For the last three days eight of the worlds best teams ascended to the dizzy heights of the Genting Highlands to wage war in the arena of Dota. Lets recap what has happened throughout the event and also look at what the event showed us about the 7.01 meta.

Day 1 Recap

Group A: Virtus Pro v Fnatic – Best of 1

The Draft

Fnatic Mushi – Lifestealer InYourDreams – Templar Assassin Ohiayo – Slardar Febby – Bounty Hunter Yamateh – Lina Virtus Pro (VP) Ramzes – Juggernaut No[o]ne – Outworld Devourer (OD) 9Pasha – Omnikinight Lil – Earth Spirit Solo – Rubick



Both teams came out with pretty standard drafts. Nothing that really set the tournament alight, but considering that this was a best of one its not a surprise.

Game Recap

The early game went well for both teams and was pretty passive, at 10 minutes it was 4-5 kills for VP and Fnatic respectively. VP had eked out a small 100 gold lead a following a string of failed ganks and rough team fights, but by 20 minutes the story looked slightly different. VP now had the lead in kills, 13-9, and were also ahead 5,000 gold in the net worth chart. At this point in the game the cores of VP had started to become a problem. With Juggernaut and OD sitting atop the networth chart, a good 1,000 gold ahead of Lifestealer, things were starting to slip away from Fnatic.

The next two minutes however would bring about the beginning of the end for the game. After taking Roshan and having Juggernaut with a completed Manta Style, VP realised it was time to capitalise. By 22 minutes VP had turn one tier two tower into a full lane of rax. From this point on the result was academic as VP continued to take objectives until Fnatic called “GG” after 26 minutes.

Result : – Virtus Pro victory.

With this result VP progressed to play either Newbee or Team NP for first the seed in Group A. Fnatic however dropped down to face the loser of that match in the first elimination match.

Group A: Newbee v Team NP – Best of 1

The Draft

Newbee Uuu9 – Lifestealer Sccc – Queen of Pain (QoP) Kpii – Centaur Warruner Kaka – Mirana Faith – Shadow Demon (SD) Team NP Aui_2000 – Luna Eternal Envy – Windrager MSS – Dark Seer Rose – Spirit Breaker SVG – Ogre Magi

NP seemed to have a draft advantage in this game with a good “wombo-combo” with Dark Seer Vacuum into Spirit Breaker Charge. Newbee however had good ways to disengage if NP initiated.

Game Recap

This game was not as close as the first game of the day, instead it was a show of dominance from Newbee. Within the first 10 minutes Newbee had taken the lead in kills, 8-3 and had amassed a 10,000 gold networth lead.

This game showcased how good Song “Sccc” Chun is capable of performing as a mid player. Playing one of his signature heroes in Queen of Pain (QoP), Sccc dominated the game finish with 14 kills, one death and nine assists. Sccc was able to remain active on the map whilst also maintaining a very high level of farm, which saw him reach his item timings very early on the game.

Eventually after 46 minutes NP accepted defeat and called “GG”. NP however had something to be happy about despite the lose. Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling was able to stay close enough to Newbee’s cores in networth even though the majority of the map was controlled by Newbee. This was a good sign for NP as their Carry player was beginning to perform well moving forward into the rest of the tournament.

Result : – Newbee Victory

With this victory Newbee set up a Group A winners final between Virtus Pro and Newbee. Team NP would fall to face a knockout match against Fnatic on day two.

Group B: Digital Chaos (DC) v Execration – Best of 1

The Draft

Digita Chaos w33 – Meepo Resolut1on – Luna Moonmeander – Axe Misery – Rubick Saksa – Tusk Exceration Nando – Weaver Gabbi – Timbersaw Dj – Sand King Owa – Slardar Kimo – Shadow Demon

In their first game of the tournament DC immediately picked up the Aliwi “w33” Omar Meepo. Arguably the best Meepo in the world, fans watching the games were filled with excitement at what was to come.

Game Recap

Within the first 10 minutes of this game it looked as if Execration were more than up to the task of defeating the TI6 (The International) runners-up. Execration where able to take the advantage in kills in the first 15 minutes, taking the lead 12 – 5. Despite this lead in kills however, Execration were unable to prevent both Meepo and Luna from farming consistently for the first 15 minutes.

Unfortunately for Execration, following a couple of disastrous team-fights which saw them lose four heroes each time, by the 25 minute mark DC had taken the advantage with a 20,000 net worth lead. At this point the game was beyond the grips of Execration who chose to “GG” out following a great base fight by DC.

