Arteezy shines on the first day of Lima Major Playoffs with his signature Shadow Fiend

After a decade-long career in pro Dota 2, Arteezy shows that he still has it in him. The 26-year-old Canadian drove the casters and the crowd wild during the first day of the Lima Major Playoffs. Rocking his signature hero, Shadow Fiend, Arteezy pulled off brilliant plays that would see his team, Shopify Rebellion, advance further in the Upper Bracket and secure a top 6 placement. Take a look at a few of his Shadow Fiend plays during the Shopify Rebellion vs Team Spirit matchup.

The first day of the Lima Major playoffs was a long ride with an entire day of Dota 2. In the Upper Bracket brawl against Team Spirit, Shopify Rebellion managed to exude a strong performance. But Arteezy, in particular, drove the crowd insane with brilliant plays on Shadow Fiend.

The series was even with a 1-1 score and SR needed a second victory to win the Upper Bracket matchup. Arteezy then opted for his Shadow Fiend, a player-hero pair of notable repute. The third game began as a close contest as both sides traded kills. Even though SR had a net worth advantage, Spirit was more ruthless in hunting down their opponents.

At minute 26:40, Team Spirit was taking down Roshan fast and SR didn't seem ready to contest. However, Arteezy's Shadow Fiend loomed nearby, waiting for the right moment to jump in. Just when Roshan was about to go down, Arteezy blinked into the pit with his Black King Bar on, popped off his ultimate, finished Roshan, grabbed the Aegis, and teleported out.

The crowd roared as Arteezy arrived in his base safe and in his pocket, a free Aegis. His teammates tipped him and Team Spirit also acknowledged the play with tips. The high-risk high-reward play gave Arteezy a smile on his face.

After that play, SR had the upper-hand. But Team Spirit is known for their clutch comebacks and impressive late-game fights. SR knew it wasn't over until it was over.

In another Roshan pit fight, Spirit made the first move onto SR but it wasn't enough. The North American team eyed Yatoro's Lina and timed a perfect combo to eliminate her from the map. Cr1t's Tusk landed a punch to the fiery hero and Arteezy jumped in with his Arcane Blink to pop off the Requiem of Souls. Yatoro's Lina was caught without his Black King Bar open and disintegrated. All of Spirit's heroes were affected by the 'fear' ultimate, leading Spirit to be completely team-wiped.

This was the game-winning fight that gave SR their needed series win.

Fans are excited to see the ex-Evil Geniuses crew make a strong showing after a long time in the dark. Since TI10 in 2021, the players have crumbled in LAN events, even having their NA throne snatched by TSM at one point. The team finished top 12 at TI10, last place at ESL One Stockholm Major, and top 12 at both PGL Arlington Major, and TI11.

However, in this new season, Arteezy and the boy are absolutely smashing it. Under a new banner, Shopify Rebellion, the team is currently looking stronger than ever as they secure top 6 at the Lima Major.

But their journey is far from over as a huge obstacle stands ahead. Shopify Rebellion will face Western European (WEU) favorites, Team Liquid, in the next round. On the other hand, Team Spirit drops to the Lower Bracket and will fight in an "el classico" elimination series against PSG.LGD.

Keep track of the Lima Major on Esports.gg's event hub. Check out the live scores and updates here.