Team Indonesia lifts the World Esports Championship Bali 2022 Dota 2 trophy in front of the home crowd after beating Team Philippines 3-2.
South East Asia has taken a foothold of their home turf with both Team Indonesia and Team Philippines making it to the grand finale of the Dota 2 world cup at the International Esports Federation (IESF) 14th World Esports Championship Bali 2022 (WEC 2022).
After losing to Team Philippines on the second day of playoffs, Team Indonesia made an incredible lower bracket run and clawed their way to the grand finale for a rematch. Despite the disadvantage of starting with one win behind Team Philippines, Team Indonesia managed to defeat them with a 3-2 score and became champions.
Players of Team Indonesia and champions of the IESF WEC 2022 - Dota 2 leg:
- Randy "Dreamocel" Sapoetra formerly from BOOM Esports
- Rafli "Mikoto" Rahman from Talon Esports
- Syaid "womy" Reski from SPAWN Team
- Tri "Jhocam" Kuncoro from Army Geniuses
- Matthew "Whitemon" Filemon from TSM
- Coach: Brizio "Hyde" Budiana formerly from Talon Esports
Team Indonesia starts with a disadvantage
IESF had done something that is almost never done in the history of competitive Dota — giving the upper bracket team a one-point headstart in the best-of-five grand finale. In other words, Team Philippines were already ahead by one game at the start of the series. This was certainly a huge hurdle for Team Indonesia to overcome.
Indonesia tied up the series with the first win of the day, but Philippines remained steadfast and won the second match, leading back 2-1. Indonesia then proceeded to tie the series once again after winning the third map. Fans from both sides roared under Bali's scorching heat, rooting for their countries as hard as they could.
In the final game, Indonesia went off to a bad start. But in a crucial Roshan pit brawl, Mikoto's Ember Spirit went deep inside the enemy lines to snatch the Aegis away from Philippines, turning the tables around. From that point within the next 10 minutes, Philippines slowly crumbled as Indonesia steamrolled their way to victory.
Mikoto earns the MVP title. Dreamocel gives respect to Team Philippines
People think that Team Philippines consist of tier two or three players. But in my opinion, these guys are pretty good and everyone ought to pay attention to them for the upcoming Dota Pro Circuit open qualifier.
During the post-game interview, Mikoto was deservingly named as the series MVP, especially after he clutched an Aegis steal from Team Philippines. Dreamocel was then asked how he felt about winning the tournament for his country. His response: "Everything just feels right and I felt very excited." He then added some words of respect for his opponents: "People think that Team Philippines consist of tier two or three players. But in my opinion, these guys are pretty good and everyone ought to pay attention to them for the upcoming Dota Pro Circuit open qualifier." Team Philippines have proven to be formidable throughout WEC 2022. They made it to the main event playoffs via qualifiers and consistently dominated throughout the upper bracket.
Indonesian fans stormed the stage as their country become champions
As Team Indonesia's victory drew closer, their supporters began to gleam with joy and excitement, anxiously waiting for the "gg" call from the opposing team — and when it finally happened, they stormed to the front of the stage and yelled at the top of their lungs, chanting their country's name repeatedly.
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