Result : – DC Victory

DC took the game to set up the winners final against Wings Gaming or WG.Unity. Execration would face the loser of the next match in a knockout game on day two.

Group B :- Wings Gaming v Warriorsgaming.Unity (WGU) – Best of 1

The Draft

Warriorsgaming.Unity Ahjit – Morphling Nana – Tiny KanGaroo – Puck Ahfu – Ogre xNova – Skywrath Mage Wings Gaming Shadow – Vengeful Spirit Blink – Shadow Fiend Faith_Bian – Slardar Iceice – Pudge y’ – Orace

Wings surprised people with the early Shadow Fiend pick (SF), while also by the end of the draft it was clear that the Vengeful Spirit was going to be playing in a core role. It seemed as if the innovative Wings Gaming had come in to the game with a strategy and rather than draft depending on what Warriorsgaming.Unity picked, they picked the heroes that they wanted to play.

Game Recap

Wings started the game by running an aggro-trilane top so that they could pressure the Morphling and stop him from pulling ahead. Unfortunately for Wings this did not quite work and instead limited the amount of farm that the carry Venge was able to get during the early game.

Within the first 10 minutes WG.Unity managed to amass a 2,000 networth lead over Wings. Having died three times within the first 10 minutes the decision to pick Venge in a carry role seemed to be the wrong one. The only saving grace was that Blinks SF had been dominating his lane and was atop the networth charts. This was until all five members of Wings were killed in a team-fight that would see WG.Unity lose no heroes and stretch their lead to 5,000 gold.

WG.Unity however had difficulty converting their large gold lead into taking objectives. Combine this with the fact that Wings were able to maintain control of the Roshan pit and claim the Aeiges of the Immortal consistently, WG.Unity looked like they were slowly losing hold of the game.

At the 36 minute mark WG.Unity had a 9,000 gold net worth advantage, however they had not been able to successfully push high ground. Finally Wings were able to punish WG.Unity multiple times, including in the deciding fight at the Roshan pit which would see WG.Unity call “GG”.

Result:- Wings Gaming Victory

This victory would set up the Group B winners final match between Digital Chaos and Wings Gaming

Group A Winners Match :- Virtus Pro v Newbee – Best of 3

Game 1

The Draft

Uuu9 – Drow Ranger Sccc – Queen of Pain (QoP) Kpii – Nyx Assassin Kaka – Weaver Faith – Witch Doctor Virtus Pro Ramzes – Luna No[o]ne – Juggernaut 9Pasha – Batrider Lil – Pudge Solo – Disruptor

Newbee made the decision to open with Drow and Weaver, something which VP has almost exclusively used in recent times. Going into the game it seemed as if Newbee had an advantage based on the draft.

Game Recap

Sccc was again given the opportunity to play Queen of Pain, one of the heroes he is best known for. His ability on the hero shone throw as we was able to maintain harass on the mid Jugernaught and eventually solo kill him in the first 4 minutes of the game.

Newbee showed the control that Chinese Dota teams are renowned for and were and grabbed control of the game and did not let go. It seemed as if VP were not expecting the support Weaver and also the Sccc QoP and they were heavily punished. After losing the decisive team fight at the 38 minute mark, VP realised they were too far behind and called “GG” to end game one.

Result:- Newbee Victory

Game 2

The Draft

Newbee Uuu9 – Ursa Sccc – Outworld Devourer Kpii – Sandking Kaka – Pudge Faith – Witch Doctor Virtus Pro Ramzes – Juggernaut No[o]ne – Shadow Fiend 9Pasha – Underlord Lil – Io Solo – Disruptor

The first Underlord pick of the tournament made most fans excited. The panel were very surprised by the last pick Io and maybe Newbee were too.

Game Recap

The beginning of game two looked to be going in a similar way to game one as Newbee took an early lead of 3,000 gold at the 13 minute mark. Unfortunately for Newbee this was also the same time that Underlord would finish his Mekansm. With the Mekansm in hand VP were able to group as five and begin to push.

VP managed to gain control of the map and with a lineup containing heavy sustain and were able to end the game at the 22 minute mark with Newbee calling “GG”.

Result:- Virtus Pro Victory

Game 3

The Draft

Newbee Uuu9 – Lifestealer Sccc – Queen of Pain (QoP) Kpii – Centaur Warruner Kaka – Mirana Faith – Shadow Demon (SD) Virtus Pro Ramzes – Juggernaut No[o]ne – Shadow Fiend 9Pasha – Slardar Lil – Weaver Solo – Abaddon

Having already played this lineup earlier in the day it seemed as if Newbee had the advantage going in to the deciding game of the series.

