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Heroic Triumphs at FISSURE Universe Episode 7
Right after The International 2025, the roster shuffle brought a wave of new lineups and fresh team dynamics to the competitive Dota 2 scene. Among the many teams adapting to this transitional moment, Heroic seized the opportunity to rise above the competition and dominate FISSURE Universe Episode 7.
Their victory marks the first championship of the 2026 season, a strong statement that this new iteration of their roster has the potential to rise to higher positions on the competitive ranking.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Heroic reached the Grand Finals, analyzing their journey step by step. We’ll also examine the path taken by MOUZ — their newfound rival — highlighting the teams they faced and the obstacles they overcame.
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Heroic and the Path of Champions
Heroic came into the tournament with a small but significant advantage — they were directly invited to the FISSURE Universe Episode 7, bypassing the Group Stage. This allowed them to start fresh in the Playoffs while their competitors had to fight their way through the earlier rounds.
Their first match was a solid 2–0 victory against 1w Team, where we saw Wisper step into the midlane role for the first time. Following that, Heroic continued their momentum with another 2–0 sweep, this time over Aurora Gaming, which had Rafli "Mikoto" Fathur Rahman standing in as their midlaner.
Finally, before securing their slot on the Grand Finals, Heroic pulled off a comeback victory against Team Liquid, turning a 0–1 deficit into a 2–1 series win.
MOUZ: The Longer, Harder Road
In contrast, MOUZ had to take the scenic route — through the Group Stage and a grueling series of elimination matches. Their Group Stage results were tight: two wins, one loss, and one draw, followed by a tense tiebreaker victory against Virtus.pro to advance.
Their first Playoff match didn’t go as planned. MOUZ fell 2–1 to Team Liquid, dropping them to the Lower Bracket early on. Yet, instead of faltering, that loss ignited a remarkable comeback. MOUZ went on a dominant run, sweeping Team Yandex, Aurora Gaming, and Nigma Galaxy, all by 2–0.
In the Lower Bracket Finals, they faced Team Liquid once again — the same team that sent them down earlier. This time, MOUZ got their revenge, continuing their 2–0 streak and punching their ticket to the Grand Finals against Heroic.
Grand Finals: Time to Be Heroic
The Grand Finals between Heroic and MOUZ started with a bang. Riding the momentum from their Lower Bracket success, MOUZ took the first map, giving fans hope that their underdog story might continue. However, Heroic quickly adapted, evening the score at 1–1 in the second map.
From that point onward, Heroic completely took control of the series. Their drafts were consistent and their synergy evident. With strong performances across the board, Heroic closed out maps three and four, finishing the series 3–1 and claiming the FISSURE Universe Episode 7 championship — their first title of the new competitive season.
Closing Thoughts
While the Heroic FISSURE Universe Episode 7 may be classified as a Tier 2 event, it offered valuable insights into how roster changes have reshaped the competitive scene after The International 2025.
Among all the participating teams, Heroic stood out for one simple reason: stability. Their only roster change was the return of Davai Lama, a move that clearly reinforced the team’s synergy and confidence.
By contrast, other big names struggled to find the same level of consistency. Team Liquid, for instance, acquired Ace and tOfu, both strong additions on paper. However, their in-game cohesion still seemed rough around the edges — something that ultimately cost them a spot in the Grand Finals.
As for MOUZ, their performance was commendable. They’re clearly evolving with every qualifier and tournament, showing steady progress and determination. Anyone paying attention can see the effort being put into breaking past their old limits.
Looking Ahead
Next, we have the BLAST Slam IV, which will serve as an excellent benchmark for the post-shuffle Dota 2 landscape. With some organizations opting for stable rosters and others undergoing significant overhauls, the event will be a test of which approach delivers better early-season results.
If Heroic can maintain the same level of composure and team chemistry that earned them the FISSURE Universe Episode 7 title, they could easily become one of the breakout teams of 2026. And with MOUZ and Liquid not far behind, fans can expect a thrilling season filled with new rivalries and fresh storylines.
For more updates on Heroic FISSURE Universe Episode 7, tournament recaps, hero analysis, and Dota 2 news, stay tuned to the news section on the Strafe website and follow our coverage of the competitive season ahead!
Featured Image Source: Twitter (@fissure_eng)