The DPC Regional Finals are just around the corner, we take a closer look at the players to watch in China and Southeast Asia.
We are a few days away from the beginning of the first Regional Finals in the 2021-2022 DPC. After almost two months of constant action, the best four teams from each region in Division I earned a chance to play against each other in the finals. Some teams performed better than others, but it doesn’t matter because they are yet to show their prowess.
Speaking of teams, each of the four squads that will compete in every region’s Finals consists of world-class players. China and Southeast Asia are no exception; these two regions are home to some of the most talented players in the game. Of course, some of them stand out more than others, so let’s go over some names you should be aware of.
China – Ame
The first name that we have to include on this list is a part of PSG.LGD. The latter is the most dominating Chinese Dota 2 team in the last couple of years. It managed to reach the Grand Final of TI 10 but was unable to lift the trophy after Team Spirit became the second CIS team to win the event after Na’Vi.
One of the players that continues to impress with his incredible skills is Wang “Ame” Chunyu; PSG.LGD’s carry player and one of the best Chinese Dota 2 core players in the game. He’s capable of utilizing a wide range of popular heroes and has proven countless times that he can play well under pressure. That’s the reason why Ame will continue to be the most important player for his team.
China – Ori
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMgfKS1eLDw
Ame is the best carry in China, there is no arguing that. However, pointing out the best mid laner in the region is easier said than done because there are so many names that stand out. One of them is Zeng “Ori” Jiaoyang, Team Aster’s mid lane superstar who used to play a very important role for Vici Gaming.
After he decided to switch his club, Team Aster became a lot more powerful. That’s the reason why the team managed to finish second in Division I and only lost to PSG.LGD and RNGU. Everyone from the team had a key role in its success, but Ori probably stands out. He proved once again that he has an amazing hero pool and can play every meta hero.
China – Maybe
Speaking of mid laners. One name will always be regarded as the best in China; regardless of the team he plays for. Lu “Somnus丶M” Yao is a living legend in the Chinese Dota 2 scene because he has participated in numerous professional teams. In fact, he used to be LGD’s mid laner until 2019, when he decided to create a new roster. Sadly, Elephant was not the best project in China, so the team was unable to achieve anything significant.
After Elephant didn’t work out, Maybe (Somnus) decided to become a part of Royal Never Give Up during the post-TI 10 roster shuffle. It seems like the player made the right decision because he quickly became among the leaders in RNGU. Thanks to his experience and excellent skills, he was able to help his team qualify for the Regional Finals.
China – planet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbGBgq_inso
Lin “planet” Hao is a part of EHOME; one of the legendary Chinese Dota 2 teams that has been around since the days of DotA. Needless to say, some of the best players in the game’s history have been a part of EHOME, and one of them is a planet.
Despite being a position four (most support players aren’t as popular as their core counterparts), planet is one of the players that stands out. He always has a key role in his team’s success, especially early on. His ability to position himself when he is needed the most makes him one of EHOME’s most valuable players.
Southeast Asia – Tino
The first team to compete in the upcoming Regional Finals from Southeast Asia is BOOM Esports. Although people didn’t expect this roster to shine, it defeated almost every opponent. Everyone from the team had a vital role in its success, but the player that was above all was Justine Ryan Evangelista “Tino” Grimaldo. The carry player proved time and time again that he can do wonders, as long as he has a good early game.
Tino can utilize the most popular carries in Dota 2, including heroes, such as Terrorblade, Razor, Drow Ranger, and more. BOOM proved that they have what it takes to be the best, so we just have to see whether they can do that in the upcoming Regional Finals.
Southeast Asia – Armel
Since 2016, Armel Paul “Armel” Tabios has proven himself as one of the best mid laners in Southeast Asia. Even though he is yet to win a TI, the player shined in several events and played a key role in TNC’s dominance throughout 2019 and 2020. Nowadays, he is a part of Fnatic, a team that is often referred to as the best in SEA. He and several other players became a part of the team following TI 10.
While it is true that Fnatic was unable to finish first in Division I, the team showed its prowess multiple times. Armel is notorious for being able to adapt really fast when needed, which is one of the things that makes Fnatic so dangerous.
Southeast Asia – Karl
The third player from SEA that deserves more attention than the rest is Karl “Karl” Matthew Baldovino. He also used to be a part of many teams over the years, including Geek Fam, where he shined the most. He also became one of the few players to reach 11,000 MMR, which allowed him to become even more famous.
After playing for a couple of teams, Karl eventually became a part of T1, an organization that changed its entire roster several times. It seems like all of the changes were worth it because the current setup allowed the team to qualify for the Regional Finals. Karl’s mid lane prowess was a vital part of T1’s successful run and the player will continue to have a vital role.
Southeast Asia – MidOne
The last player that definitely has to be on this list is Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng. He was one of the few players in the region who had the opportunity to play for a western team for an extensive period of time. Needless to say, MidOne’s experience at Team Secret allowed him to become one of the most desirable players in every SEA roster. After spending a few months at EG, he decided to join Team SMG and it seems this he made the right choice.
Thanks to MidOne’s experience, he helped his team qualify for the regional finals. It wasn’t easy, but Team SMG was able to rip overcome the obstacles and will have to go up against BOOM Esports.
Don’t forget to watch the upcoming Regional Finals starting February 18. For more DPC analysis, check out our break down of the players to watch in EEU and WEU.