The world of Dota2 esports is unpredictable and always full of surprises. The recent performance of two major figures, Vladimir “No[o]ne” Minenko and Ivan Borislavov “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov, during The International 12 has left many in shock.
The Unexpected Fall of Team SMG
Team SMG, the Asian representative and team to which “No[o]ne” and “MinD_ContRoL” belong, experienced a harsh blow during TI12. Astonishingly, they were eliminated without having won a single series during the group stage. This result is especially shocking considering the track record and experience of their star players.
The Legacy of Two eSports Titans
“No[o]ne”, the Ukrainian prodigy, has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in previous TIs. He managed to make it to the top 6 of TI on two occasions, in 2017 and 2018. On the other hand, “MinD_ContRoL”, from Bulgaria, not only managed to get into the top four in 2018, but he also clinched the TI trophy in 2017 and secured second place in 2019. With such a history, the current performance has left many baffled.
Factors to Consider
It’s crucial to mention that “MinD_ContRoL” joined Team SMG just days before TI12, taking the mid lane. Despite his vast experience, the short time he had to integrate and adapt to the team’s dynamics might have influenced his performance. However, it’s undeniable that the level shown was below expectations.
What Will Become SMG now?
It’s essential not to underestimate the power of preparation and team synergy. While both players have individually proven to be world-class, eSports is about coordination and teamwork. This tournament can serve as a lesson for future competitions, underscoring the importance of adaptation and preparation. Also, it might be beneficial to consider longer integration periods for new members in high-caliber teams.