The grand final series of the European online Dota 2 competition, played as a best-of-five format, which was meant to act as a type of warm-up before the Lima Major, was won by Tundra Esports against Team Spirit on February 15.
It was a great battle that lasted right up until the end. After winning the first two games of the series, which each lasted longer than an hour, Tundra dropped the next two before winning the fifth and final game to win the series.
The Journey To Lima Major
Unfortunately for them, it was more than obvious Tundra was not operating at 100%. Topson, an OG veteran, and Nightfall, a BetBoom offlaner, filled in for Skiter and Nine, who were unable to play due to sickness.
Nevertheless, Team Spirit lived up to their moniker and managed to compete with them in what turned out to be a very exciting Dota 2 series.
Along with 16 other teams including Team Liquid, BetBoom, Team Aster, and PSG, both teams have already qualified for the Lima Major.
If their last series is any indication, LGD are all in terrific shape, and it appears like the Lima Major will be quite the sight.
Spirit isn't even in “the best form right now,” according to Miposhka. They make “many errors,” the cool, collected commander asserts, and aren't “focused” enough. Nevertheless, he was satisfied with the outcome.
In a similar vein, Sneyking acknowledged that playing with two stand-ins required them to play “quite differently from [their] regular playstyle,” but commended Topson and Nightfall for making quick adjustments to continue to pose a formidable Dota 2 challenge.
What’s Next?
It will be fascinating to see whether each side can step up their game as well. Spirit will try to build on the lessons they've learnt from this competition, while Tundra will welcome back its two players and resume its usual play.
Based on the 2023 Dota Pro Circuit performances to yet, Liquid and BetBoom head into Lima as the favorites, but Dota 2 tournament history demonstrates that anything can happen, due to the fundamental esports principle that “it's anyone's game”.
