscores their continuing prestige. The upcoming tournament in Belgrade will be a litmus test for the team’s synergy and competitive edge against world-class opponents.
As Vici Gaming takes its first steps back into the international spotlight, fans and analysts are eager to see if this new squad can spark a new era for one of Dota 2’s most iconic brands. The journey ahead is uncertain, but expectations are high that Vici Gaming will once again be a name to watch in the competitive Dota 2 landscape.
Sources
- Iconic Chinese team Vici Gaming returns to Dota 2, Esports Insider.
- Vici Gaming returns to Dota 2, esports.gg.
