Let’s have a look at the teams whom we believe have the potential to shock the world in one of the biggest Dota 2 competitions of the year.
EG
A possible strong contender of MDL Paris Major is Evil Geniuses. Representatives of North America did not reach the grand finale of a single Major tournament. Yet they displayed stable performances throughout the season and secured a ticket to The International.
In the long run, the squad from America seems weaker than the same Team Secret and Virtus.pro, but in Paris, Evil Geniuses will have a chance to prove that they can beat the best. We believe that they really need this win to prepare for The International since they really don’t seem like a strong contender for the title.
Liquid
For two years Team Liquid has been ranked among the favorites of any tournament, and it doesn’t matter what form the team is in. This season things haven’t gone according to plan since the team has not yet secured a slot for TI. At the same time, it is interesting to see that Liquid has problems only in DPC tournaments. Since in other third-party tournaments, like MDL Macau 2019 and Megafone Major, the side dominated the final standings. If Kuro ‘KuroKy’ Salehi Takhasomi performs poorly in Paris, then things will only get harder for the former TI champions. But if the team wins, it will secure its qualifications for TI9.
Chinese Region
No matter what form they are in, the Chinese are always favorites to win when it comes to Dota 2 competitions. At the Paris tournament, the region will be represented by three teams – Vici Gaming, PSG.LGD and Keen Gaming. VG qualified to MDL Paris Major after finishing at third place in qualifiers. It is not a remarkable feat, yet the team won the last major so anything can happen for them in Paris. Meanwhile, Lu “Somnus” Я M Yao returns to LGD after missing out on the last major. Vici Gaming has already guaranteed itself a slot on the TI9. Yet after this competition, we believe that LGD will secure its invite as they are currently sitting at 6th place.
Our photos today #MDLDisney @MarsMedia pic.twitter.com/WgYswH7DjL
— Keen Gaming (@Keen_GamingCN) May 4, 2019
Keen Gaming is also capable of secure a flight to China. Even though the side has only participated in two major competitions, they have been remarkable in the 2nd phase of the circuit. At ESL One, Mumbai Keen failed only lost one series, and completely dominated its opponents. If Keen retains the same form, then it may well beat the likes of Virtus.pro, Secret and Liquid.
Hope For Mineski?
For Mineski, the season is unsuccessful, but the team performed well at the recent ESL One Mumbai 2019, where it took second place. In Paris, they will compete in the “group of death”, which included PSG.LGD and Vici Gaming. It will be almost impossible to qualify for the upper bracket. Yet, we believe that the team is more than capable to finish in the top 8 of the competition.
