TNC Predator and Fnatic have secured the first two slots for the Chongqing Major. The second Dota 2 Major of the year will take place in Chongqing from 19th to 27th of January 2019. The two South East Asian teams went through an arduous qualification process. The SEA Qualifiers saw the two teams qualify from amongst a total of eight teams.
Both the teams topped their group but it was not without challenge. TNC Predator faced off a challenge from Mineski in Group A, while Fnatic had to compete for the top spot with BOOM ID. Many expected Tigers to make it through this group, however, unfortunately for them Tigers lost 1-2 to BOOM ID.
The Semifinals saw TNC and Fnatic win their matches with ease. The series were 2-0 wins for the two teams which placed them against each other in the Winner’s Finals. This time it was Fnatic which won the series with a Meepo pick in Game 3. The hero has received multiple buffs and it is definitely strong in the new patch.
TNC Predator surrounded by controversy+
For TNC Predator, qualifying to the Chongqing Major is just the first step. Their player, Kuku is involved in a massive controversy which has split the Dota 2 community-wide open. With the Chinese government possibly intervening to potentially ban the two players, their careers are on stake here.
Kuku is accused of using a racial word in a public match. The player and the organisation since apologised which includes a fine over several tournaments for the player. However, with Chinese teams and fans unsatisfied with the actions, we might see more to this story. For now, the qualifiers for the Major are still underway at various regions.
The Chongqing Major is the first Dota 2 Major in China for this season.
