DreamLeague Groups Conclude: Only 4 Teams Remain
The DreamLeague Group stages come to an end with four teams qualified for the playoffs. The top 4 teams won all their matches, not giving a chance for any tie-breakers. It showed the gaps in playstyle between the best teams in the world. Now let's look at the top 4 teams in DreamLeague Season 19.
The list consists of three Western EU teams and one North American team. This shows why WEU is the strongest and toughest region.
Group 2 Recap: Day 7
Beastcoast vs. Tundra
This series was the deciding factor in whether the bottom four teams could compete for tie-breakers. If beastcoast had to win this series, they would have tied the score with Tundra for the top 4 spot. In turn, if OG, EG, or TSM had to win their series, they would also fall under the tie-breakers. But that was a big IF, and Tundra shut down the chance these teams had. Drafting hyper carries in the series, such as Terrorblade and Anti-Mage, they got a 2-0 victory. With this, Beastcoast was the second team to get eliminated, claiming 6th place in DreamLeague.
TSM vs. Shopify Rebellion
Both the NA teams clashed for the last time in this tournament. TSM and Shopify Rebellion have competed for the No. 1 spot in the NA region, but they always fluctuated. However, Shopify has done better in international waters when compared to TSM. And the fact that Shopify won 2-0 against TSM proves that. TSM was already eliminated from DreamLeague. Which shows they have a lot to learn on an international level.
Gaimin Gladiators vs. Evil Geniuses
This was the only series that went all the way. EG showed they are capable of competing against the best. And this was not the only game. Except for their series against Liquid, EG was able to steal a game in all the series they lost. In the game they won against GG, they turned GG's draft against them. After picking Quinn's signature Leshrac for themselves, EG secured their game. But losing game 3 got them eliminated placing them 7th with a prize of $42,500.
OG vs. Team Liquid
OG has been adapting to the changes they made recently. They have not completely figured out their play style, but are managing to be one of the top teams. Being in the top 4 in their region is not enough when playing against others. Even though OG missed the top 4 at DreamLeague by a slight margin, the gap with Liquid is big. Game 2 was a cheesy draft from both teams, but Liquid still got a 2-0 victory. OG takes 5th place with a $52,500 prize.
Playoffs
The playoffs will be on the 22nd & 23rd of April. The first series will be an elimination match between SR & Tundra at 3:00 pm (CET) Saturday. Then it will be Liquid vs. Gaimin Gladiators at 6:30 pm (CET). The winner will move to the Grand Finals, while the other team will drop to the lower bracket finals.
Featured Image: ESL Dota2