HEROIC stun defending TI champion with unthinkable strategy at BLAST Slam IV

South American underdog HEROIC delivered one of the most breathtaking upsets in recent Dota 2 history, defeating reigning International champions Team Falcons in a dramatic showdown at BLAST Slam IV.

The match quickly became an instant classic after HEROIC’s carry player, Yuma, made a last-ditch decision to purchase a Divine Rapier on Gyrocopter: a move that completely flipped the game on its head and erased a 17,000 gold deficit. For most of the match, Team Falcons looked untouchable. By the 25-minute mark, they had built a massive gold lead, controlled nearly every part of the map, and seemed ready to secure yet another win in their dominant group-stage run.

Every sign pointed toward a routine victory for the defending world champions, who appeared in full control of tempo, vision, and objectives. HEROIC, meanwhile, were on the verge of collapse until Yuma made one of the boldest calls imaginable. The Divine Rapier, infamous in Dota 2 for its all-or-nothing risk, provides unmatched damage but carries the devastating drawback of dropping to the ground if the hero holding it dies.

Purchasing one when behind on gold and map control is a move very few players would dare attempt on the professional stage. But with little left to lose, Yuma doubled down, securing the item and betting his team’s tournament hopes on his ability to survive and outplay the world’s best.

What followed was one of the most thrilling turnarounds ever seen in a BLAST event. HEROIC rallied behind Yuma’s Gyrocopter, executing flawless team fights that capitalized on the Rapier’s immense damage output. Every engagement began to tilt in HEROIC’s favor as the momentum shifted dramatically. Within minutes, their deficit evaporated, and the match that once looked hopeless turned into a defining victory for the South American squad.

Team Falcons fielded their complete lineup for the first time in the tournament, with carry player Skiter returning from a hand injury that had sidelined him earlier. Despite Skiter’s comeback, Falcons struggled to close out the game when it mattered most, and the loss marked their first defeat at BLAST Slam IV after a flawless 3-0 start the previous day.

For HEROIC, the victory reinforced their rise as one of South America’s most promising Dota 2 teams. Following their impressive run at The International 2025, where they secured the region’s best finish since Thunder Awaken’s top-six placement at TI 2022, the win against the reigning champions further cements their reputation as fearless competitors capable of defying expectations on the biggest stages.