An overview of the matches that took place in SEA’s DPC during the first week.
SEA is one of the biggest Dota 2 regions when it comes down to fans, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the game is really popular. Although a team from the region is yet to win the most prestigious Dota 2 event in the world, many of the top clubs in the region have what it takes to compete against the best.
We got the chance to watch some of them this week because they had to compete in Division I of the 2023-2023 DPC. Needless to say, we also had the chance to watch a few intriguing matches in Division II, so let’s check them out.
Division I
The best teams in SEA have to go toe to toe in Division I in order to determine which squad will attend TI.
TNC vs T1
TNC and T1 was probably the most anticipated match of the week because these two teams are thought to be among the best right now. T1 is a legendary name in League of Legends that tried to make a mark on the Dota 2 scene. However, it was unable to find the right roster until it signed the ex-TNC lineup (at least most of it). This forced TNC to make several roster changes as well.
The first map between the two powerhouses was not as interesting as people expected. Although TNC had a solid pick that relied on Wraith King, the Strength Carry was unable to live up to expectations. After a series of mistakes, T1 secured a considerable lead and was able to seize the victory.
With their backs against the wall, TNC had no other option but to go all in. As a result, the SEA powerhouse got a very tanky lineup that seemed almost indestructible. However, T1 found a way to deal with it by picking Timbersaw, every Strength hero’s nightmare. Needless to say, T1 utilized him to his full potential and won the series.
Execration vs Motivate.Trust Gaming
The second series in Divison I was between Execration and Motivate.Trust Gaming. Execration used to be one of the big names in Dota 2 and even managed to secure a slot for TI at one point. Sadly, it seems like the team has a lot of work to do this time around before they start winning. After two disappointing games, Jayquem “Kimizu” Gumalan and the other four Filipino players lost the series and gave the Thai squad their first victory in Division I.
OB.Neon vs BOOM Sports
BOOM Esports made a name for themselves a few years ago after some very dominant performances at several tournaments in a row. Of course, the team made a lot of changes since then; and it seems like the latest changes are paying off.
Since BOOM Esports were the favorites, Justine Ryan Evangelista “Tino” Grimaldo and the rest managed to take down OB.Neon. They had little to no problems throughout the series, especially in game one. The second map was more interesting to watch because of OB.Neon had their chances. Sadly, they didn’t take full advantage of them and gave BOOM enough time to bounce back and win.
Fnatic vs Team SMG
Fnatic always had one of the strongest SEA rosters, and their current lineup is no exception. Thanks to players, such as Armel Paul “Armel” Tabios and Djardel Jicko B. “DJ” Mampusti, Fnatic is always the favorite. Sadly, the team was unable to live up to expectations after losing against Team SMG.
The newcomers in Division I have a pretty solid lineup structured around former Team Secret player Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng. The Malaysian superstar left Secret a while ago, and he is finally back on track with a new squad called Team SMG.
People expected Fnatic to dominate, but Team SMG didn’t give them any chances. Each game lasted under 30 minutes, which is a clear sign that MidOne and the others from his team were better, at least in this match.
TNC vs Motivate.Trust Gaming
It seems like TNC has serious problems because after losing their first series of the week, the roster lost yet another one. This loss was even more painful than the first one because it was against Motivate.Trust game. Although this club has a solid roster, it is definitely no match to TNC, at least on paper.
The first game was fun to watch because we had a lot of back-and-forth action. TNC had the lead at one point, but in the end, their opponents got the victory. Kim “Febby” Yong-min and the rest of TNC were demoralized in game two and weren’t able to win.
Division II
Nigma Galaxy SEA vs 496
Those of you who haven’t followed the SEA Dota 2 scene might not be familiar with these two teams, but they are definitely one of the best in the region. 496 has some of the most legendary players, such as hoo “Ohaiyo” Chong Xin, which automatically makes it one of the favorites.
Sadly, even Ohayio was not enough to stop Nigma Galaxy SEA from winning. The first game was over 50 minutes long, and it was fun to watch, but the second one was one-sided. In the end, Nigma Galaxy SEA deserved their victory after ripping through their opponents in game two.
Ragdoll vs Army Geniuses
Ragdoll is probably going to be one of the hidden favorites in Division II after their dominant performance. Cheng “vtFαded” Jia Hao and the rest quickly defeated their opponents. Although the first game was a little over 40 minutes, Ragdoll was in control and did not allow their opponents to use their lineup properly. Almost the same thing happened in game two.
Lilgun vs Interactive Philippines
As expected, Lilgun was able to take the victory after defeating his opponents in an epic battle. Sukhbat “Sanctity-” Otgondavaa had an amazing series and played a very important role for his team after defeating them.
Polaris Sports vs. Talon Sports
Although most SEA Dota 2 fans expected Talon Esports to dominate the series, Kim “Gabbi” Villafuerte and his teammates were unable to live up to the expectations. Despite winning game one, the team was unable to show its prowess and lost the second and third games. Polaris decided to pick some of the strongest heroes in the current meta and it seems like it paid off.
496 vs Army Geniuses
The last series of the week was between 496 and Army Geniuses. Both teams lost their first matches of the week, which made this game really important. Following the results, it seems like Army Geniuses wanted to win more because they were able to easily rip through their opponents.
