posted by SohNata

ADVERTISING:

predictions

DK backstage during WPC-ACE.

ChuaN is odds on to return to the TI stage with iG.

r0tk is likely to get a chance to cross paths with Loda again.

Zephyr have got the job done in Korea, but will they get a chance to qualify?

It's closing in on two years since a team from the East lifted the Aegis of the Immortal. Last year's final was an all Western affair. At TI4, the east will be eager to establish dominance yet again - but who will get that golden chance?The team who will be at the top of the invite list is obvious - it has to be, having established themselves as the dominant force in Chinese Dota with a long list of achievements under the captaincy of. WPC-ACE was claimed in the most dramatic fashion by reversing a three game deficit, while they also won G-League without dropping a single game all tournament. Outside of China, they were able to defeat every single team exceptat MLG Columbus, on their way to making the grand final. Those achievements combined with an all-star roster that has no weak links, it's clear that obtaining a TI4 invite - as the saying goes - will be 'EZ for DK'.It would be fairly surprising if they were not joined by previous International champions,. Demonstrating consistent and impressive play throughout the year, they've become one of the leaders in the scene, having captured the Red Bull ECL and grand final spots in G-League and WPC-ACE. While they might have struggled against DK for the most part, they may have found the final piece of the puzzle by bringing backto the squad, meaning the roster is essentially the same as the one that won The International 2, with the exception of. Bolstered by strong team chemistry between five highly skilled players, they recently claimed a spot at the Starladder global finals and are almost a lock for making the trip to Seattle.Expected to join those two squads would bewho boast a roster brimming with talent and experience with the likes ofand. One of the hardest teams to come up against in China, they made their mark earlier this year by winning Season 4 of D2L in Las Vegas, defeatingandalong the way to a $25,000 prize. However, that was with former playerNing 'xiao8' Zhang directing the action - he now finds himself in a new squad, that being. Long rumored to be forming, the trigger was finally pulled on the squad in late February, although they made an inauspicious start by failing to qualify for Sina Cup 3. However, they have since addedto the squad, which has led to improved performances, although they did fail to qualify for the Starladder Global Finals. While they certainly capture the imagination, they have not been a team for long and are yet to have that standout tournament performance to justify a spot - to me, it seems like they will need to go the qualification route.Rounding out the Chinese options, a likely fourth slot will go to. Providing a rare stable roster in the Chinese scene and powered by top quality players likeand, they made a big impression last year when they took first place at ESL One Fall, a tournament that featuredand. Taking third place in WPC ACE, second in Sina Cup 3 and making the LAN finals of D2L S4, they've proven that they can tangle with the best teams from all areas of the world and that they deserve a spot in Seattle this Summer - it feels like Valve will give r0tk the chance to fill the arena with his famous shouting. So that just leaves who joins NewBee in the qualifiers and with a lack of depth in the scene, the options seem quite straight forward - it's very likely we seeinvolved.You can expect the Southeast Asia (SEA) region to be represented in the tournament much like last year and the region will see fierce competition for places among the squads.are certainly one of the strongest candidates from SEA to get an invite, having performed solidly across recent months and containing four players from the Orange team who came third at last year's International, aswell as the legendary. While they haven't had the strongest performances against the Chinese squads, Valve are likely to hand the Malay squad a spot. The last spot is possibly a contentious one, but going off how I feel Valve like to support the scene, I see SEA getting a second direct invite, going to. With the ever popularleading the way and the Scythe name coming to prominence again via Free To Play, the Singaporeans will not only be a popular choice, but a stern test for their opponents with solid play that has made them one of SEA's elite teams. In terms of qualifier teams, there are plenty of potential options, but teams certain to get an opportunity would beand. Other possibilities for a qualifying spot could beandElsewhere in SEA, there has been intense speculation over Valve's plans for the Korean teams, given the recent birth of the scene with Nexon Sponsorship League. The question is if Valve want to give the try and capture the Korean fanbase by inviting a team to Seattle. However, the Korean scene is still developing and it's difficult to imagine them picking up many wins, let alone challenging for top honours - a situation which leads me to believe Korea receives no direct invites. However, it's very likely they get some teams in qualifiers, although who would attend is intriguing, giving Nexon blockingandfrom taking part in Starladder. If Nexon's influence also sways Valve, it feels the likely choice would then be Nexon Sponsorship League Season 2 winners, who have also been strong performers in Starladder StarSeries and KDL. Another interesting factor is that if Zephyr happen to be in the US during qualifiers, given their popularity and NSL success, I could see Valve giving them a shot in 'Americas' qualifiers. If Zephyr cannot take part, I would expect Korea's two other NSL winners, the aforementioned MVP Phoenix andto get a shot at qualifying. Otherwise, expect Zephyr to be handed a golden chance to prove that they do belong in the wider competitive scene.What do you think though? Who are you expecting Valve to give an opportunity to and put on the plane to Seattle? Join the discussion below!