In an electrifying showdown at The International 2023, Gaimin Gladiators emerged victorious, bringing an end to Evil Geniuses’ journey in the first lower bracket round of TI12. The clash between these two formidable teams treated fans to an exhilarating series filled with breathtaking plays and strategic brilliance.
A Clash of Strategies
Day two of the playoffs stage witnessed a series of elimination matches, and Evil Geniuses and Gaimin Gladiators returned to the battlefield armed with fresh tactics, both determined to outwit their opponent.
Evil Geniuses vs. Gaimin Gladiators
In a previous series, Shopify Rebellion had made an early exit while experimenting with a carry Dark Willow. Undeterred, Evil Geniuses displayed confidence in their strategy, opting for the same hero in their lineup. They began the draft by eliminating bulky heroes during the first phase and swiftly picked Dark Willow as their second choice.
The laning stage erupted with intense action, particularly in the side lanes, as Evil Geniuses adopted an aggressive playstyle. Conversely, Gaimin Gladiators focused on securing objectives. However, their draft proved less effective during high-ground sieges, where EG’s lineup of Willow, Earthshaker, and Treant Protector proved insurmountable for GG. Consequently, the game extended well beyond the 60-minute mark.
With a steady approach, chipping away at each of the tier three towers, and displaying calculated teamwork during base breaches, Gaimin Gladiators managed to seal the game near the 70-minute mark. Their victory came after surviving several close calls and recovering from team fights that had the potential to spell disaster.
Game Two: Gladiators’ Domination
In the second game, Gaimin Gladiators introduced unconventional picks into their draft. They initiated with Dazzle and Tiny, forming an offlane duo, with Marcus “Ace” Christensen taking control of Dazzle. Evil Geniuses opted for the classic Phantom Assassin – Magnus combo, but they were unable to fully unleash its potential as Gaimin Gladiators overwhelmed them.
While Evil Geniuses bid farewell to their hopes at The International 2023, Gaimin Gladiators had little time to rest. They swiftly returned to the stage for another lower bracket round, where they faced off against 9Pandas in the closing series of day two, scheduled for around 19:00 PDT/04:00 CEST.