The regional qualifiers of the EPICENTER Major have concluded. The NA region will be represented by it best team, Evil Geniuses.
EG have secured qualification for The International 2019. Nonetheless, it doesn’t stop them to claim a spot for the last Major of the year. The team aims to prepare itself for the most prestigious competition of the year by facing the best teams in the world. The first slot of the region was surprisingly claimed by Forward Gaming. The NA side proved to be a force to be reckoned with by remaining undefeated in the group stage matches. EG finished 2nd after getting defeated by FWD in the group stage. Yet it was the only defeat of the team in the entire group stage.
EG claim the 2nd slot
EG had to face compLexity Gaming in the grand finale of the qualifiers. The match was played in the best of five format. EG lost the first game after an incredible performance by Linus “Limmp” Blomdin on the Clinkz. This just showed that Col had a good warm up before the final, since the spend spent the entire day in the lower bracket. Yet this extensive effort of the side went in vain after EG won three matches in the row to secure the series 3-1. The side also established a record of qualifying for all five Majors of the season. The have performed well in the 2018-2019 DPC.
? @EvilGeniuses secured their slot on the #EPICENTER Major! Congratulations!
We’re waiting for you in June ?https://t.co/7UgVoG9o9I #epicgg #dota2 pic.twitter.com/aTQwTLdKPd
— EPICENTER (@epicentergg) May 19, 2019
Both the teams have finished in the top three in majority of the competitions that secured them an incredible total of 6750 Dota Pro Circuit points. Now the NA side will aim to give its all in the EPICENTER Major to win its first major of the season and break the third place curse. The competition is is set to take place in the last week of June i-e from 22nd to 30th. Moscow will host 16 teams who will fight for the last 15,000 Dota Pro Circuit Points and for the lion’s share of $1,000,000 prize pool.
Virtus.Pro wins the CIS slot
Speaking of Moscow, the CIS qualifiers, also concluded a few hours ago. Surprising Gambit Esports claimed the first slot. Meanwhile, the 2nd and the last spot was up for grabs by the likes for the like of Pango, NA’Vi and Virtus.Pro
After an entire day of exciting competition, Na’Vi and Virtus.Pro made their way to the finale. VP defeated winstrike earlier and it was a tough test for the team since they were nearly eliminated by their CIS compatriots. Nonetheless, VP proved that they are one of the best teams in the world and met Na’Vi in the best of five series.
With a win over @natusvincere, @Virtuspro qualified to the #EPICENTER Major!
Congratulations! ??https://t.co/7UgVoG9o9I#epicgg #dota2 pic.twitter.com/eoicrTjKHO
— EPICENTER (@epicentergg) May 18, 2019
VP started the series on the front foot by taking the first blood and controlling the pace of the game. Yet Na’Vi was not pushover, the side stood toe-to-toe against the 2nd placed team in the DPC ranking. VP were the favourites to take the tie, yet after four games, everything was tied at 2–2. Yet in the fifth and final game, VP outclassed them and qualified for the EPICENTER.
