EG, VGJ.Storm prove NA deserves the regional qualifier slots
Resolution Image © Beyond The Summit
Evil Geniuses and VGJ.Storm mathematically secured the first two upper bracket slots at the main event of The International 2018, this year’s grand Dota 2 world championship, after a three-day group stage dominance.
Both teams never let go of the their respective group’s top seed even when they accomplished their group stage goal. It was as if the first two teams that hailed from the North America qualifiers were trying to make a statement regarding their potential as a top tier candidate for the Aeigs of Champions.
During The International 2018 regional qualifiers, the North American region was derided for receiving three slots—the most among all regions. The Dota 2 community argued that the region with no representative in the Dota Pro Circuit top eight doesn’t deserve to have that many slots, compared to the likes of Europe and CIS where the competition is tougher.
— Ben Steenhuisen (@Noxville) August 17, 2018
Come the eighth iteration of the grand Dota 2 showdown, however, Evil Geniuses and VGJ.Storm eargerly proved that they indeed deserve the three slots allotted for their region. They did not only come par against the eight direct invitees from their respective groups, but they also took games off of them to retain the top seed for three straight days.
The North American bets also flaunts an impressive mastery of the current hero trends. Among the 90 players at The International 2018, only Sneyking, VGJ.Storm’s offlaner, has a flawless win rate as Wraith King in five games. VGJ.Storm also sports a 100% win rate with Mirana, who is currently one of the most picked heroes of the tournament.
READ: TI8 Group Stage Day 1: Wraith King Shapes The Meta
At the end of the third group stage day, the defending champions, Team Liquid, joined the North American powerhouses at the upper bracket of The International 2018 main event.
EG amd VGJ.Storm look to cement their top seed spot tomorrow midnight at the final group stage day of The International 2018.
