Fly about EWC: “Just passing the group stage is already a big victory for us”

Virtus.pro captain Tal Fly Aizik spoke about the team’s performance in recent months. He is glad that the team was able to advance to the second stage of the Esports World Cup 2026 for Dota 2.

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To be honest, we arrived and decided: no expectations. Unfortunately, we lost the qualification for The International 2026, and it was definitely a difficult moment for us. We were sad for a couple of days, and then we discussed everything that happened together. As a result, we wanted to come here and show the best game, whatever the result, so be it. We know that we won’t be able to easily beat tier-1 lineups, but if we perform without pressure, we will definitely be able to take cards from our opponents. And I think sometimes it shows. Today, fortunately, this was exactly the case. At the beginning of the season we had other players. We had a small change in the middle. We grew as a team, I believe we got better, but we never achieved what we set out to do, it was a roller coaster ride. An esports team is complex, there are so many ebbs and flows in the process and so many different dynamics. It's been a bumpy but fun year and I really hope we have a good run in this tournament and just getting past the group stage is a big win for us.

Previously, Virtus.pro took fourth place in Group D at the Esports World Cup 2026. In the second stage, Aizik’s team will meet with Rune Eaters. The match is scheduled to start on July 14, 17:30 Moscow time.