We lock in our predictions for Tour 1 in Eastern Europe’s Division I & II.
Eastern Europe used to be one of the most underrated Dota 2 regions in the world because most people focused on its Western counterpart. While it’s true most Western teams performed better throughout the season, Team Spirit showed everyone that doesn’t matter as much as people think. Despite being the underdogs, the young CIS team managed to win the most prestigious Dota 2 event. In addition to the millions of dollars, Team Spirit earned the reputation as one of the best teams in the game’s history.
Still, the fact TS stands out doesn’t mean there aren’t any other top EEU teams that are worth watching. Let’s check out which teams we think will stand out in Tour 1.
Division I Power Rankings
Similar to other regions, Division I consists of the best Dota 2 teams in Eastern Europe. Which means it’s certain to be action-packed. Here’s how we think things will play out.
8. HellRaisers
Some of you might be surprised by the fact that we put HellRaisers last because they performed pretty well last season. Nevertheless, they are yet to prove themselves against the best.
7. PuckChamp
PuckChamp is an exclusive CIS Dota 2 team that can pretty much win and lose against every other team from Divison I. We just have to wait and see whether Nikita “young G” Bochko and his teammates can show their prowess.
6. Team Empire
Team Empire is one of the most recognizable names in the CIS Dota 2 scene for many years now. Sadly, the team is yet to show what it’s made of because it will have to play against the best in the business.
5. Team Unique
Rostislav “fn” Lozovoi and everyone else from his team has proven countless times that they are dangerous opponents. Although they might not do well against the big favorites, Team Unique can definitely deal with the rest.
4. AS Monaco Gambit
Prior to TI 10, As Monaco Gambit used to be one of the big favorites from CIS. Unfortunately, the team was unable to live up to the expectations, so we can only hope they will bill succeed this time.
3. Natus Vincere
Ever since the original TI, Natus Vincere has been one of the most dominant teams in Eastern Europe. Although the team is nowhere near as good as it once was, its most roster changes make it a dangerous opponent.
2. Virtus.Pro
VP is usually the best team in Eastern Europe, at least in the last couple of years. Even though the team changes its roster from the ground up, it is definitely among the most dangerous opponents in CIS. Hopefully, the Russian powerhouse will be able to claim the throne of being the best in the region.
1. Team Spirit
Following their TI 10 victory, Team Spirit definitely deserves to be first on our list. Even though we are not sure whether Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Khertek and his teammates will have the needed motivation, they are the best team in the world right now.
Division II Power Rankings
Division I will definitely be the more interesting one to watch, but this doesn’t mean the teams in Division II are not explosive. Since every team has the power to win this division, creating a power ranking is not easy. With that being said, here is what we think will happen.
8. HYDRA
This is one of the intriguing Dota 2 teams from Kyrgyztan that will try to compete in Division II. Although it wasn’t easy, Kiyalbek “dream” Tayirov and co. were able to rip through the open quals and secure a sport for the event.
7. V-Gaming
The second team that managed to earn a sport after succeeding in the Open Quals is V-Gaming. We don’t know much information about this team other than it consists of several PUB stars.
6. Fantastic Five
FF is an interesting Dota 2 team that consists of promising CIS players. We just have to wait and see whether it has what it takes to defeat the rest.
5. Neimga Gaming
Nemiga Gaming is one of the more recognizable T2 teams in CIS. After the two roster changes that took place in September, it will try to earn a spot alongside the best in the world yet again.
4. Winstrike Team
Winstrike used to be one of the driving forces in the Eastern European Dota 2 scene, but it wasn’t able to keep up with the rest. Nowadays, Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev, one of the most experienced CIS players is the team’s captain, so we can expect them to achieve good results.
3. B8
Danil “Dendi” Ishutin’s team will once again try to show the world that they have what it takes to be among the best. B8 changed almost its entire roster several times, so hopefully, they’ve finally found the success formula.
2. Gambit Esports
Vasilii “AfterLife” Shishkin is now a part of Gambit Esports, a team that used to be one of the best in the region. Even though it is not among the strongest right now, Gambit Esports has the potential of winning Division II.
1. CIS Rejects
Despite being the newest team in the region, CIS rejects has everything they need to be the best. Thanks to players, such as Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev, CIS Rejects is automatically one of the best in the world. It will be interesting to see if any other teams have what it takes to bring them down.