The International has started with some unexpected results, but lots of entertainment.
The most awaited tournament of Dota 2 is finally running its course. The Day 1 and 2 of the event has concluded and has given us enough to draw an interesting picture of the festival. Here are some takeaways from the two days of TI 10.
Some Teams Are Unpredictable
The International has its own surprises, but this year a few teams look more unpredictable than any other. They can go all the way to win the tournament, but might also suffer cruel defeats. These teams are Virtus.pro, OG, Team Secret, EG and beastcoast. OG are the favorites out of them and the defending champions. They are sitting comfortably on the top half of the table with a surprise loss against Team Aster and draw against VP. Secret are doing great with a good performance against LGD on Day 2. EG started Day 1 well but ended with a loss against iG. Alliance did well to hold them and drew on Day 2, which has put pressure on the North American side.
Southeast Asia Struggles
Day 1 was a struggle for Southeast Asia teams, T1 and Fnatic. The latter drew against Vici Gaming and Elephant, but on Day 2 lost to SG Esports and LGD. T1 faced a tough opponent with iG as their first match. Losing 2-0 to the Chinese team, T1 had to face Evil Geniuses who are an extremely strong side and lost 2-0 yet again. However, T1 won 2-0 against VP on Day 2, but lost against OG. While T1 are at the bottom of the standings, Fnatic are also struggling with only a consolation draw against Quincy Crew on Day 2. SEA teams really need to pick up the gears if they want to be a part of the main event.
The Cracking Match OG Vs VP On Day 1
The game series between OG and VP was great to watch. VP started the first match on a positive note with lots of kills in the laning phase. At around 15 minutes in the game, VP were destroying OG 19-3, but ruined their mega kill run by trying to kill OG’s Windranger by overextending. Mid game looked like a mash of fights from both ends, but VP were still ahead in net worth. After a few big fights and many skirmishes, VP were still pulling ahead with a 16k gold lead at 40 minutes in the game. Late game was a back and forth run between bases to destroy towers and barracks.
At around 50 minutes, a massive fight broke out. OG defended their middle barracks by winning the fight. VP didn’t have buybacks on most of their heroes and struggled to defend an all out mid push from OG. VP lost the first match even with a massive lead in the early to mid game.
The second match had a similar start, with VP dominating the early minutes. Both teams had strong early-game heroes, but it was Virtus.pro who was in the lead with 5k gold more. The mid game saw fierce fights between the two teams and OG could also get the bottom and mid Barracks of VP. However, the match turned when VP smoked around the 43-minute-mark and caught Topias Miikka “Topson” Taavitsainen who was playing Clinkz. After a long cooldown with Reaper’s Scythe on Clinkz, the game was in VP’s bag. They took full advantage of the situation and raided OG’s base to win.
Chinese Teams Are In Top Form
Teams like PSG.LGD and Invictus Gaming look in excellent form. It is too early to judge how the main event will turn out, but it seems Chinese teams have done their homework and are winning games. Vici Gaming look extremely dangerous and one of the top contenders to challenge for the trophy. They are yet to lose a single game and have only drawn against Fnatic. That said, Vici got a comparatively easier start to the tournament with no strong teams coming in their way. Perhaps the upcoming games will test them better.
Standings After Day 2
Chinese teams, Invictus Gaming and Vici Gaming lead the group stages after action packed matches on Day 1 and 2. Defending champs, OG and their sworn rivals PSG.LGD are second and may face each other in the main event for an important match yet again. Both Undying and Team Secret have done wonders to stay on the third spot, but Undying are yet to face some serious challenges. Beastcoast is doing fairly well, but EG may be a little disappointed with their performances.
Be sure to stay tuned to ESTNN as we bring you all the thrills and spills from TI 10 in Bucharest!