Gaev: BLR, BLD, and XCTN top picks for SEA’s TI 2023 bid

Road to Bali Major

Metro Manila (June 9) - With the Bali Major looming in the distance and potentially sealing the fate of which protagonists will participate in this year’s The International or TI 2023 in Seattle, Washington, seasoned Dota 2 caster Gaevary “Gaev” Mercado is banking on three SEA teams to make it into the grandest Dota stage of them all.

Gaev told Rivalry in an online interview that it is these three teams that can possibly carry the DPC SEA region as strong contenders in this year’s TI.

On the side of Blacklist Rivalry, Gaev noted that the role adjustments and its newest member gave the black-and-orange brand its own fighting chance after two lackluster seasons in the DPC Division I circuit.

“The team underwent roles adjustment and the inclusion of Kpii, resulting in a positive change within their lineup in Division 1,” Gaev said, pertaining to Carlo “BossKu” Palad’s move to the team captain position and how he blended well with the new offlaner in the team, Damien “Kpii” Chok. Alongside Coach Michael “Ninjaboogie” Ross, Blacklist Rivalry won a strong second place finish in DPC SEA Division I Tour 3, winning 300 DPC Points and qualifying for the Bali Major from June 29-July 9 in Bali, Indonesia.

As for Pinoy team Execration, Gaev says, “the departure of March had a major impact on this team, but their ability to secure a spot in three majors is an incredible achievement in Division 1,” commenting on the team’s strong performance in the highest competitive stage for Dota 2. Park Tae-won, or coach March, first helmed XCTN in December 2022. He eventually left Execration to join Nigma Galaxy. 

Gaev adds, “I would say that of all the teams that stood out (this DPC SEA season), I would say Execration, since they have all the appearance in all Majors.”

Gaev follows up with Bleed’s addition of seasoned Dota 2 veteran Rasmus "MISERY" Filipsen as their head coach. “With the addition of Misery, this team significantly stepped up and ended up securing the top spot in Tour 3,” Gaev simply said. Bleed won the lion’s share of the DPC SEA Division I Tour 3 prize pool and will join Blacklist Rivalry and Execration in the Bali Major.

One of the factors, Gaev says, of why these competitions get even more exciting is because of the introduction of Patch 7.33, which was first introduced last April. The latest update, Patch 7.33c, was released last May 13.

“The latest patch and seeing how teams adjust to the current meta is an exciting moment for me,” Gaev said.

The Lowdown on Division I, Courtesy of Gaev

As the DPC SEA Division I Tour 3 tournament holds significant importance as it represents the final opportunity for each team to earn DPC points, which are crucial for their aspirations of reaching The International, Gaev points out some of the other teams’ best moments and what they can do moving forward.

For Talon, it was a case of teams simply outperforming them in the DPC SEA Division 3. “This major will be the only one where they failed to secure a spot in Division 1,” Gaev said. Talon landed at fourth place for this Division I Tour 3, and will get 100 DPC points.

As for Team SMG, which landed 5th spot, Gaev calls them “the most unpredictable team in Division 1.” However, he notes that their gameplay remains highly inconsistent. Team SMG rounds out the Division 1 teams that will earn DPC points, with them claiming 50.

As for Army Geniuses, Gaev says, it’s a story of coming very close to securing a major spot thrice, but he also notes that AG ‘has consistently fallen short, possibly due to the mounting pressure in Division 1.” AG placed sixth in the DPC SEA Division I Tour 3, two places down from their 4th place finish last tour.

In seventh place is Boom Esports, who Gaev believes, “was once a dominant force in the SEA region, but it's unclear what exactly happened to them in Division 1.” Boom was relegated to Division II in Tour 2 but came back to Division I for Tour 3.

As for Xerxia, Gaev notes that the Thai/Filipino team’s journey from Division II to Division I “provides a quick glimpse into the skill difference between the two divisions.” This was Xerxia’s debut for the DPC SEA Division I tour, and placing dead last in this Tour 3 will relegate them back to Division II for the next round of the Dota Pro Circuit.

As for why Dota remains immensely popular over the years, Gaev says, “Dota 2 continues to offer an exhilarating experience due to its inherent flexibility. The game allows for a wide range of strategies and approaches, ensuring that almost anything can work if executed properly. “

“This dynamic nature contributes to the ongoing excitement and unpredictability that surrounds Dota 2,” he adds.

The Bali Major, which serves as the last Major match before TI 2023, will be held in Indonesia from June 29 to July 3, 2023, wherein teams from around the world will have a chance to fight for a $500,000 prize pool.