Game Recap

Game three of the series was unlike any game that had been seen on day one of ESL One Genting. The reason for this is that it was a show of complete dominance from Newbee.

Sccc on his signature QoP for the third time in the day, again proved why teams would have to potentially waste a ban on eliminating QoP from the game. Ending with 10 kills, 0 deaths and 12 assists Sccc completely tore apart VP.

VP looked a shadow of the team from game two as they let Newbee run away with the game. Eventually after 32 minutes VP finally admitted defeated and “GG” was called.

Result:- Newbee Victory

With the victory Newbee took top spot in Group A progressing directly through to the semi finals on day three. Virtus Pro would fall and face the winner of Fnatic v Team NP

Final Score: – Newbee 2 – Virtus Pro 1

Group B Winners Match :- Digital Chaos v Wings Gaming

Game 1

The Draft

Wings Gaming Shadow – Gyrocopter Blink – Shadow Fiend Faith_bian – Sand King Iceice – Winter Wyvern y’ – Rubick Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Viper w33 – Meepo Moonmeander – Dark Seer Misery – Slardar Saksa – Dazzle

This was an interesting draft for two reasons. The first was that DC picked the Meepo in the first phase, although they did ban out two of the possible Meepo counters in Ember Spirit and Sven they still left Winter Wyvern in the pool. Wings then responded by picking Shadow Fiend and Winter Wyvern along with a last pick Gyrocopter.

Overall it seemed that if executed correctly Wings had the stronger of the two drafts.

Game Recap

With Resolution going to the mid lane and Meepo going to the safe lane this was a switch up in roles for DC, which Wings took the opportunity to punish. Throughout the game Winter Wyvern was able to completely take Meepo out of the fight using his ultimate, Winters Curse, to lock down one of the Meepo’s leading to his eventual death.

With Meepo being shut down, it would fall to Viper to carry DC to victory. Unfortunately for DC this was not the case, Wings were able to limit the farm of Viper and with SF taking a lead in the early game things began to get out of control. After defending valiantly against the push from Wings, DC eventually succumbed to the pressure and called “GG” at the 47 minute mark.

Result:- Wings Gaming Victory

Game 2

The Draft

Wings Gaming Shadow – Terrorblade Blink – Ursa Faith_bian – Slardar Iceice – Riki y’ – Warlcok Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Naga Siren w33 – Mirana Moonmeander – Legion Commander Misery – Leshrac Saksa – Vengeful Spirit

This draft was a flashback to a land of times gone by. Both teams would have been comfortable playing in 6.88 so it was interesting to see how it would play out in 7.01 with the changes to illusions.

Game Recap

DC was the happier of the two teams as they were able to pick up Naga Siren, a hero that Roman “Resolut1on” Fominok is well known for.

The early game was very back and forth with Wings taking an early lead but due to the farming speed of Naga they were not able to create as big a lead as they would have liked.

As with all Naga games the clock hit 30 minutes and it became a foregone conclusion. If not for some sloppy play and over committal from DC the game could have been over at the 40 minute mark. As it was, Wings were unable to punish DC and eventually surrendered to the Naga tidal wave at the 57 minute mark.

Result:- Digital Chaos Victory

Game 3

The Draft

Wings Gaming Shadow – Lone Druid Blink – Juggernaut Faith_bian – Beastmaster Iceice – Crystal Maiden y’ – Bounty Hunter Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Wraith King w33 – Ember Spirit Moonmeander – Omniknight Misery – Pudge Saksa – Rubick



Moving in to the final game of the series, DC pulled out a draft that you would only normally see in low priority. Wings also went for something unpredictable by picking Lone Druid in the carry position.

Game Recap

With progression to the semi final and a favourable seed as reward for the winner of this game, both teams were conservative out of the gate.

In the early game Wings were able to get the lead in farm, with Chu “Shadow” Zeyu’s Lone Druid topping the networth chart. Shadow had opted to focus on the new Druid build that focused on getting farm on his hero rather than on his Spirit Bear. It seemed as if this was going to be a game that Wings were able to take the victory in.

DC however had different ideas, as they grouped up and made an aggressive smoke maneuver near the Dire Secret Shop at the 20 minute mark. This would prove to turn the tide of the game, as DC were able to secure four kills whilst Wings could only respond with one.

From that point on DC were able to maintain control and after another big teamfight Wings eventually admitted defeat and called “GG” at the 42 minute mark.

Result:- Digital Chaos Victory

With this win DC secured a place in bracket play on day three of the event. Wings gaming would face off against the winner of WG.Unity or Execration.

