The Group Stage schedule has lastly been launched. The sixteen taking part groups are sorted into 4 teams, 4 groups every. There are not any eliminations within the Group Stage of TI this yr, so everybody can have an opportunity to indicate themselves through the playoffs and contemplating the extent of the competitors this yr it’s a good factor.
With a smaller roster of groups, there are not any apparent outsiders. Whereas some groups may need much less expertise and recognition, each single slot is properly deserved. In the present day we’re going to have a fast take a look at TI Group Stage and share our ideas on the relative energy ranges of groups in them.
There are two apparent favourites on this group. Gaimin Gladiators and Xtreme Gaming have been exceptionally sturdy all through this season, with the previous successful Riyadh Masters and the latter cooking into TI off the again of Clavision: Snow Ruyi first place.
That doesn’t imply they’re assured a simple time of their group. HEROIC is a South American staff led by none aside from K1. A trendsetter carry who put the area on the map and showcased that an extra-greedy playstyle can work wonders, when backed up by late-game prowess. We’re not certain how properly the patch matches the staff, however from what we’ve seen from HEROIC through the qualifiers, they’re diversifying their methods and are adapting to a quicker paced Dota.
Hyping up 1W is a bit of bit tougher. The entire EEU area is in a disarray, with many gifted gamers being purchased up by Western European organisations. Due to it, there’s much more potential for progress inside the area. Who is aware of, perhaps the younger blood will are available scorching, with their extremely aggressive Dota fostered by the absence of stress from dominant squads within the qualifiers they’ve participated in all year long. Extra probably, although, they must do a whole lot of studying and adapting to the upper stage of competitors.
This group may be very attention-grabbing, as a result of there are not any immediately invited groups in it. All 4 groups bought to TI via regional qualifiers, so it’s going to be a showcase of relative energy ranges between the areas.
For all intents and functions, Cloud9, former Entity, are an EEU staff. They had been the primary within the qualifiers within the Western Europe, however that was to be anticipated, as it’s a staff of excessive profile veterans who’re no strangers to the excessive stress setting of Qualifiers and LAN tournaments.
Tundra truly misplaced to them within the higher bracket within the WEU qualifiers, however this roster is equally spectacular. We’re as soon as once more anticipating a whole lot of creativity from Topson, although they’re going to be enjoying with a stand-in. 9Class couldn’t get to TI attributable to Visa points and regardless of Saksa being a really sturdy participant, we really feel like it’s going to depart the staff at a drawback.
Talon Esports and G2 x iG may technically be thought of the weaker groups of this group, however this could possibly be a flawed learn on the meta. Talon particularly tends to have a really sluggish and methodical method to Dota, which in our opinion merely doesn’t match up properly towards WEU groups. G2 x iG are barely quicker and are typically extra adaptable, nevertheless we really feel like they at all times accept a “center of the pack” placement. In a four-team Group that isn’t technique.
Workforce Zero is the one Chinese language staff from qualifiers that performs a distinct model of Dota. They’re quick, exact and, expertise apart, they appear to be Champion materials, not less than mentality-wise. Nonetheless, expertise performs an enormous half in a staff’s efficiency and for a lot of gamers on the roster it’s going to be their first huge LAN occasion. We’ve excessive hopes for the staff and they’re unfounded, however there’s a probability they may crumble beneath stress.
Falcons and BB Workforce are the de facto favourites of the group. Each had been immediately invited to TI and for a large number of fine causes. At the start of the yr they’d continually battle for first place in lots of excessive profile tournaments, however we really feel like whereas Falcons managed to maintain the momentum going, BB Workforce had been slowly operating out of fuel. Or perhaps they had been simply preserving their energy for crucial occasion of the yr?
Nouns is the one NA staff at TI. We genuinely don’t know what to anticipate from them, because the area is mostly thought of very weak. They do play a really clear and structured Dota, courtesy of Fly management, however in TI you need to go above and past the standard framework to win.
Workforce Spirit wants no introductions. They’re one of many greatest favourites to take all of it as soon as once more. Their monitor document for the top of the yr wasn’t overwhelmingly spectacular, however they’re one of the crucial inventive comeback groups within the historical past of Dota. Not a very quick staff, however the “bend, don’t break” playstyle has been doing wonders for them for the final three years and we see no motive for it to vary.
Aurora and Beastcoast may be powerful opponents, although. Aurora particularly tends to go for longer video games with hyper-farmed place one that may’t mathematically lose a good engagement. 23 won’t be probably the most constant of gamers, however it’s unattainable to disclaim his capability to hold. The truth is, at his greatest, we really feel he’s up there with Yatoro and Ame.
Lastly, there’s Workforce Liquid and for a staff with that title they’re surprisingly strong. One other huge contender for the title and undoubtedly a staff to be careful for. Good, structured, clear Dota makes them predictable, however often the one factor the enemy can foresee is their very own demise.
There are various causes this TI is much less thrilling than the earlier iterations of the legendary event, however sport high quality shouldn’t be certainly one of them. With solely sixteen groups and each staff getting an opportunity to get to the playoffs, there are certain to be huge upsets and unbelievable storylines.
We’re extraordinarily enthusiastic about what probably the most prestigious Match of the yr will supply. The patch is in place, the meta is wholesome and regardless of all of the superficial noise surrounding this TI, we simply wish to remind everybody that it is a competition of the very best stage of Dota — the deepest and most advanced sport ever created.