NIP looks to make a mark at EPICENTER
Peter 'ppd' Dager's Ninjas are back-to-back Minor champions.
But, in the grand scheme, this result seems inconsequential when you consider what it will take for them to do well at EPICENTER. They have shown they can trample teams worse than them, but what about teams better? Even Alliance—who most would agree are not as good as Ninjas in Pyjamas—took them to 5 games.
The Ninjas will certainly be sparing no expense to prepare for Moscow and not repeat their failures at the last three Majors. They have the momentum, but can they actually, finally, go the distance at a fully stacked tournament?
Back to Back CHAMPIONS 🏆🤙🏻
— Ninjas in Pyjamas 🇸🇪 (@NiPGaming) June 17, 2019
🥇 OGA Dota PIT Minor 2019
🥇 StarLadder ImbaTV Dota 2 Minor Season 2#GONINJAS #DOTA2 pic.twitter.com/41bXkITmgy
Qojqva Rising
Alliance had a sticky few weeks a little while ago, but they have reestablished their upcoming form. Despite a few weaknesses in their game, they are coming together like never before and are poised to reach new heights.
The big revelation for them, however, has to be Max 'Qojqva' Broecker. His skill and overall gameplay has increased wildly recently, especially at the Minor, to the point where a good game from him almost certainly spelled victory for the team.
Dare I say it? Is Alliance almost b— let's wait to see how they do at EPICENTER.
ICYMI: We qualified for the major! 😎
— Alliance (@theAllianceGG) June 16, 2019
Москва, мы скучали! Скоро увидимся! 💚🖤#LongLiveAlliance #epicgg pic.twitter.com/NsDzxRJBh0
South American Dota is getting a lot better
It has been a long time coming, but after many years, South American Dota seems to be taking the next step. At the Minor, Anvorgesa had a fantastic showing. Granted, they did not take a game in the Playoffs, but they far outperformed what any expected of them.
Their notable series was, of course, their victory against EHOME. They showed an incredible amount of poise and heart and never gave up. Alongside paiN Gaming and Infamous, it might not be long before we are seeing South American squads as real contenders.
GG WP Anvorgesa. Thank you for a beautiful Dota#dota2 #sldota2 #KievMinor pic.twitter.com/GWpQa98W89
— StarLadder Dota 2 (@dotasltv) June 15, 2019
China is in a strange place
Speaking of EHOME, the entirety of the China region seems to be in a state of ongoing flux. The teams that should be doing well at tournaments (and staying at the top), like Vici Gaming, struggle to output any kind of constant results, while teams that have no expectations, like Team Sirius, appear to be making huge strides.
EPICENTER will certainly reveal much about the current state of Dota 2. While the Europeans are clearly the best right now, maybe a Chinese team has a surprise in store for us in Moscow.
See you at the next Minor! pic.twitter.com/JZyMiT8nAb
— EHOME (@EHOMECN) May 23, 2019
The NA region is drowning
At least there are some good Chinese teams. North America has one good team. All the others are barely keeping their heads above water, if even that.
compLexity Gaming had an unequivocally disappointing, if not outright tragic tournament. After throwing their series to Mineski, they were dismantled by Team Sirius to not even make the Playoffs in a tournament where they were at least considered one of the better teams.
What does this mean for the North America region as a whole? Right now, nothing promising. The only advice I can give is this: If you are a fan of NA Dota, focus on EG, and only EG. No other team will bring you anything but sadness.
#COLDOTA has touched down in Kiev and will be reppin' the new colors. 😎
— Complexity Gaming (@compLexity) June 13, 2019
Visit https://t.co/RH3RE3mcBK to get your own gear.
🇧🇷#COLDOTA pousou em Kiev e estamos usando nossas novas cores. 😎
Visite https://t.co/RH3RE3mcBK para adquirir o seu. #WeAreCOL #H4X pic.twitter.com/KD16yfMW4R
How will the EPICENTER Major affect the top teams before TI9?
Photo Credit - Alliance Twitter
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