Preview: Virtus.pro at EPICENTER: Moscow 2017
On June 4, our Dota 2 team’s run at EPICENTER: Moscow 2017. The tournament’s group stage will go on until July 7, during which time Virtus.pro G2A will play four matches. Which of them are of particular note? What is the biggest thing that stands between VP and the playoffs? Let’s find out.
Virtus.pro vs Clutch Gamers (June 4, 18:00 CET)
Clutch Gamers, a young and passionate team from South-East Asia, will be our roster’s first opponent. The Filipino squad have made a name for themselves in online events, winning the qualifiers for The Manila Masters, The Summit 7, Mars Dota 2 League 2017 as well as EPICENTER: Moscow. This is the first time Clutch Gamers are traveling outside their region to play, and they are regarded as one of the tournament’s dark horses.
The Filipino team may somewhat lack in LAN tournament experience, and their showing at Manila Masters can hardly be called at success. Nevertheless, writing them off would be a mistake, what with CG being the region’s only team that was able to defeat Faceless.
As is common in the SEA region, Clutch Gamers prefer a fast and aggressive playstyle, relying on taking the initiative early in the game. However, the team has also proved capable of going out of snowball mode in time, without overextending in their aggression.
Virtus.pro vs Planet Odd (June 5, 14:30 CET)
Of no less interest is our team’s second opponent, the former Thunderbirds, who were without an organization until very recently, and now have their new management’s expectations to live up to. Even discounting that additional motivating factor, the North American squad simply must make an impression after their Kiev Major defeat at the hands of Evil Geniuses.
Planet Odd did not take part in The Manila Masters or SL i-League Invitational #2, as qualifiers were not held for their region, and their playing form is one of EPICENTER: Moscow 2017’s greatest mysteries. During the qualifiers for the Moscow tournament, ex-Thunderbirds only faltered once, losing to Team Freedom in the first round. Nevertheless, they were able to win the slot, after a 2-0 with every other team.
In the long run, the team’s performance has been on the decline since the Boston Major semifinals and the victory at ESL One Genting. Will EPICENTER: Moscow 2017 be the tournament that allows Planet Odd to show themselves at their best? We’ll know the answer on June 5, when they face off against our team.
EPICENTER: Moscow 2017 schedule
Virtus.pro vs Invictus Gaming (June 6, 14:30 CET)
While Virtus.pro’s two previous opponents are dark horses whose playing form is yet to be revealed, Invictus Gaming are among the favorites in the group as well as the tournament as a whole. Domestically, China’s strongest team won the Dota 2 Asia Championships 2017, and at this April’s Kiev Major, they placed 3rd–4th.
Stability is the main factor that iG’s success at EPICENTER: Moscow hinges on. At Manila Masters, the Chinese squad lost to Team NP’s updated roster, getting eliminated from the 5th–6th place, which is why in Moscow, they’ll be looking for an opportunity to recover their position in the global ranking. Dota 2’s recent patch benefitted iG, whose repertoire includes precisely the heroes that have become the most efficient.
It’s worth reminding that defeating Invictus Gaming was what took our team into the Kiev Major grand final. What’s more, in that match, iG looked like mere shadows of themselves, and mounted no particular challenge to VP.G2A. For the Chinese team, this will certainly be an additional motivator in their upcoming match against Virtus.pro G2A.
Virtus.pro vs Evil Geniuses (June 7, 18:00 CET)
The match against Evil Geniuses will be our Dota 2 roster’s crucial test in the group stage. The recent Manila Masters winners are among the main challengers of every upcoming international tournament, including EPICENTER: Moscow 2017.
Having placed 3rd–4th at the two recent Majors, EG are clearly thirsty for grand finals of large championships, and they’re showing no sign of relenting after The Manila Masters. VP vs EG will be the Group B’s icing on the cake—a must-watch for all Dota 2 enthusiasts!