Dota 2 team TNC Predator was expected by many to be the gatekeeper for the upcoming StarLadder ImbaTV Minor. This after the team was unable to qualify for the ESL One Los Angeles 2020. While TNC Predator did manage to get a spot for the StarLadder ImbaTV Minor, which would have allowed them to enter the Majors if they won, the team was unable to to hurdle this one as well.
At the start of the qualifiers for the ESL One LA, there was high expectation for TNC considering that they were still the top spot in the DPC rankings. However, TNC would only manage to go 1-1 against IO Dota 2 and Neon Esports in the Group Stage. The second day saw TNC get swept by Team Adroit 0-2 and secure a tie against Reality Rift 1-1. This result in the team being out of the Majors, but earn a spot in the Minor.
In the Minor, TNC was dropped to the Lower Bracket by BOOM Esports. The team did managed to win against IO 2-0. Sadly, TNC Predator faced Reality Rift again in the next round and this time Reality got the upper hand.
The question is, what happened? There are some who say team chemistry is at fault, but TNC had actually been doing well early in the new DPC Season.
So what could be the real reasons? Well, there are two ways to look at it. On the technical side, it appears that the latest patch didn't pair well with TNC's gameplay. Overall, the patch tilted towards more aggressive plays and team fights. TNC generally uses tactics to protect the carry before eventually going for the win.
Another factor could be fatigue. After The International 2019, the team has been constantly participating in different tournaments. In October 2019, for example, they were part of ESL One Hamburg and went on to win it. A month later in November, they were in the MDL Chengdu and went on to become the champion. This resulted in TNC becoming #1 in the rankings.
More than a week later, TNC took part in the qualifiers for the DreamLeague Season 13. TNC closed the year with a 7th-8th place finish at the ONE Esports Dota 2 World Pro Invitational Singapore. January of this year was DreamLeague Season 13 and this month the qualifiers for the ESL One LA and SLi Minor.
If you've been keeping track, that's almost one tournament a month.
As of today, TNC currently leads in the DPC rankings, though the team will likely be bumped down after ESL One LA. However, with the amount of points they have, it's likely they already have a spot for TI 10 secured. The break would actually be beneficial for the team as it will give them much needed rest and time to get more accustomed to the changes in the latest patch.
For now, the SEA Region is going to be represented in ESL One LA by Fnatic and Geek Fam. For the SLi Minor, that honor goes to BOOM Esports.
What about you? What are your thoughts on TNC's elimination? Do you think they'll be able to get their mojo back by the end of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
