The world of esports has seen countless teams rise to fame, but only a select few have cemented themselves as true legends. These teams didn’t just win tournaments—they redefined how games were played, inspired generations of players, and built legacies that still dominate discussions today.
This in-depth guide covers the greatest esports teams in history, analyzing their dominance, key players, signature strategies, and the moments that made them unforgettable. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or new to competitive gaming, this breakdown will give you a deep understanding of what makes these teams the best of all time.
We’ll explore:
- Historic dynasties that dominated for years
- Underdog stories that shocked the world
- Game-changing strategies that influenced entire esports scenes
- Iconic rosters with players who became household names
Let’s dive into the teams that shaped esports history.
1. Fnatic: The Most Versatile Dynasty in Esports
Origins and Early Dominance
Fnatic was founded in 2004 and quickly became a powerhouse in Counter-Strike 1.6, winning multiple championships. Their early success set the foundation for what would become one of the most respected organizations in esports.
League of Legends: The First World Champions
Fnatic made history in 2011 by winning the first-ever League of Legends World Championship. Their aggressive playstyle, led by xPeke and Cyanide, became the blueprint for future Western teams.
CS:GO Major Dominance
Fnatic’s CS:GO team was nearly unstoppable between 2014 and 2015. With players like JW, flusha, and olofmeister, they perfected an ultra-aggressive T-side strategy that overwhelmed opponents. Their three Major wins (Katowice 2015, Cologne 2015, and an earlier title in 2013) solidified them as one of the best CS:GO teams ever.
Dota 2: The International 2013 Champions
Fnatic’s Dota 2 squad, featuring legendary players like n0tail and Fly, won The International 2013. Their innovative drafting and teamfighting precision set a new standard for competitive Dota.
Legacy and Influence
Fnatic’s ability to dominate across multiple games is unmatched. They didn’t just win—they shaped metas, trained future stars, and remained relevant for over a decade. Many of their former players went on to become coaches, analysts, and team owners, further expanding their impact on esports.
2. SK Telecom T1 (T1): The Undisputed GOATs of League of Legends
The Rise of Faker and the Three-Time World Champions
No team in League of Legends history has been as dominant as T1. Led by Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, the greatest LoL player of all time, T1 has won three World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016)—a record that still stands.
Key Players and Legendary Rosters
- Faker – The face of T1 and the most decorated player in LoL history.
- Bengi – The jungle mastermind behind T1’s early dominance.
- Bang & Wolf – The bot lane duo that crushed opponents in 2015-2016.
LCK Domination and International Rivalries
T1 didn’t just win Worlds—they dominated Korea’s LCK, the most competitive region in LoL. Their rivalries with teams like KT Rolster, Samsung White, and Royal Never Give Up produced some of the most intense matches in esports history.
Longevity and Continued Success
Unlike most esports dynasties, T1 has remained at the top for over a decade. Even in 2024, they’re still competing for world titles, proving that their system (coaching, infrastructure, and player development) is second to none.
3. Astralis: The Team That Revolutionized CS:GO
The Birth of a Tactical Masterclass
Astralis, formed in 2016, didn’t just win CS:GO Majors—they changed how the game was played. Their methodical, utility-heavy style forced the entire scene to adapt.
Four Major Titles (2017-2019)
Astralis holds the record for most CS:GO Major wins:
- ELEAGUE Major 2017
- FACEIT Major 2018
- IEM Katowice 2019
- StarLadder Berlin 2019
Key Players and Their Roles
- dev1ce – One of the greatest AWPers ever.
- dupreeh – The entry fragger who set up Astralis’ executes.
- gla1ve – The in-game leader who perfected their tactical approach.
The Intel Grand Slam and Global Dominance
Astralis won the Intel Grand Slam (winning four premier tournaments in a year) faster than any team before them. Their era was so dominant that tournaments had to introduce rule changes to counter their playstyle.
Why Astralis is Still the Gold Standard
Even after their peak, Astralis’ strategies are still studied by pro teams. They proved that CS:GO isn’t just about aim—it’s about teamwork, preparation, and flawless execution.
4. Team Liquid: The Kings of Consistency Across Games
From Starcraft to Smash Bros: A Multi-Game Legacy
Team Liquid isn’t just a Dota 2 or CS:GO team—they’ve been elite in multiple esports, including StarCraft II, Super Smash Bros., and Valorant.
Dota 2’s The International 2017 Miracle Run
Liquid’s Dota 2 squad, led by KuroKy, pulled off one of the greatest underdog stories by winning TI7 after coming from the lower bracket. Their drafting and late-game execution were unmatched.
CS:GO’s Intel Grand Slam Victory
In 2019, Team Liquid became the second team ever to win the Intel Grand Slam, proving they could compete with Europe’s best. Players like EliGE and NAF were instrumental in their success.
Hungrybox and Smash Bros Dominance
In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Juan “Hungrybox” DeBiedma became one of the “Five Gods” of Melee, winning multiple EVO championships under Team Liquid’s banner.
Why Liquid Stands Out
Few organizations have been as consistently successful across different games. Their ability to scout and develop talent makes them a model esports org.
5. Natus Vincere (Na’Vi): The Most Entertaining Team in Esport
The CS 1.6 Legends
Na’Vi’s roots go back to Counter-Strike 1.6, where they were one of the most dominant teams before transitioning to CS:GO.
Dota 2’s First International Champions (2011)
Na’Vi won the very first The International in 2011 with a roster featuring Dendi, XBOCT, and Puppey. Their aggressive, high-risk playstyle made them fan favorites.
CS:GO’s s1mple Era
With Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, Na’Vi became a Major-winning team again. Their 2021 PGL Stockholm Major victory was one of the most emotional moments in CS:GO history.
Why Na’Vi is Beloved Worldwide
Na’Vi’s games are always explosive. Whether it’s Dendi’s Dota 2 plays or s1mple’s CS:GO highlights, they’ve produced some of the most memorable moments in esports.
