DPC 2018/19: Drama, tears & happiness

DPC 2018/19: Drama, tears & happiness
DPC 2018/19: Drama, tears & happiness
posted by Smyke,
The Dota Pro Circuit 2018/19 is coming to an end. In the first part of this mini series, we take a look back on the success of Team Secret, the breakup of classic Team Liquid and other defining moments. Over a course of eight months, the Dota Pro Circuit gave teams a chance to earn a spot at The International 2019. All started with DreamLeague Season 10 back in October 2018, where Tigers surprisingly earned their spot at The Kuala Lumpur Major - the first major of the season.

Team Secret rises to the top





In front of an enthusiastic Malaysian crowd Virtus.pro seemed to be able to continue their dominance from the season prior. But another team has risen back to the top in this season and in the end claimed the first place of the Dota Pro Circuit with 14.400 points: Team Secret. The roster built around the Dota 2 veteran Clement 'Puppey' Ivanov already placed second at The Kuala Lumpur Major before finally winning the crown at The Chongqing Major. At MDL Disneyland Paris Major they did it again and took another trophy home. On top of that, they reigned surpreme at two ESL Ones.

OG struggles to find success





After their impressive win at The International 2018, OG couldn't continue to find success and only barely managed to qualify for this years mega event. At the Disneyland Major the team was able to secure 900 points, which in the end helped them to lock in their place at TI9. However, the real moment of redemption was their EPICENTER Major run they pulled off without Johan 'BigDaddyN0tail' Sundstein, and defeated both Evil Geniuses and Team Secret.

Disneyland celebrates Dota





During this season the Dota community returned to Disneyland. Disney held their first major esports event at Disneyland Paris for many years and chose no other game than Dota 2. The 16 best teams in the world fought over the $1 million prize pool in front of the eyes of Mickey, Minnie and co. As a worthy champion, Team Secret took the trophy home.

Team Liquid and MATUMBAMAN go separate ways






Lots of roster shuffles happened this season as well - but one shoked the entire community. Team Liquid benched their veteran player Lasse 'Matumbaman' Urpalainen only a few days before the Epicenter Major. The Finnish star joined Team Liquid in 2015 and thus was one of their longest-serving players. According to an official statement by Team Liquid the decision has been "mutual".

Liquid found with Omar 'w33haa' Aliwi a great replacement, while MATU found a new home in Chaos Esports Club.

What were your highlights this season?



Photo credit: Adela Sznajder, DreamHack/Flickr

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