본문 : DOT ESPORTS - Titas Khan

Can they hold their own against the likes of Team Spirit at TI14?

Photo via Team Tidebound

Team Tidebound just pulled off a massive win for Chinese Dota 2, taking home the Clavision Masters 2025 trophy after an unforgettable 3-2 showdown against heavy favorites Tundra Esports. The grand final, played in front of a roaring crowd at the Bo Ao Indoor Stadium in Zhangjiakou, didn’t just crown a champion; it made history.

This is the first time in several years that a Chinese team has won a top-tier Dota 2 LAN event, breaking a long international dry spell and igniting excitement across the region. Although some of the big-name rosters like Team Spirit and Team Falcons were missing, the Clavision Masters brought together some of the world’s best squads like Tundra, BetBoom Team, and Gaimin Gladiators.

However, it was Tidebound who rose above the rest. After being knocked into the lower bracket by Tundra earlier in the tournament, they bounced back dominantly. Their clean sweep against Xtreme Gaming earned them a second shot at the title, and this time, they didn’t let it slip. It was a statement win, and one that fans won’t forget anytime soon.

Team Tidebound’s players showed resilience to clinch the grand finals against Tundra Esports. Image via Team Tidebound

The Clavision Masters 2025 grand final was every bit the nail-biter fans hoped for, packed with drama across all five games. Tundra Esports came out swinging in game one, using an aggressive draft centered around 33’s Bristleback that gave them early control of the map and a clean win to start the series. However, Team Tidebound didn’t flinch as they bounced back in game two with sharper team coordination and late-game scaling picks, with carry player shiro stealing the spotlight on Weaver as he flipped key team fights in Tidebound’s favor.

Game three saw the ever-reliable offlaner Bach take control with a standout performance on Queen of Pain, helping Tidebound apply constant pressure and dominate the vision game. Tundra wasn’t done, though, as they regrouped in Game 4, leaning on strong lane control that eventually turned into a Bzm-Invoker show to force a showdown.

That’s when Tidebound showed what they were made of. With smart drafts, flexible strategy, and flawless execution in teamfights, they took control of the final map. Shiro’s Medusa stepped up as the late-game powerhouse, anchoring Tidebound’s 44-minute victory in front of an ecstatic hometown crowd.

Will Team Tidebound be able to carry their form to The International 2025? Photo via Team Tidebound

For Team Tidebound, this win is more than just a shiny trophy; it could be the start of something much bigger for Chinese Dota 2. Lifting the Clavision Masters title, especially as the region’s first top-tier LAN triumph in years, felt like a throwback to the days when China regularly dominated the scene. But more than nostalgia, it’s a strong message: they’re ready to be contenders again.

With $213,500 in prize money and a roaring home crowd behind them, Tidebound’s victory has sparked serious excitement among Chinese Dota fans. It’s a reminder that momentum shifts quickly in esports, and now the spotlight is firmly on them.

The big question heading into The International 2025 is whether this team can carry the fire from Clavision Masters into an even deeper run on Dota 2’s biggest stage when they face off against teams like Spirit, Falcons, Aurora, and other formidable teams from different regions.