With the Kiev Major on the horizon, it’s time to start taking a look at the prospective strengths of each region. Over the next four days, join us as we look at each region, starting with South East Asia.

South East Asia – The Teams

When the direct invites were announced, some fans were surprised when no SEA teams received one. Instead, the best of South East Asia were left to fight over two qualification spots. When the dust finally settled, these two teams remained:

Team Faceless

Roster:

Position 1 (Carry) – Black^

Position 2 (Mid) – Jabz

Position 3 (Offlane) –iceiceice

Position 4 (Support) – xy-

Position 5 (Supprot) – NutZ

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Faceless are slowly making a name for themselves, and not the kind that they want. After impressive domestic form, Faceless are still unable to convert this to international success. Heading into DAC, hopes were high. However, a poor group stage performance would see them finish 7th – 8th. The only saving grace of DAC will be the victory against Team Liquid to guarantee top eight.

Faceless have been together since September 2016, and they are yet to transition from a promising team to actual threats. Faceless should be buoyed by the news that the Swiss format will be used for the Kiev group stages. The change in format might give Faceless a chance to secure a better seed heading into the single-elimination bracket.

Faceless need to make an impact in Kiev, or their days could be numbered with the current roster.

TNC Pro Team

Roster:

Position 1 (Carry) – Raven

Position 2 (Mid) – Kuku



Position 3 (Offlane) – Sam_H



Position 4 (Support) – Tims



Position 5 (Support) – ryOyr

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2017 has been an interesting year for TNC, to say the least. They started the year winning WESG, albeit with no tier one teams competing. They also managed to qualify for StarLadder and place top four. However, since then, it has been a lot of disappointment for TNC. Missing out on other international tournaments, Kiev is a chance for TNC to get back on the right track.

Unlike Faceless, TNC is always considered the underdog, a tag which they thrive under. The Swiss format, however, points towards fewer upsets and more consistent results. The single-elimination bracket, however, may give TNC the ability to progress past the first few rounds in the main event.

South East Asia – Summary

SEA is a region that lacks a tier one team. Both Faceless and TNC are on the outside looking in. However, they are both capable of competing with the top teams. The main problem both face is consistency, especially in high-pressure moments.

The region was offended at the lack of a direct invite to Kiev. This is no surprise considering their recent international performances, however. Strong performances from both teams may make Valve think twice about leaving them out of the invites for The International. Since the disband of the old Fnatic, SEA has been looking for a new sweetheart. Both Faceless and TNC can take this role on if they can get over the hump.

Of all the regions being represented, SEA is arguably the weakest. This is a combination of a lack of attending teams and domestic competition. Currently, Faceless are dominating the majority of qualifiers, with TNC grabbing the occasional spot. Waiting in the wings, the likes of Mineski and Fnatic are still one step behind.

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Where do you think the two SEA teams will place when its all said and done? Let me know in the comments below.

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