Riyadh Masters Groups: Rise of the Underdogs and Final Day Expectations
With the final day of the Riyadh Masters Groups coming up, we can see the difference in skill between teams. The adaptability to the current meta as it evolves each day is amazing. As of now, three teams have secured their spot in the playoffs.
- Quest Esports
- Talon Esports
- BetBoom Team
The Rise of the Underdogs
Quest Esports
The Riyadh Masters is the best place for these teams to showcase their victories. With Gaimin Gladiators and Team Liquid dominating the whole DPC season, it is nice to see some new faces at the top. Especially for Quest Esports to be the first team to qualify for the Playoffs is a big surprise. But they earned that by being a challenging team to beat, not losing a single series during the groups.
Team Secret
Yes, Team Secret can be considered an underdog after their poor performance this DPC season. After multiple roster changes throughout the year, the team has finally shown signs of life in the Tier-1 department.
Secret knocked out Execration to make it to the Group Stage. Though they lost both series on the first day, they made up for it by beating BetBoom, the no.1 team in their group. Puppey proved that he is still a dangerous captain.
New Meta in Group Stage?
With the release of patch 7.33e a few days before the Riyadh Masters, players are still finding their sweet spot and adapting to each game.
The Carry Lycan
Lycan, who gets picked as an offlaner for his excellent pushing, night vision, and buffs to allied units, is being perceived as a carry lately. With a drastic change in the hero build, Lycan has 10 wins and 4 losses in the group stage. The items built on the hero are Harpoon, Manta Style, and Nullifier, apart from the common Helm of the Overlord and AC.
The Offlane Meepo
We all know that Meepo is a hero we see only once or twice in a tournament, but not anymore. After the New Frontiers update, the Mega Meepo ability started gaining popularity. But it was not until later that we started seeing it in the pro scene. And now, many teams are starting to pick the hero in the offlane and rushing the Rod of Atos into Aghanims build. Although some teams have seen success with the hero, others are finding it difficult to fit it into their drafts.
Upcoming Matches
The final day of the group stage starts with PSG.LGD vs. Quest, EG vs. XG, Spirit vs. 9Pandas, and GG vs. OG. Tune in at 11:00 am CET today to support your favorite team.
Tiebreakers
These matches will determine who gets eliminated or if there will be tie-breakers. If EG and XG end with a draw, and OG also draws their series, then tie-breakers between EG, XG, and OG will take place.
Featured Image: Gamers8 Esports