Riyadh Masters Play-ins ends with 4 Teams Eliminated
After two days of intense Dota, four teams were eliminated from Riyadh Masters. The remaining eight teams qualify to the Group Stage, joining the already-seeded teams. All the teams in the play-ins were pushed to their limits, making it anyone's game until the end. Though these are the top teams in the world, as the competition goes on, it will only get harder.
Eliminated Teams
It is sad to see these four teams eliminated since they displayed excellent skill and entertained the viewers. They walked away with 50,000 USD each, though their Riyadh Masters run was cut short. These are the four eliminated teams,
- Beastcoast
- Entity
- Virtus Pro
- Execration
Entity managed to do a good job with the debut of their roster change. Watson popped off in a few games, especially as Morphling.
However, we cannot say the same about the other three teams. While they made some great plays, it was not enough to close out the games.
With The International around the corner, the only thing they can do is reflect and make a comeback.
Qualified teams
- Team Aster
- Team Liquid
- TSM
- Quest Esports
- Xtreme Gaming
- 9Pandas
- Team Secret
- OG
Quest Esports
Playing on home ground, do they have an advantage? No way, Quest Esports has proved to be worthy of the Western Europe region. From Division II to 4th place at the Bali Major, they have made a name for themselves. Even with some roster changes, Quest is not slowing down. Quest enters the Riyadh Masters Group Stage after only one loss against Xtreme Gaming.
Team Aster
Aster completely dominated the play-ins. Following a quarrel within the team after the Bali Major, Aster went through a roster change. However, it looks like this has only made the team stronger. With Monet's versatile hero pool, SumaiL, and Dota veteran Kaka, Aster could be one of the favorable teams.
Team Liquid
Well, this is an obvious one. Who would rival Gaimin Gladiators if not for their nemesis, Team Liquid? The Liquid boys managed to qualify for the Group Stage. Could they beat the Gladiator's streak? Let's hope they can so we can watch some thrilling Dota.
Xtreme Gaming
With Xtreme Gaming's astonishing performance at the play-ins, all 3 Chinese teams have entered the Riyadh Masters groups. Xtreme Gaming is slowly coming out of its shell. They are adapting to the International level of the tournament and the meta that evolves around it. But can they keep up this pace? With tougher teams in the Groups, the late-game aspect may be a new experience for Xtreme Gaming.
Upcoming Matches
With the Group Stage already started, matches will go on the whole day until 24th July. The second day of Groups starts at 2:30 pm CET with some exciting matches. 9Pandas vs. OG, GG vs. EG, Quest vs. Team Spirit, and Xtreme Gaming vs. PSG.LGD. Take your pick and enjoy Dota at its finest.
Featured Image: Gamers8 Esports