Final Score: – Digital Chaos 2 – Wings Gaming 1

Day 2 Recap

Day two of the tournament was the last day of group stages and the last chance the teams had to secure a place in bracket play.

Group A Knockout Match :- Fnatic v Team NP – Best of 3

Game 1

The Draft

Fnatic Mushi – Medusa InYourDreams – Queen of Pain Ohaiyo – Slardar Febby – Kepper of the light Yamateh – Disruptor Team NP Aui_2000 – Slark EternalEnvy – Ember Spirit MSS – Dark Seer Rose – Spirit Breaker SVG – Crystal Maiden

NP seemed to have an advantage when it came to the draft, and the last pick Slark seemed as if it could be potentially game winning for NP.

Game Recap

As had become the trend by this point in the tournament, the first 15 minutes of the game were relatively even, however after that point NP took control and never looked back. EE playing his signature Ember Spirit provided a wonderful showing of how to position yourself when playing Ember. EE ended the game with 10 kills, 0 deaths and 24 assists. Combine that with Aui_2000’s Slark who ended up with 14 kills, 0 deaths and 24 assists, this game was a pleasure to watch.

NP managed to maintain map control through and were able to suffocate the resources of Fnatic. Eventually after 39 minutes Fnatic called “GG” and ended game one of the three game knockout series.

Result:- Team NP Victory

Game 2

The Draft

Team NP Aui_2000 – Ursa Eternal Envy – Mirana MSS – Beastmaster Rose – Undying SVG – Warlock Fnatic Mushi – Lifestealer InYourDream – Tinker Ohaiyo – Dark Seer Febby – Riki Yamateh – Disruptor

The last pick Tinker took many by surprise. This looked like it had the makings of an interesting game, with Fnatic facing elimination.

Game Recap

If game one was a show of dominance by NP, game two showed that they still have weaknesses.

Fnatic were able to maintain control of the early to mid game as NP struggled to contain both Lifestealer and Tinker. However even with a 14,000 gold networth lead Fnatic were unable to end the game.

Then the unthinkable happened.

Following a solo pick-off on the Tinker, NP were then able to kill the Tinker again in the next team-fight and also win the fight with minimal loses. From this point on it was NP who took the advantage and would eventually, after 74 minutes, force Fnatic into calling “GG”.

Result:- Team NP Victory

With this victory NP progressed to the Losers Final of Group A and would play against Virtus Pro. This was also the end of a disappointing tournament for Fnatic, who had only finalised their roster two days before the tournament, and it showed throughout the games they played.

Final Score: – Team NP 2 – Fnatic 0

Group B Knockout Match :- Execration v WarriorsGaming.Unity – Best of 3

Game 1

The Draft

WarriorsGaming.Unity Ahjit – Drow Ranger Mirana – Nana KanGaroo – Nyx Assassin Ahfu – Slardar xNova – Shadow Demon Execration Nando – Luna Gabbi – Dragon Knight Dj – Tidehunter Owa – Sandking KimO – Dazzle

It seemed as if XctN had the draft advantage going in to game one. They had managed to secure a very tanky lineup that seemed to counter what WG.Unity wanted to do with there lineup.

Game Recap

This game was settled in the draft, as WG.Unity did not have a great way to deal with the tanky lineup of XctN. In the first 15 minutes XctN began to pull out an early lead due to the good farm picked up by Luna as the early game progressed.

XctN were able to keep control of the game, however after losing a big team-fight it looked as if WG.Unity might have been shown a way back in to the game.

XctN decided that play time was over and took back control of the game, and the game ended at the 40 minute with a somewhat anti-climactic base race.

Result:- Execration Victory

Game 2

The Draft

WarriorsGaming.Unity Ahjit – Morphling Nana – Juggernaut KanGaroo – Timbersaw ahfu – Earth Spirit xNova – Disruptor Execration Nando – Puck Gabbi – Naga Siren Dj – Axe Owa – Spirit Breaker KimO – Winter Wyvern

The last pick Morphling gave WG.Unity the advantage going into game two.

Game Recap

The last pick of Morphling did indeed shape the game. XctN did not have an answer to Morphling and he was able to farm freely for the majority of the early game. XctN did try and put up a valiant fight however this game was all about the Morphlings ability to get kills and stay alive, whilst also maintaining an extremely high level of farm throughout the game.

XctN eventually conceded defeat and called “GG” after 26 minutes.

