Following a slow start to the StarLadder ImbaTV Dota 2 Minor for OG, things didn’t pick up as the group stage wrapped up.
After dropping their opening match against the veteran roster of Old But Gold, OG were set to play Royal Never Give Up in a battle for their tournament lives.
OG pushed things early on against RNG, snagging game one in less than 30 minutes—but they couldn’t keep up that momentum. RNG battled back in game two and gave OG a tough out. It came down to whoever was winning the teamfights, which led to OG finishing the sweep.
That turnaround led to a rematch against OBG that was full of quick and decisive matchups.
OBG took the first outing, which was followed by a clutch comeback from OG thanks to some of their signature team play. After fending off OBG once, the team of veterans wouldn’t be denied a second time.
A gameplan built around a Shadow Fiend and some crafty playcalling saw OBG eliminate one of the tournament favorites and secure a spot in the playoffs and a top four finish.
In Group B, Gambit Esports were waiting to see who would come out on top in the battle of BOOM ID and Demolition Boys—a rematch from a series back at The Bucharest Minor where BOOM swept them in the group stage.
It was a much closer affair this time around, especially in game one, where both teams were very uncertain about the other players and wouldn’t completely commit to teamfights. DB pulled the first game out in the final minutes, but that win caused them to be a little too cocky in game two.
BOOM evened things up after showing DB that they weren’t going to just sit back and let them farm—but that mindset didn’t transfer into the deciding match. DB set themselves up well at the start and played while keeping BOOM at a respectful distance on their way to claiming the victory.
Despite their clean win in the losers match, DB didn’t hold a candle to what Gambit were packing. Gambit took game one fairly easily, and even with DB adjusting well in game two, it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
With that win, Gambit claimed the final spot in the top four as the competition for the final slot in the DreamLeague Season 11 Stockholm Major heats up.
Matches will continue on March 10 at 5am CT when Flying Penguins and Gambit face off.
