As an ex-player who mostly follows Dota by watching TI every year (and the occasional other big tournament) day one is mainly orientation for me - catching up on what’s changed and how the meta has shifted.
Currently watching Aurora vs Liquid game 1, and I’m very curious to see if the Sniper pick works out. Also not used to Mirana being in the meta again. Was she even picked at all last TI?
The Sniper pick did not, in fact, work out. Also looks like we’re still (or again?) in Aura meta. Oh joy. Is it gonna be as bad as the Wraith Pact TI, I wonder?
I’ll try to find a small interview snippet, but yeah, Aura meta is still a thing. It’s not as bad as Wraith Pact since that was just a singular item that was built every match without fail. But now we have Shivas / Guardian Greaves / Pipe / Crimson that all contribute to some Aura effect.
Mirana being in the meta is solely due to her second facet. It’s such an insane damage amp.
Aura items are just too good value. I’m glad Wraith Pact got removed, but the meta is looking similar.
I’ve been seeing more Mirana today, looks very strong indeed. At least as long as Leap is working…
Team Spirit went 6-0 in the group stage, in a group that had Liquid and Aurora (both of whom made the upper bracket).
Then they lost 2-0 to Nouns.
Can someone explain to me how that happened???
Day 3 and I missed the first series, but not surprised Talon couldn’t beat Xtreme who are looking very good. Excited to watch the first Liquid vs BB game, first Medusa of the tournament and it’s on Boxi, very interesting!
I’ve been sleeping on C9 so far (can’t really watch every series) but this has been an impressive showing from them against 1w. Really like this game 2 draft, hope we’ll see Bane more - has done good work this game. And a well played Nyx is always a treat. Kataomi was doing his best YapzOr impression this game.
Day 2 and the big game to watch will be Liquid vs Spirit. Currently watching Nouns vs Zero and hoping Nouns can hang in there. It’s always fun to have teams from all regions performing well, and Lion was one of my mains back when I played so I can’t not root for this draft.
Nouns at least managed a draw, which will be big psychologically for them. Huge throws by BB after clawing back into a commanding position in game two versus Falcons. Tough watch. I guess you still just can’t give Ammar Timbersaw.
