Dota 2
We offer an overview of some of the teams to keep an eye on in Group A and B.
A couple of weeks ago, we provided you with a full list of all teams that will take part in The Lima Major 2023. The first big event of the 2023 DPC is extremely important because of its impressive prize pool and DPC points. What’s more, it will be the first big international event of the year, which means it will give teams a chance to compete against the best.
The Major begins on 22 February in Lima, Peru’s capital. As mentioned, the event will have 18 teams, and they are split into 2 groups of 9 teams each. Those that finish in the top 4 will receive a slot for the Upper Bracket, whereas the two squads beneath them will advance to the LB. Sadly, those in the last 3 spots will be eliminated from the competition.
Even though there are a couple of days until the tournament begins, we already know the teams in each of the 2 groups. We have no doubt the Major will be exciting to watch, but some squads will likely perform much better than others. So, let’s learn more about the big names to keep an eye on.
Group A
Most of the teams in Group A have what’s needed to finish in the top 4. However, a few of them definitely stand out. Before we take a look at them, here are the teams that are a part of it:
- Talon Esports
- EHOME
- Team Spirit
- TSM
- PSG.LGD
- Tundra Esports
- Execration
- Evil Geniuses
- Gamin Gladiators
PSG.LGD
Regarding the teams to keep an eye on Group A, we have to start with PSG.LGD. China’s powerhouse made several significant roster changes after failing to show its prowess at TI 11. We expected the team to have problems, but this wasn’t the case.
Shortly after the roster changes, PSG.LGD proved once again that they’re the best team in China. Although they had some problems, they didn’t affect the squad’s performance in the end, and the team secured themselves a spot for The Lima Major 2023.
By the looks of it, LGD is definitely one of the big favorites in Group A. A few other squads could challenge the Chinese powerhouse, but unless shiro and co. make a crucial mistake; they should be able to secure an Upper Bracket slot.
Tundra Esports
Tundra Esports is the second team we expect to have little to no problems in Group A. Even though the current TI winners didn’t finish first in WEU’s 2023 DPC Division I, Nine and the rest didn’t face any major problems. Sure, they had to take part in the Tiebreaker, but in the end, the squad defeated OG and Entity to secure a slot for The Lima Major 2023.
Besides winning The International, Tundra Esports also achieved pretty good results throughout 2023. We must remember that the current meta is similar to the one at TI 11, meaning Tundra is in a perfect position to win this Major.
Group B
After looking at some of the favorites in Group A, it’s time to do the same for Group B. By the looks of it, some of the squads here will be in a league of their own. With that said, here are the teams seeded to Group B at The Lima Major 2023:
- Shopify Rebellion
- Team Aster
- Knights
- Team Liquid
- Geek Slate
- HellRaisers
- BetBoom Team
- Beastcoat
- Entity
Team Liquid
Starting with the elephant in the room, Team Liquid is undoubtedly the big favorite to win the first Major of 2023. Nisha and the rest were flawless in Western Europe’s Division I, which is why people consider them the best team in the world currently.
What’s interesting about Team Liquid is that the squad lost its legendary carry — MATUMBAMAN. However, this didn’t have an impact on the team’s performance because Liquid added Team Secret’s carry Nisha to their roster. It seems like this decision was worth it because TL dominated its opponents in Western Europe.
Although there are several other top Dota 2 teams in Group B of The Lima Major, most people agree that TL is the big favorite.
Team Aster
Although some people may not consider Aster to be one of the favorites for The Lima Major, Monet and his teammates proved they’re among the best in China. Interestingly, Aster became the first team in the region to qualify for the Major — after winning almost all matches in Weeks 1 and 2.
Team Aster surprised us at The International 11 by becoming the highest-placing Chinese team. Even more surprising was that the squad stood its ground against the best in Western Europe. That’s one of the big reasons why we think it won't have any problems securing a Top 4 finish.
BetBoom Team
Based on what happened in each Dota 2 region’s Division I, Eastern Europe definitely has some of the best teams right now. Aside from Team Spirit in Group A, BetBoom Team is also one of the potential favorites to win The Lima Major 2023.
Despite introducing a completely new roster following TI 11, BetBoom quickly established themselves as one of the best in the region. Gpkl and the rest had little to no problems in EEU, especially after adding TORONTOKYO to the squad. The latter had to forfeit the mid-lane in favor of the support role, but it seems like it was worth it.
Aside from some of the top teams we’ve mentioned above, there are several other squads that people will be interested in. For example, Evil Geniuses and Shopify Rebellion are two squads that many will pay close attention to after the developments following TI 11’s roster shuffles. There’s no arguing that the first Major of the 2023 DPC will be incredibly fun to watch.
