What we learned from ESL One Bangkok Unmuted

Dota 2

29 Mar

Eric Oliveira

ESL has released a documentary showcasing the behind-the-scenes moments of ESL One Bangkok. The film gives us a closer look at the struggles, victories, and defeats that players faced throughout the tournament. At the same time, we witness both Grand Finalists carving their own paths to the top.

Come closer and see what valuable lessons we can take from the art of showcasing Dota 2 at its best.

Feeling Like an Outsider

The video starts on an emotional note in the very first minute, Jonáš "SabeRLight-" Volek opens up: "As of right now, I still feel like a little bit of a newcomer to Liquid." These words carry weight for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

SabeRLight- joined Team Liquid right after Neta "33" Shapira departed following a TI championship win. Not only was he "the new guy," but he also had the daunting task of filling the shoes of one of the best offlaners in the world. Every mistake seemed to weigh heavier on him.

Jonas had big shoes to fill during the ESL One Bangkok and the pressure made them bigger.

Imagine what it’s like to be the guy who has to replace the best in anything. - Credit: ESL

Team Liquid Started Every Series Losing 1-0

Liquid's journey from the lower bracket to the Grand Finals was nothing short of incredible. Not only did they avoid elimination, but they also started every best-of-three series after the first round by losing the opening game. Their sheer mental fortitude in bouncing back time after time was astounding.

Despite still adjusting to SabeRLight-, the team managed to recover after every initial loss. They ultimately secured second place, but reaching the Grand Finals under these circumstances was a huge achievement.

Another match during ESL One Bangkok with Team Liquid starting from behind.

It was almost like having an disadvantage at every step of the way. - Credit: ESL

Crystallis Played by "Feeling the Vibe"

Dota 2 is a complex esport, and communication is half the battle. It becomes even more challenging when one player doesn’t speak the team’s primary language. In Crystallis’s case, he often had to rely on "feeling the vibe" to make decisions.

At the 16:10 mark, he says: "Most of the time, they'll be speaking Russian, and I'll just be like: I'll vibe! I'll do my best!." For centuries, myths have told stories of gods punishing humans by making them unable to understand each other. In Dota, sometimes this becomes a reality.

Crystallis had the extra job of getting things from context most of the time.

Crystallis is now the 'Vibe King' after winning ESL One Bangkok playing like this. - Credit: ESL

Sometimes, Luck is Part of the Job

Around the 18:20 mark, PARIVISION admits they probably should have lost the Upper Bracket Final at ESL One Bangkok. They got an opportunity to close out the second game and took it — but even they knew it was a lucky break.

Success in esports requires effort and talent, but sometimes, a bit of luck plays a role. PARIVISION capitalized on their lucky moment and made the most of it, while BetBoom Team continues to struggle with consistency.

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than to be good.

PARIVISION won by the skin of their teeth, but a win is a win. - Credit: ESL

Liquid knew Nyx was a problem but ignored it

Lastly, we have a segment after 37:30 where we see that both teams notice Nyx Assassin was a good hero. PARIVISION notices that having a Nyx influences Liquid's farming capabilities. Liquid considers banning it but decides to ignore this hunch.

In the end, Nyx was a central part of the PARIVISION victories and the Grand Finals end with a solid 3-1. Everyone finds out that SabeRLight- eventually proves himself by winning PGL Wallachia Season 3.

Both players had their personal drama while fighting for the top.

Two stories weaved by a common goal. This is Dota. - Credit: ESL

At the time, Crystallis got the win and somehow still got replaced anyway. Luckily for him, he "fell up" and now plays as the carry for Tundra Esports. Things apparently went out just fine for everyone.

Every tournament is a mystery and documentaries like this one make us recall the thrill of the competition in the best way. If you want to keep up with the lastest news about teams, tournaments, patches and interesting Dota 2 bits of information, come check our news page!