Result:- WarriorsGaming.Unity victory

Game 3

The Draft

Execration Nando – Mirana Gabbi – Meepo Dj – Batrider Owa – Earth Spirit Kim0 – Silencer WarriorsGaming.Unity Ahjit – Juggernaut Nana – Alchemist KanGaroo – Underlord ahfu – Nyx Assassin xNova – Winter Wyvern

XctN surprised fans with the Silencer + Meepo opening picks. WG.Unity responded with the Winter Wyvern which was shown by Wings to be an effective Meepo counter.

Game Recap

WG.Unity picked the Winter Wyvern to counter the Meepo, but unfortunately for them Execration built the rest of their lineup around preventing this from happening.

Similar to the previous game, WG.Unity had no way to deal with the Meepo and he eventually farmed them out of the game. In addition to this the plays shown by Dj on the Offlane Batrider allowed XctN to maintain a firm grip on the game.

Eventually at the 47 minute mark WG.Unity accepted defeated and called “GG” ending their time at ESL One Genting.

Result:- Execration Victory

With this victory XctN would set up a rematch from their first group match with Wings Gaming. WG.Unity however were eliminated from the tournament, and although they did not perform well their were glimmers of hope for the SEA side.

Final Score: – Execration 2 – WarriorsGaming.Unity 1

Group A Decider Match :- Team NP v Virtus Pro

The Draft

Team NP Aui_2000 – Luna EternalEnvy – Mirana MSS – Sand King Rose – Spirit Breaker SVG – Warlock Virtus Pro Ramzes – Ursa No[o]ne – Sniper 9pasha – Underlord Lil – Disruptor Solo – Ogre Magi

Team NP managed to secure a tried and tested lineup with Aui’s Luna starting to become one of his most feared heroes. VP was happy they managed to pick up the Underlord, a hero they have already had success with in the tournament.

Game Recap

The first 15 minutes of this game was very back and forth between the two teams. There were a lot of scrappy fights, resulting in one or two kills each time. That was until a team-fight broke out in the mid lane which NP were able to take advantage of. After killing three members of VP, they were able to take Roshan.

Despite trying to contain VP, eventually the power of the sniper became apparent, as he was able to sit in the back and continuously rack up kills and take objectives.

NP continued to fight valiantly, and nearly staged a comeback. VP however decided that the game needed to finish and managed to force NP into submission, resulting in a “GG” call from NP at the 55 minute mark.

Result :- Virtus Pro Victory

Game 2

The Draft

Team NP Aui_2000 – Slark EternalEnvy – Ember Spirit MSS – Dark Seer Rose – Axe SVG – Crystal Maiden Virtus Pro Ramzes – Juggernaut No[o]ne – Invoker 9pasha – Nyx Assassin Lil – Slardar Solo – Rubick

NP was happy with the draft as they had already played a very similar lineup in an earlier game. The difference this time is that VP decided to pick up Invoker who is one of the best counters to Ember Spirit.

Game Recap

This game was a showcase from VP on how to deal with an Ember Spirit. No[o]ne opted to go Quas/Wex Invoker to dispel Embers Flame Guard. Despite this disadvantage, NP managed to stay even with VP until the 14 minute mark.

Following a cataclismic fight on bottom lane, with NP losing five heroes, VP took control of the game.

Once VP had control of the game they did not surrender it. They managed to remain patient and controlled the map until NP called “GG” at the 33 minute mark.

Result :- Virtus Pro Victory

With this victory VP would advance to the semi finals to face Digital Chaos. NP were eliminated from the tournament finishing third in their group.

Final Score: – Virtus Pro 2 – Team NP 0

Group A Final Placing

Newbee Virtus Pro Team NP Fnatic

Group B Decider Match :- Wings Gaming v Execration

Game 1

The Draft

Execration Nando – Mirana Gabbi – Invoker Dj – Dark Seer Owa – Spirit Breaker Kim0 – Crystal Maiden Wings Gaming Shadow – Juggernaut Blink – Ember Spirit Faith_bain – Magnus Iceice – Underlord y’ – Rubick

Having seen the success of Invoker against Ember Spirit, XctN decided to pick it up in this game.

Game Recap

This was a game of two halves. For the first 15 minutes, it was dominated by XctN, as they were able to pressure the Ember Spirit in the mid lane. Ember reached the 15 minute mark with five deaths and was behind on farm. Luckily for Wings, Juggernaut and Magnus were managing to stay close to XctN in terms of farm.

After the 15 minute mark however the game turned around. Suddenly it was Wings winning all of the team fights and getting all the objectives around the map. Eventually, the pressure from Wings became too much for XctN to handle and they called “GG” at the 34 minute mark.

