One of the previews of this year’s The International (TI) is the Stockholm Major, which is already underway and is scheduled until May 22. The event is joined by 18 teams from different regions all over the world, but most fans already have their favorites to proceed to the playoffs. Some of the biggest names are off to a good start while others are taking it to slow so far, but here’s what to expect from them in this event:
Team Spirit
The defending champions of The International are hanging on to the fourth spot in the group stage as it plays at the Stockholm Major without enough practice. Despite this, Team Spirit’s players and fans are keeping their hopes up as the Russian team breaks its tie with Fnatic in the standings through their upcoming matches against TSM and Thunder Awaken.
Those who bet on esports with Bitcoin, as well as other punters who also happen to be Dota 2 enthusiasts, know not to underestimate Team Spirit’s next two opponents. TSM is one of North America’s finest teams whose roster remains unchanged, while Thunder Awaken currently dominates the standings by winning all of its first four games.
OG
Two-time TI champions OG has already proven itself worthy of being among the best in the European Dota 2 scene despite finalizing its roster just before the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). Finishing the regular season of the DPC with only one loss proves this new breed of players is in top shape at the Stockholm Major.
OG is currently at the upper end of the standings, just behind Tundra Esports. There is a possibility that N0tail’s former teammate Sebastien ‘Ceb’ Debs will play for the team again in the Stockholm Major. This is if captain Mikhail ‘Misha’ Agatov fails to resolve the problems with his visa.
Evil Geniuses
Evil Geniuses finished in third place after North America’s DPC regular season despite the absence of Egor ‘Nightfall’ Grigorenko. The team’s current roster has some new players in the mix, but seeing that Evil Geniuses keep on showing up near the top of almost every tournament they join in, the team might just be a dark horse in the Stockholm Major.
Some analysts believe Evil Geniuses are the wildcards in Group A of the tournament due to the fact that three of its players are proving to be quite the force in North America. Fans are yet to see what the team can do against teams from other regions, such as BOOM Esports.
Team Liquid
Team Liquid remains one of the favorites to win in the Stockholm Major even when it is currently looking for its first win in the tournament. The team has home-court advantage in this Major as four of its players are Swedish. Team Liquid’s rough start was courtesy of Team Secret and OG, but fans will continue to cheer the team on as they face Fnatic and Gaimin Gladiators.
Most fans trust Team Liquid’s roster to have a good run once it gets its momentum running. Though fans may not know when exactly that will happen as powerhouses like Gaimin Gladiators and Team Spirit are also in the same group as them.
Dota 2 teams and fans are one step closer to the biggest stage of them all. With some teams in the Stockholm Major showing some interesting highlights, the proving grounds have delighted those who are anticipating The International. Keeping tabs on the biggest names in Dota 2 especially on big events like the Stockholm Major is expected from fans and punters who bet on esports with Bitcoin.
