Tigers won the first Dota 2 minor after a back and forth series with CIS team Natus Vincere. The series started out with Tigers absolutely crushing Na’Vi in the first game. Lai ‘Ahjit’ Jay Son was playing the Meepo and after the very strong laning phase, there was simply no looking back. The hero is a very momentum based one and it had all the momentum in this game. Na’Vi’s cheeky Drow strategy blew up in its face, especially since they could never recover from the laning phase.
Towards the mid-game, Na’Vi was grasping at straws trying to get whatever advantage they can. Unfortunately for them, Tigers were extremely aggressive giving Na’Vi no map presence at all. This aggressive playstyle essentially resulted in Tigers winning Game 1 with ease.
The Axe Meta – Game 2 and 3
Absolute madness! @jenyaree gets the three-man Berserker's Call and @natusvincere takes Game 2! https://t.co/sl3BSJGveF #DHDreamLeague pic.twitter.com/t1uZib11H8
— DreamHack Dota (@DreamHackDota) November 4, 2018
After the poor performance in Game 1, it was difficult to believe that Na’Vi could make a comeback. It was not the loss as much as the magnitude of loss. However, as we go into Game 2, the CIS team picked up Axe for Lai ‘Ahjit’ Jay Son. Along with Magical on the mid lane, this duo was able to crush both the games with ease. Axe had a 3 minute hood of defiance in Game 2, possibly a record time.
The early lane dominance by Axe is not something that we are used to seeing. After all, Axe can easily be countered in the laning phase. However, when the hero is farmed and gets early items he can be quite a momentum based like a Meepo.
Na’Vi won Games 2 and 3 to take the lead in the series. [2-1]
Tigers make a comeback in Game 4.
Despite being down and almost out of the tournament, the SEA Squad never really gave up. They continued to exhibit the same dominant and aggressive performance as during the entire event. With the Tiny, Crystal Maiden and Invoker combination, Tigers was able to constantly play with Crystallize. He was not able to have the space and the impact in the game to deal damage. Tigers had a good lead and they established a buffer around the lead. However, we also saw them struggle to breach high ground. Despite a valiant defence by Natus Vincere, Tigers was able to tie the series at 2-2-.
The Tournament Game.
The final game was probably the most exciting one in the tournament. Both teams refused to give up until the very end. While Tigers did have an advantage in this game as well, it was not the same as in the previous games. The lead was not insurmountable for Na’Vi and Tigers was unable to increase their lead with ease.
🏆 @tigers_dota is going to the Major!!!
Your @CORSAIR #DHDreamLeague Season 10 Champions @MoonMeanderated, @1437x, Ahjit, inYourdreaM & Xepher! pic.twitter.com/0OcamoHy0Z
— DreamHack Dota (@DreamHackDota) November 4, 2018
However, despite having a very team fight focused lineup, Na’Vi was not always able to execute it perfectly. The CIS squad has received a lot of praise for its ability to synergize its playstyle around the players. They have had excellent coordinatoin and are able to play off each other. However, Tigers proved too much for Na’Vi to handle.
With this victory, Tigers win the Dreamleague Season 10 minor and proceed to the Kuala Lumpur Major. The Major starts on 9th November and will see the top Dota 2 teams compete at the event.