Result :- Wings Gaming Victory

Game 2

The Draft

Execration Nando – Luna Gabbi – Rubick Dj – Slardar Owa – Earth Spirit Kim0 – Shadow Demon Wings Gaming Shadow – Lifestealer Blink – Shadow Fiend Fait_bian – Centaur Warruner Iceice – Earthshaker y’ – Vengeful Spirit

A mid Rubick ?!?!? It seemed as if Wings had the draft advantage going into game two.

Game Recap

If game one was close, this game was the opposite. The early game was very passive, seeing only one kill in the first 10 minutes. Both teams stuck to farming and generally avoiding each other. Based on this, Gabbi made the decision to buy a Hand of Midas and get the Level 10 Talent that gives him 60 Gold per minute. The casters, especially Purge, seemed unhappy with this decision, as it would slow down his item timings.

The decision was proven to be an incorrect one, as XctN began to struggle against the line up of Wings once they decided to start pushing as a team. Following the consumption of nearly all the farm on the map, Wings began to push high-ground.

Wings were able to push XctN’s base with minimal loses, and eventually XctN admitted defeat and called “GG” after 42 minutes.

Result :- Wings Gaming Victory

Having secured the series Wings set up an all Chinese semi finals, as they faced off against Newbee. XctN were eliminated from the tournament finishing third in their group.

Final Score: – Wings Gaming 2 – Execration 0

Group B Final Placing

Digital Chaos Wings Gaming Execration WarriorsGaminug.Unity

Day 3 Recap

Semi Final 1 : Digital Chaos v Virtus Pro – Best of 3

Game 1

The Draft

Virtus Pro Ramzes – Luna No[o]ne – Tiny 9pasha – Underlord Lil – Chen Solo – Witch Doctor Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Juggernaut w33 – Queen of Pain Moonmeander – Sand King Misery – Leshrac Saksa – Shadow Demon

Interesting drafts from both sides heading into game one.

Game Recap

Game one of the series was very back and forth, with both teams surrendering leads.

In the early game, DC started strong, leading over VP at the ten minute mark. VP however were not frightened by the lead of DC, as they decided to take and win a big team-fight on the top lane, which gave them the advantage.

VP kept control of the map until the 20 minute mark, when DC took and won another team-fight with VP. From this moment on the game was pretty much in DC’s hands as they were able to push objectives consistently whilst also limiting the ability of VP to do the same.

Eventually, after 40 minutes, VP admitted defeat and called “GG” ending game one.

Result :- Digital Chaos Victory

Game 2

The Draft

Virtus Pro Ramzes – Juggernaut No[o]ne – Ember Spirit 9pasha – Underlord Lil – Earth Spirit Solo – Lion Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Chaos Knight w33 – Invoker Moonmeander – Sand King Misery – Mirana Saksa – Shadow Demon

DC decided to pick the Invoker to counter out Ember Spirit which had seen mixed results in the tournament.

Game Recap

The early game of game two was very similar to that of game one, with both teams vying for map control. However, at around the 15 minute mark, DC was able to engage VP in a team-fight and come away with the advantage.

VP managed to stage a comeback, mainly due to Ramzes` Juggernaut farming very well and staying atop the networth charts.

Fast forward to the 27 minute mark and DC were again able to take a big team-fight victory, and began to push VP back inside their base. DC continued to hold the lead for the next ten minutes until VP made one last desperation play and jumped in on DC at the 38 minute mark.

DC however would come out on top, completely wiping VP, resulting in a “GG” call by VP at the 38 minute mark.

Result :- Digital Chaos Victory

With this win DC would move to the final to play the winner of Newbee v Wings Gaming. VP would be sent home with the top four finish.

Final Score: – Digital Chaos 2 – Virtus Pro 0

Semi Final 1 : Newbee v Wings Gaming – Best of 3

Game 1

The Draft

Newbee Uuu9 – Lifestealer Sccc – Templar Assassin Kpii – Slardar Kaka – Winter Wyvern Faith – Ogre Magi Wings Gaming Shadow – Drow Ranger Blink – Dragon Knight Faith_bian – Mirana Iceice – Rubick y’ – Oracle

Newbee had a very solid draft heading into game one.

Game Recap

This game was much like many of the others that Newbee had played throughout the tournament, in that they gained control from minute one and did not let go until the end.

The first 15 minutes of this game were very calm, with Newbee puling ahead and Wings having little to no answer for the power of the Newbee draft. At the 18 minute mark, the fate of the game was sealed, as Newbee won a team-fight, taking down all of Wings whilst not losing any heroes.

Wings held on for another 10 minutes, but eventually admitted defeat and “GG” was called at 29 minutes.

