Four teams have already departed ESL One Kuala Lumpur following a quick Group Stage run.
ESL One Kuala Lumpur's Group Stage wrapped up earlier today and we are already zooming into the Playoffs. Four teams have already departed the tournament and eight teams remain. Which teams faced upsets and which teams soared during the Group Stage? Find out below!
ESL One Kuala Lumpur saw the debut of many new rosters that were formed after the conclusion of The International 12. New organizations such as Team Falcons and G2 made their way into the Dota 2 scene. Renowned organizations such as Azure Ray and Tundra Esports also field brand new lineups. And interestingly, newer teams have found more success during the Group Stage.
Group A: Azure Ray prevailed with no series defeats
In Group A, Azure Ray prevailed without a single series loss. The team grabbed three series wins and two draws to lead ahead of powerhouses such as Gaimin Gladiators and BetBoom Team. Team Secret, despite missing every LAN tournament this year, has been impressive so far. Its new roster, with the additions of former members, MidOne and BOOM, seem to be gelling well together as they place third in Group A.
(Photo via Adam Lakomy / ESL)
Gaimin Gladiators showcased a consistent performance, as per usual. However, they do look a little shaky as they claimed two draws and a series loss. Only Azure Ray managed to beat Gaimin Gladiators during the Group Stage.
Group A also bids farewell to two teams, Blacklist International and Wawitas Sagazes. Coming into this tournament, a lot of fans (especially from Southeast Asia) had their eyes locked on the flashy Blacklist roster. Abed's return to the region was the cherry on top of this all-star Filipino squad. But Blacklist International couldn't make it through the Group Stage following a lackluster performance.
Sadly, we also have to wave goodbye to the team with the cutest logo on board, Wawitas Sagazes. The South American team struggled during the ESL One Kuala Lumpur Group Stage and failed to claim a single series win.
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Group B: G2.IG and Team Falcons soared high
(Image via Liquipedia)
The chaos in Group B is a little more interesting with new faces on top. G2 recently partnered with Invictus Gaming to create G2.IG and it fields a mix of Malaysians and Chinese. This new lineup had plenty of expectations on their shoulders and they have so far DELIVERED.
(Photo via Adam Lakomy / ESL)
G2.IG only lost a single series to Tundra Esports and claimed four other series wins. This boosted the all-star team to the top rank in Group B. Next to the team is another Dota 2 newcomer. Team Falcons fields a lineup of TI11 champions, a veteran, and young prodigies. This new Middle East and North Africa (MENA) powerhouse came into ESL One Kuala Lumpur with great chemistry as they took down giants like Team Liquid and LGD Gaming.
Tundra Esports is also another interesting case. The team now fields ex-TSM of North America and many didn't expect them to perform this well. During the ESL One Kuala Lumpur Group Stage, Tundra took down Group B's top dog, G2.IG, 2-0. They are the only ones who have defeated this new team - at least throughout the duration of the Group Stage.
(Photo via Adam Lakomy / ESL)
Group B also eliminated two powerhouses in an unexpected upset. Both LGD Gaming and 9Pandas struggled during the Group Stage. LGD Gaming, which now fields an entirely new lineup, still has yet to find their chemistry as they claimed only a single series win. 9Pandas, on the other hand, bombed out the group earlier despite it being one of the most solid lineups in 2023.
The Playoffs have already begun and more action will continue on December 15th. And this time around with the roars of a live crowd to accompany the games!
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more Dota 2 news and updates.
