The competition in the Dota 2 Berlin Major is about to get even more exciting as it heads to its final phase. Some of the teams that were expected to place higher have been eliminated. So, can Gaimin Gladiators make a two-peat?
For those who can remember, Gaimin Gladiators took home the crown during Lima Major. The team didn't just win but dominated all their opponents. For their entire run in the playoffs, they swept every opposition. As if that wasn't enough, Gaimin Gladiators was also declared as champions in the recently concluded DreamLeague Season 19 with a 3-2 win against Team Liquid.
In the ongoing Berlin Major, Gaimin Gladiators is set to go against 9 Pandas in the Upper Bracket Final. The winner of that match will secure a spot at the Grand Final. Looking at their performance, they ended on top after the group stage. On the way to where they are now, they've been sweeping their opponents much like they did in Lima Major.
If the pattern holds, Gaimin Gladiators will have big odds of taking the trophy.
Teams Eliminated
There's no question that the best teams in Tour 2 are the ones participating in Berlin Major. However, there are some teams that were expected to go further and yet have been eliminated. Shopify Rebellion, which got fourth place during Lima Major, lost and went home with no cash prize and DPC points.
It's also a surprise to see strong teams like Team Spirit and PSG.LGD being eliminated. Team Spirit had been doing well during the group stage but couldn't do anything against Gaimin Gladiators and later Team Aster. PSG.LGD has been struggling in the tournament and lost to Tundra Esports and Talon Esports.
Possible Opponents
As mentioned, Gaimin Gladiators are facing off against 9 Pandas. Among the teams remaining in the tournament, the two teams that could be a threat against the former are Team Liquid and OG.
Team Liquid has long had the ability to surprise opposing teams and this tournament is no different. During Lima Major, they did pretty well and are showing good performance in this ongoing major.
OG, on the other hand, has been rather erratic in terms of performance. However, for Berlin Major, it seems they've managed to find their stride with their stand-in Ivan "MinD_ContRoL" Ivanov.
What about you? Who do you see taking home the crown in Berlin Major?
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