The echoes of a dominant performance are still felt years later for Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev, a veteran of the professional Dota 2 scene. In a recent interview with Telegram channel Virtus.pro, Kushnarev reminisced about his team’s victory at ESL One Birmingham 2018, recalling a final that felt surprisingly straightforward. The win, a significant milestone in his career, remains a vivid memory, particularly the matchup against a formidable opponent.
That 2018 tournament, a major in the Dota 2 competitive calendar, saw Team Spirit – featuring Kushnarev, Vladimir “No[o]ne” Minenko and others – rise to the top. The event, held in Birmingham, England, drew a large audience and significant attention within the esports community. Liquipedia provides a detailed overview of the tournament, including results and team rosters.
A Surprisingly Easy Final?
Kushnarev described the final against OpTic Gaming as “the easiest final in my life” from his major tournament experiences. He estimated the match concluded in roughly two to three hours. He specifically highlighted the enjoyment he derived from competing against Quinn “Quinn” Callahan, stating, with characteristic bluntness, it was “a real pleasure to beat him.” However, he was quick to acknowledge the strength of the OpTic Gaming roster, which included players like Peter “33” Dager, Zai, CCnC, Pajkatt, and ppd.
“OpTic Gaming was a really strong team back then – 33, zai, CCnC, Pajkatt and ppd,” Kushnarev said. “We played against them in the final, but it was a very easy walk.” The statement underscores the confidence Team Spirit had at the time, and the perceived mismatch in the final series. The team’s synergy and strategic execution clearly played a key role in their success.
Remembering No[o]ne’s Reward
Beyond the championship itself, Kushnarev fondly recalled the individual recognition received by his teammate, Vladimir “No[o]ne” Minenko. Minenko was awarded a Mercedes-Benz for being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. “This tournament is associated with the fact that Vovan [No[o]ne] won a Mercedes-Benz then, he got MVP,” Kushnarev shared. “We were very happy for him, Vovan deserved it.”
The gesture of awarding a car to the MVP was a notable feature of ESL One Birmingham 2018, adding an extra layer of prestige to the already coveted MVP title. A Reddit thread from the time details the reaction to Minenko’s prize.
First Calls After the Victory
Reflecting on the immediate aftermath of the win, Kushnarev described reaching out to his closest circle. “Well, probably to my close ones,” he said. “To my parents, maybe, or to close friends.” He noted he was not in a relationship at the time, adding with a self-deprecating remark, “I would have probably written to her, because I’m a sucker. Well, so I wrote to my close ones.”
The candid response offers a glimpse into Kushnarev’s personality and priorities. The simple act of sharing the joy of victory with family and friends highlights the importance of personal connections, even amidst the high-pressure world of professional gaming. It’s a reminder that even esports champions are, at their core, human.
Kushnarev currently serves as an ambassador for Team Yandex, continuing his involvement in the Dota 2 community. His reflections on past triumphs offer valuable insights into the mindset of a champion and the enduring power of teamwork and dedication. The legacy of ESL One Birmingham 2018, and Team Spirit’s dominant performance, continues to resonate with fans of the game.
Looking ahead, Kushnarev’s continued role with Team Yandex suggests a focus on fostering the next generation of Dota 2 talent. The esports landscape is constantly evolving, and his experience will undoubtedly be invaluable in shaping the future of the game. Further updates on Team Yandex’s initiatives can be found on their official website.
What are your favorite memories from ESL One Birmingham 2018? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Dota 2 enthusiasts.
