Dota 2
With the ESL One Berlin Major 2023 entering its third day, let's take a moment away from the action to discuss who might take the Major. BLIX believes there are five teams you need to take a look at.
As a reminder, we already briefly discussed all of the teams competing in the event, but this is a more of a critical view towards Dota 2's best and brightest. It also goes without saying that a second appraisal of the scene is needed as the release of The New Frontiers Update changed everything. So, let's get started.
Gaimin Gladiators
If someone was wondering which are the best Dota 2 teams in the world at the moment, DreamLeague Season 19 did a lot to help answer this question. After winning The Lima Major 2023, Gaimin Gladiators had an almost flawless run at the first big non-DPC tournament of the year. Although it wasn’t easy going up against Liquid, in the end, GG lifted the trophy and won their second tournament in a row.
Considering Gaimin Gladiators’ most recent success, it shouldn’t surprise many people consider the team the favorite to win. However, as teams are becoming more familiar with the new patch, there's still a chance to see some surprising results.
Team Liquid
Team Liquid as the runners-up from DreamLeague should also be expected to do quite well despite currently sitting towards the button of Group A. Like GG, the team from Western Europe has been one of the best in the world in the last couple of months. Although it is yet to win a big event, Michał "Nisha" Jankowski and the rest reached the final of The Lima Major 2023 and DreamLeague Season 19.
With three matches remaining against PSG.LGD, Execration and Evil Geniuses it would be unwise to count out Liquid from a run at this stage.
PSG.LGD
Judging by the recent results from some of the top Dota 2 tournaments, it’s safe to say that the Chinese squads have to step up their game. They are not on the same level as the top names from WEU, but since the Dota 2 patch 7.33 The New Frontiers Update is here, anything is possible.
There are a couple of teams outside of Western Europe that can make deep runs at the ESL One Berlin Major 2023 and PSG.LGD is among them. Although they're struggling in their group like Liquid, the best team in China has the needed tools to still shine. The new patch changed the game from the ground up, which is a glimmer of hope for the likes of PSG.LGD.
They will need to ace their remaining games against Liquid, TSM, and BetBoom should they want to show they are still the best in China.
Shopify Rebellion
Many assume North America is the weakest region in Dota 2, and often they are right. However, after DreamLeague Season 19, it became clear that there is a glimmer of hope thanks to Shopify Rebellion.
Arteezy’s squad exceeded expectations and successfully defeated some of the best teams in Western Europe. After escaping from the two group stages, SR won against Tundra Esports and reached the Lower Bracket Final. However, it wasn’t able to overcome GG, despite winning earlier against them, which meant they finished in third place.
Shopify are currently in the hunt for a top stop in Group B and look keen to possibly pull it off with their remaining matches against Xtreme Gaming, Talon, and OG.
Tundra Esports
Tundra gaming have impressed in their group thus far. Credit: Future Game ReleasesFinally, we have The International 11 champions Tundra Eports, a team that’s always among the favorites. As mentioned, Nine and the rest couldn’t defeat SR at DreamLeague Season 19. However, the team’s performance was pretty solid, which means on a good day they can put on a show.
One of the reasons why Tundra Esports won The International 11 was because it was the best team during that meta. Considering the squad adapts pretty fast, we wouldn’t be surprised if Tundra figures out The New Frontiers Update and starts winning yet again.
Tundra are just behind OG in Group B and look to be fairly safe for playoffs with their remaining matches being against beastcoast, Xtreme, and SMG.