Result :- Newbee Victory

Game 2

The Draft

Newbee Uuu9 – Drow Ranger Sccc – Templar Assassin Kpii – Clockwerk Kaka – Weaver Faith – Ogre Magi Image courtesy of youtube.com Wings Gaming Shadow – Morphling Blink – Necrophos Faith_bian – Centaur Warruner Iceice – Mirana y’ – Witch Doctor

Wings surprised many with the Necrophos pick up. Would it prove to be a game changer?

Game Recap

Game two was a very different game from the first of the series, and showed a side of Newbee that had not been seen yet, that they were not all-powerful.

Newbee managed to get out to an early lead, and by the 20 minute mark they had amassed a 15,000 gold lead in the networth charts. Unfortunately for Newbee, no matter how many fights they won, they were unable to kill the Necrophos played by Blink.

As a result, Wings started to come back, and in a game where they were behind for 45 minutes, they eventually managed to overwhelm Newbee and the “GG” was called at 46 minutes.

Result :- Wings Gaming Victory

Game 3

The Draft

Newbee Uuu9 – Drow Ranger Sccc – Medusa Kpii – Clockwerk Kaka – Rubick Faith – Ogre Magi Wings Gaming Shadow – Vengeful Spirit Blink – Shadow Fiend Faith_bian – Broodmother Iceice – Earthshaker y’ – Dazzle

With eyes on the final, Wings surprised everyone with a last pick Broodmother.

Game Recap

With a spot in the final on the line, both teams started out cautious and were even in farm until the 20 minute mark. Wings gaming grouped up early and began to take objectives, eventually amassing a 17,000 gold lead after 35 minutes.

Wings would have thought that they would be able to overpower Newbee. However, as a team known for their high-ground defense, Newbee was able to rebuff the push of Wings on multiple occasions. They were also able to win back to back team-fights, and eventually remove Wings’ gold lead.

Newbee began to stretch out a lead of their own, as Medusa began to take over the game. By 55 minutes, Newbee had turned the tables and were now 15,000 gold ahead of Wings. This lead was still not enough for them to finish the game, as Wings made use of the Broodmother to constantly split push, which was a problem for Newbee.

Newbee however remained calm and in control. Eventually after winning a team-fight, they were able to take the victory, with Wings admitted defeat and calling “GG” at the hour mark.

Result :- Newbee Victory

Newbee took the game and the series to set up a much anticipated clash with Digital Chaos. Wings would end up finishing in the top four along with Virtus Pro.

Final Score: – Newbee 2 – Wings Gaming 1

Grand Final : Digital Chaos v Newbee – Best of 5

Game 1

The Draft

Newbee Uuu9 – Lifestealer Sccc – Outworld Devourer Kpii – Slardar Kaka – Sand King Faith – Disruptor Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Juggernaut w33 – Shadow Fiend Moonmeander – Legion Commander Misery – Pudge Saksa – Rubick

The OD pick seemed like it might cause DC some problems in team-fights.

Game Recap

This was a game that again showed the power of Newbee and their ability to control a game. The OD pick did turn out to be a problem for DC in team-fights.

Every time that Legion jumped in and Dueled an opponent, OD would be there with his Astral Imprisonment to disrupt the Duel. As a result, Legion was not able to amass many Duel wins, and ended the game with only 24 bonus damage, compared to OD and Lifestealer both ending with 28 bonus damage.

Sccc’s OD proved to be the major difference in this game, as he finished with 14 kills, 0 deaths and 8 assists. Newbee was able to control the game, and eventually, after a string of lost team-fights, DC admitted defeat and called “GG” at the 37 minute mark.

Result :- Newbee Victory

Game 2

The Draft

Newbee Uuu9 – Morphling Sccc – Ember Spirit Kpii – Dark Seer Kaka – Slardar Faith – Witch Doctor Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Naga Siren w33 – Ursa Moonmeander – Legion Commander Misery – Keeper of the Light Saksa – Rubick

Newbee allowed DC to pick up the Naga Siren, did they have an answer for the hero?

Game Recap

Game two can be separated into two halves, before Naga got Radiance and after Naga got Radiance. Unfortunately for Newbee, both of which were dominated by DC.

The early game started with a string of failed ganks on Ursa in the mid lane. Newbee attempted to pressure w33’s Ursa, however, he was able to turn around the ganks and take two heroes with him to the grave. During this time, Naga was farming freely and heading towards a good Radiance timing.

Naga picked up her Radiance at 14 minutes, and from then on the game was just a matter of how long Newbee could hold on. The answer to that question was 53 minutes.

Newbee valiantly attempted to hold their high-ground, however DC were patient and forced all the lanes in at the same time, using Naga illusions. Eventually it was too much for Newbee, and they called “GG” at 53 minutes.

