THIS Major has opted for a very interesting format in which the break before the main stage happens partially before playoffs stage, playing the first few rounds before making it to a live audience. This means that for some of the teams they have been moved to the bracket and some have already been eliminated. Making the final days of the event volatile as almost every match watched on the main stage will be elimination. The main stage of this major will be defined by the teams who can win under pressure. No second chance here.
The Chongqing Major continues live from the BLOOMAGE Cultural and Sports Center with two more teams facing elimination and the huge match between the powerhouses Secret and VP. Games begin in 6 hours. #ChongqingMajor #DPC #Dota2 pic.twitter.com/2vcVOkugbP
— Wykrhm Reddy (@wykrhm) January 24, 2019
Upper bracket.
Secret
Secret have looked like a top-quality b team for most of the new DPC and have played some incredible DoTA to get to where they are. The addition of Zai and Nisha seems to have been the difference between this team being top 8 and top 3.
VP
VP is a team which has always found success in the DPC era of pro-DoTA. And once again they have done it by being the first team to officially qualify for TI9. This team is always a powerhouse and making it to another upper bracket final only adds to their incredible record. The key to their success in this meta will be Ramses and so far, the young carry player has not disappointed.
Guaranteed top 6
GG @EHOMECN #Dota2 #SLDota2 #ChongqingMajor #CQMajor pic.twitter.com/pVizdC9Aay
— StarLadder Dota 2 (@dotasltv) January 19, 2019
Ehome
Ehome’s new stack has been quite the shock to come out of China, bursting onto the international scene with a dominating win at the minor. Then coming to the major and getting an upper bracket slot and fighting their way past a good looking Fnatic in the upper bracket first round. The team still has a few issues to iron out but the incredible learning and great team fight execution gives them a chance against anyone.
PSG.LGD
PSG.LGD has shown a slump in form since they were so close at TI. The team has lost to lesser teams online and struggled on LAN. So far, they have guaranteed a top 6 finish, but for a team as accomplished as they are, this will not be enough. From here on out this team is going to have to step up as the rest of the games they play will be against top teams ready to bring the fight to them.
It's a great tradition – winning against PSG.LGD in China! GG WP @LGDGaming#GOGOVP #ChongqingMajor pic.twitter.com/Dhnun4w0Tk
— Virtus.pro (@virtuspro) January 22, 2019
The hopeful matchups
EG VS. Vici
This game is EG’s game to lose. Vici is a good squad but is not on par with the other 7 left in the event. If the EG squad wants to show the greatness of the team they have assembled, then these are the games they have to win emphatically.
Tip: EG
Liquid VS. Fnatic
This game is a little different as Liquid is not at full strength, missing the iconic Miracle. Even with top-flight talent like Shadow standing in, the team is not the same as they were before. On the other side, the new Fnatic squad have put up some dominant performances and some that are less than desirable. If the former Fnatic turns up for the games then the series Liquid are in trouble, but at the end of the day, Fnatic are going to decide their own fate.
Best Bets:
- Tip: Fnatic
- Overall tip: Secret
- Underdog: Ehome
