Joselito Jr. Gelilang 
Team Liquid exhibited a masterclass performance, taking down the lower bracket juggernaut Gaimin Gladiators in the Best-of-5 final series of The International 13, held at Royal Arena, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Team Liquid’s mid laner, Nisha, was hailed as the best player of the tournament after achieving a perfect 6-0 record while playing Puck throughout TI13.
Gaimin Gladiators started the first match strong, with early kills from Quinn’s Riki gaining the mid-lane advantage against Nisha’s Puck, allowing GG to set an early tempo against Team Liquid.
GG quickly took advantage of Riki’s momentum, taking down the tier one towers in the bot and mid lanes, expanding their control over the map.
Despite a seven-thousand gold deficit, Team Liquid forced a 5v5 clash at the bot lane, securing three kills and two towers.
This pivotal team fight shifted momentum in Team Liquid’s favor, allowing them to capitalize on the strong pushing capabilities of m1CKe’s Nature’s Prophet and 33’s Visage. They took down the top barracks and tier three tower at the 28-minute mark, gaining a 17-thousand gold lead.
Building on their lead, Team Liquid pushed the bot lane, aiming to take the bottom barracks, forcing GG into a team fight. However, TL’s cores dealt overwhelming damage, resulting in mega creeps for the Dire.
After taking down three GG heroes and forcing dyrachyo’s buyback, Gaimin Gladiators called “gg,” allowing Team Liquid to claim game one, 1-0.
Game 2 saw Team Liquid dominate early, dictating the tempo of the game with relentless ganks from 33’s Bristleback and Nisha’s Tiny, pressuring GG across the map.
Securing the first Aegis of the Immortal, TL pushed for the top barracks, but GG responded with a 3-0 kill advantage, successfully preventing Liquid from securing mega creeps in the top lane.
However, Liquid quickly regained control, initiating another clash that resulted in the deaths of dyrachyo’s Dragon Knight and Ace’s Centaur Warrunner. This allowed TL to secure the second Roshan and take down GG’s top and bottom barracks.
With a commanding 22k gold lead, Liquid maintained their composure and waited for the third Roshan, then targeted the middle barracks to secure mega creeps. After destroying the final barracks, TL aimed for the throne, sealing a 2-0 lead against GG.
Game 3 was a disaster for Gaimin Gladiators. Dyrachyo’s Windranger was stomped by the Dark Willow and Visage combo in the offlane, severely limiting his farm and resources.
Meanwhile, m1CKe’s Nature’s Prophet was left uncontested in the safe lane, enabling him to quickly acquire his core items, leading to a 15k gold lead for Liquid.
Once m1CKe secured his Black King Bar, Team Liquid took Roshan and forced a team fight outside GG’s base.
Despite their gold disadvantage, Gaimin Gladiators managed to get a crucial pick-off on m1CKe, who was holding the Aegis of the Immortal. This gave GG the momentum to breach Team Liquid’s high ground.
However, Liquid swiftly responded, winning a decisive 5v5 team fight with a 3-0 kill advantage, regaining control of the game. They took down two cores and a support from GG, leaving them vulnerable.
With no hesitation, Team Liquid pushed Gaimin Gladiators’ barracks, forcing them into a defensive position. GG committed costly errors and unnecessary buybacks, which led to the death of dyrachyo’s Windranger. This opened the door for Liquid to push down the tier four towers and destroy the Ancient, sweeping the series 3-0.
This championship marks Team Liquid’s second Aegis of Champions, their first being at The International 7 in 2017.
It is also the second TI championship for 33, who previously won The International 11 with Tundra.