Result :- Digital Chaos Victory

Game 3

The Draft

Newbee Uuu9 – Luna Sccc – Shadow Fiend Kpii – Underlord Kaka – Sand King Faith – Witch Doctor Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Juggernaut w33 – Outworld Devourer Moonmeander – Dark Seer Misery – Slardar Saksa – Rubick

Seeing the success of the OD earlier in the series, DC decided to pick it up for themselves.

Game Recap

Game three followed the same equation as game one, Newbee got the lead and kept it. The OD pick from DC did not provide the same success for them and seemed to be out of place in their draft.

DC spent much of the early game forcing Kpii’s Underlord out of the lane and into the Jungle. This however was not enough, and Underlord instead spent the majority of the early game roaming and setting up kills on the mid OD.

Sccc managed to control the game, playing his signature Shadow Fiend. After claiming the Aegis, Newbee made the decision to group together and push for objectives. This decision payed off, as DC were eventually forced to tap out at the 29 minute mark with a “GG” call.

This win put Newbee up 2-1 in the series. DC needed to win the next game to stay alive in the finals.

Result :- Newbee Victory

Game 4

The Draft

Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Slark w33 – Leshrac Moonmeander – Sand King Misery – Bounty Hunter Saksa – Shadow Demon Newbee Uuu9 – Luna Sccc – Dragon Knight Kpii – Underlord Kaka – Io Faith – Witch Doctor

DC came out with a surprise mid Leshrac, something that had not been seen in a long time. Would this surprise be enough to keep them in the tournament?

Game Recap

Having lost game three by a pretty big margin, most people expected DC to be on the ropes. Instead, they came out fighting. W33 spent the first couple of minutes using his taunt at the rune spots.

Newbee had made the decision to go for a high mobility lineup, but DC were not going to play into Newbee’s hands. In fact, it was the opposite. DC was able to push into the lineup of Newbee. During this time, DC was able to create the space for Resolut1on to be able to farm freely on his Slark, and by the 20 minute mark he had a fully completed Silver Edge.

Slark would prove to be the game winner, as he became too powerful for Newbee to kill, and would eventually finish the game with 9 kills, 0 deaths and 2 assists.

After 29 minutes of dominance from DC and realizing that they were too far behind, Newbee called “GG” and set up a deciding game five.

Result :- Digital Chaos Victory

Game 5

The Draft

Digital Chaos Resolut1on – Lifestealer w33 – Queen of Pain Moonmeander – Centaur Warruner Misery – Mirana Saksa – Shadow Demon Image courtesy of youtube.com Newbee Uuu9 – Luna Sccc – Templar Assassin Kpii – Sand King Kaka – Orge Magi Faith – Witch Doctor

After three days of intense competition, it came down to one game for all the marbles. $100,000 was on the line, who would come out victorious?

Game Recap

With the crowd behind them, DC got out to an early lead in the deciding game five. Newbee attempted to take fights, but DC kept getting the better of them, and at this point the wheels began to fall off the Newbee train.

With the crowd willing them on, DC moved from fight to fight, objective to objective, carried by some higher power. Icefrog was smiling down on DC from his high tower.

Resolut1on again dominated the game, this time playing Lifestealer, ending the game with 14 kills, 0 deaths, 8 assists.

Newbee began to crumble under the pressure of DC, and the end seemed to be near. Eventually, after one too many failed team-fights, Newbee finally admitted defeat at the 31 minute mark.

Result :- Digital Chaos Victory

Final Score: – Digital Chaos 3 – Newbee 2

Digital Chaos Wins ESL One Genting 2017

With that final match, DC took the tournament and the Cinderella story was complete. After finishing second at The International and top four at the Boston Major, many people were left wondering if DC had what it took to win a LAN tournament.

At ESL One, DC proved the doubters wrong and showed the dominance required to win the event and start strong in 2017.

Final Positions:

1st – Digital Chaos

2nd – Newbee

3rd / 4th – Virtus Pro + Wings Gaming

5th / 6th – Team NP + Execration

7th / 8th – Fnatic + WarriorsGaming.Unity

Final Thoughts

ESL One showcased some of the best teams in the world, and on the new patch the games were nothing short of amazing. In a tournament missing both Evil Genuises and OG, Digital Chaos was able to seize the opportunity and get their first ever LAN win.

DC proved that moving forward into the rest of the year, they are the team to fear, and with Dota Pit just two weeks away, the world class Dota is coming in fast.

For full highlights of all the games at ESL One Genting, visit Dota Digest