The Road to the Playoffs
Elite League Season 2, the first LAN Dota 2 tournament in Peru in 2024, is nearing its climax. The top 8 teams are set to face off in the playoffs, making the tournament far more intriguing than initially expected, especially with the unexpected exits of Tundra Esports and PSG.Quest just days before the competition began.
As we approach the final stage, it’s the perfect time to review the teams that have made it this far and assess their chances of taking the championship title of the Elite League Season 2.
Group Stage Recap: The Final Standings
The Group Stage concluded with an intense matchup between Team Liquid and Nouns, both teams vying for victory. Team Liquid needed to secure a win to avoid a tiebreaker match against BOOM Esports that would determine who advanced to the Upper Bracket.
Fortunately, for Liquid, they managed to claim a hard-fought victory, securing their place in the Upper Bracket without the need for a tiebreaker.
Source: Liqupedia
The Surprise Contender: 1Win
One of the biggest surprises of the tournament has been the performance of the Russian squad, 1Win. This CIS team exceeded expectations during the Swiss Stage with three wins and one loss, even defeating local favorites like Beastcoast and Heroic.
In the Group Stage, 1Win continued to impress with four consecutive wins. Although they were defeated by OG, they bounced back with decisive victories against Execration and Shopify Rebellion, finishing first in the standings and securing a spot in the Upper Bracket.
Many fans have started to rally behind this team, and while they may not be seen as potential champions by everyone, there is a growing belief that they could surprise us all and make it to the tournament’s grand final.
The Top Contenders: OG and Team Liquid
From the start of the tournament, OG and Team Liquid were quickly identified as the frontrunners, especially with the absence of several Tier 1 teams.
OG has lived up to the expectations, establishing themselves as strong contenders with consistent performances throughout the tournament. With the support of the local crowd, who are eager to see players like Timado and Wisper lift a trophy, OG has become the favorite to win the title.
On the other hand, Team Liquid has had a rocky journey. Despite being seen as one of the top contenders, they have struggled during the second phase of the tournament. Liquid is known for starting strong but faltering as tournaments progress, and this event has been no exception.
However, with their experience and pedigree, they remain a significant threat and could potentially clinch the title on Peruvian soil, despite last year’s heartbreaking loss in the first Major final to Gladiators.
The Dark Horses: Shopify Rebellion, Nouns, and Execration
Three teams—Shopify Rebellion, Nouns, and Execration—have advanced to the playoffs, each with their own set of challenges and expectations.
- Nouns: They have managed to secure a spot in the Upper Bracket, but there are doubts about their ability to perform under pressure, given their inconsistent performances in previous tournaments.
- Execration: As the only team from the Closed Qualifiers to reach the playoffs, they are seen more as a wildcard. While their journey to the playoffs is impressive, few expect them to go all the way to the finals, making their qualification to this stage an achievement in itself.
- Shopify Rebellion: This team has faced difficulties due to recent roster changes, leading to an inconsistent showing throughout the tournament. Although they’ve made it to the playoffs, their chances of winning the tournament seem slim as they are still finding their footing with a new playstyle.
The Home Teams: BOOM Esports and Beastcoast
Against all odds, BOOM Esports and Beastcoast will be representing the home crowd in the playoffs. While many hoped to see Heroic in the final stages, their disappointing performance in the Swiss Stage saw them eliminated on the last day of the competition despite a strong start.
Both BOOM and Beastcoast have had lackluster Group Stage performances, leading them to begin their playoff journey in the Lower Bracket, where they will face each other in Round 1. This ensures at least one Peruvian team will advance to Day 2 of the playoffs, but there are concerns that their subsequent performances may not be strong enough to keep a local team in the tournament until the final day.
Source: Liquipedia
The Playoffs: High Stakes and Tense Matches
The Elite League Season 2 Playoffs promise to be thrilling, with each team now fighting for survival. The Peruvian audience is in for a treat, with closely contested matches that could go either way.
The playoffs kick off on Friday, August 2, starting at 10:00 AM, with all matches being Best of 3 series. As the stakes rise, so does the anticipation for what is set to be an unforgettable finale in the first LAN Dota 2 tournament of the year in Peru.