Gaimin Gladiators are The Berlin Major Champions
The Berlin Major grand finals were a rematch of the previous Tier 1 tournaments, The Lima Major and DreamLeague Season 19. Likewise, in the prior tournaments, Gaimin Gladiators prevailed over their arch-rivals, Team Liquid, taking home $200,000 USD in prize money and 500 DPC points. They were undefeated in their upper bracket run to the grand finals.
At The Berlin Major grand finals, even though Team Liquid bled Gladiators, it wasn’t sufficient. Gladiators recovered fast and sent Team Liquid packing. Team Liquid took home $100,000 USD in prize money and 450 points. Despite their defeat, Team Liquid became the first team to qualify for The International 2023 during The Berlin Major.
Game 1
In game 1, both teams traded blows during the laning stage, but Team Liquid tried to play aggressively after the end of the laning stage with their Alchemist draft. It quickly backfired upon them as Gaimin were ready for the aggression with their midlane Pangolier coming online backed by their offlane Magnus. As Gaimin Gladiators’ safelane hard carry Terrorblade came online, they pressured objectives from Team Liquid. Despite an Alchemist being against them, Gaimin Gladiators gained a net worth lead. Eventually, at 44 minutes, Team Liquid tapped out of game 1.
Game 2
Team Liquid played aggressively, starting from the laning stage in game 2. The support duo of Lich and Techies from Team Liquid was perfect with their rotations to enable their cores. As their midlane Ember Spirit came online, Team Liquid’s snowballed their advantage. Team Liquid dominated game 2 punishing Gaimin Gladiators for the moves, and at 36 minutes, they closed out the game.
Game 3
Even though Team Liquid won the laning stage in game 3, Gaimin Gladiators were patient and calm. With their Alchemist draft, Gaimin took calculated fights in their favour. They also stacked neutrals to enable their Alchemist further. Eventually, Alchemist became way big for Team Liquid to deal with. Eventually, at 34 minutes, Team Liquid tapped out of game 3.
Game 4
In game 4, Gaimin Gladiators made a statement by opening with an Alchemist, followed by their signature Io and Leshrac. Unable to find a possible solution for Gaimin , Team Liquid turned to Windranger as their final option. As the game started, it was a complete stomp by Gaimin Gladiators as they played it to perfection, making calculated moves and fights.
The aoe damage and healing from Gaimin were too much for Team Liquid to find the necessary kills. Having no more answers to Gaimin’s draft, Team Liquid conceded from game 4, giving both the series and the champion title to Gaimin Gladiators.