Play within Group B is set to be just as tough and turbulent as Group A at the Nanyang Championships this week.
The first two days of competition focus on the group stages where five teams from each group (A and B) will be playing in a two game format. The first two teams from each group will progress to the winner bracket; third and fourth placements will be seeded into the loser bracket while the last teams will be eliminated from competition.
Let’s check out the teams in Group B and see how they fare against each other:
TEAM SECRET
Known globally as one of the best eSports teams on the circuit, Team Secret need little introduction.
Their performance at The International was disappointing which doesn’t go in their favor when looking at their chances of taking the top prize at Nanyang. However they are fresh off winning ESL One New York 2015 (and getting off the second-place curse on Jacky “EternalEnVy” Mao as well). If their last match dictates their success here they’ll secure a spot in the upper bracket easily.
The big-ticket team that could fend off the Chinese.
LGD GAMING
Another global team in the group that is highly respected; they are considered to be one of the giants of Chinese Dota. They’re previous success includes two top three placings and a top six in The International.
Providing they maintain their methodical game style we’ll see them in the upper bracket.
FNATIC
The Malaysian side has just survived the Frankfurt SEA Qualifiers by the skin of their teeth; however, they have been invited directly into this tournament.
All of their team members have experience fighting teams from outside the Southeast Asian region so they should have a serious chance as long as they get a good draft and execute their team fights properly.
Strong players but a relatively new team – may not have bounded yet.
EHOME.CN
Getting into Nanyang through a Chinese qualifier of any major tournament is no mean feat. The fact that EHOME have achieved this proves that they can go head-to-head against some of the best talent in the world.
Will be difficult to beat.
DIGITAL CHAOS
A mix of talents from all walks of the Dota 2 scene, including the famed Tyler “TC” Cook who helped Liquid perform well for two editions of The International. The famed North American star Yawar “YawaR” Hassan and one-time world champion in the form of Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling also make up the team. Digital Chaos has the potential to be a top team out with the NA scene.
A lower bracket slot is most likely given they are up against Team Secret and LGD-Gaming.
If I am to choose know who I think will be going through to the coveted upper bracket slots my money’s on Team Secret and LGD Gaming. Whatever the outcome of the group stages it’s going to be exciting for sure, no doubt with some surprises along the way.
