posted by ProxyPL,
The only chance to get a TI invite
First time without CISAs StarLadder left Ukraine it is also the first time that no CIS teams managed to qualify to the LAN finals. Throughout 11 previous seasons 49,5% of competitors were teams from that region.The Dota 2 scene this year has been more unstable than in past years with constant roster changes all over the world. As a result, some of the teams have only recently stabilized their line ups and have yet to prove themselves in a LAN environment.
There is no discussion that playing online is a different cup of tea than in front of the crowd. What is more, it has been proven in the past that Valve values offline performance more.
Then who is in such position? Well, three teams that have not played on LAN with their new rosters: Team Malaysia*, Alliance and Team Tinker*. All three teams have been dominant in online qualifiers to major tournaments in their region and many are wondering if they deserve a TI invite.
However, because those teams formed only recently they didn't have much opportunities to play teams from other servers as they didn't attend a single offline event. This is the only way to prove themselves on an international LAN.
A great showing in Romania is definitely what they need in order to have a chance of securing a trip to Seattle. If won't manage to perform a tough battle through qualifiers awaits them. Very uncertain future compared to a secured invite.
First battle between the West and the East
To be honest we didn't have a chance to watch the rest of the teams play on LAN much either. Team Secret and Cloud9 haven't attended an offline event since Dota 2 Asia Championships while Invictus Gaming and Vici Gaming have only been to one. However, we have to remember that iG and VG both changed their roster after DAC and are yet to face the top Western teams with their new lineups.
China came and conqueredLast time CN teams participated in the LAN finals was in season 9 when iG and DK came to Ukraine. DK won that event. We have three former players of that roster attending this tournament but all on different teams. Can Mushi, Burning or iceiceice replicate their success? While we can be fairly certain that those four teams have secured their TI invites, StarLadder will serve as the first true battleground between the West and the East since DAC. How do the Chinese teams stand in comparison to top European squads?
Is Western Dota still stronger as it was at DAC? Who is in the best form as TI can already be seen on the horizon? All those questions will unravel over the weekend. One thing is certain: a lot of great Dota awaits us!
LC: "The prospect of LAN doesn't scare us."
Amongst all the giants with ton of titles under their belt London Conspiracy* looks truly like the odd one out. However, in our recent interview with them, the Greeks claimed that "The prospect of LAN doesn't scare us.".
It will be their first major event so they "will aim for the best possible result" and will be looking to upset the favourites just like they did eliminating the defending champions and the runner-ups from the previous season of StarLadder in the European online stage.
Double the prizepool, triple the pressure
Last season's base prize pool of $40,000 has been doubled this time around. It has already been increased by the community up to $127,000. The format of the LAN finals will be the same as in previous season, meaning no group stage as we go straight into a double elimination BO3 bracket with a BO5 grand final.
Commentators and Analysts
The tournament starts tomorrow at 11:00 CEST and you can catch all the action here.
EDIT: Universe stated on twitter that the bracket in his tweet wasn't his prediction.
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