Comeh Profile Joined July 2008 United States 12918 Posts Last Edited: 2013-08-21 00:37:28 #1



16 Teams.



80 Players.



Two-Thousand Dollars.



To most of us, these numbers don’t look big to you. Hell, after TI3, most of you are probably thinking “what’s the point?” But you have to remember – this is North American Dota. There are no tournaments here. There are no LANs here. The number of teams that exist are few and far between, and what exists are usually limited to playing Team Match Making and $100 prize tournaments.



This is a chance for teams to make a name for themselves. For players to prove themselves. Hell, for people and teams to meet each other. As well all know, America is primarily a LoL dominated land. It can be difficult to even meet fellow Dota players, and harder to organize teams. Having small tournaments like these can really be the stepping stones to further growth, and for more players to become passionate and surface.



But for that to happen, the event needs to be successful. How did it go, you ask?





Fans and players checking out the game at the viewing area (1)















Ignite was the LAN center that hosted the event – the second of its kind (the previous was an 8 team, $1,000.00 prize). Ignite is fantastic – having high quality computers, cheap rates (though free for the participating teams), a nice viewing area including comfy couches with streamed matches with commentator Vykromond (and a variety of local co-commentators, as well a short appearance by GoDz), a nice café area where drinks and some food was available for purchase, and just a lot of friendly players and observers.



The staff did a great job - they were very proactive about getting people’s computers set up and plugging in their mice and keyboards (even going so far as to finding extra pairs of legs for the keyboards that didn’t have them – sorry about that, Chris. Although Steam felt like having a lot of issues during the event (Dota not starting), the staff were really patient in solving any issues and trying to get the games going. It was as professional of a job as at any major LAN tournament, and very impressive as someone playing in the tournament.



Besides the tournament itself, they hosted a raffle event – giving off some sweet sWaG for the lucky people to have enough raffle tickets. They even had a short trivia session to give out more raffle tickets, interviewing the players as they gave them out (don’t worry, I think I repped TL well here #grandgrantofTL).







Some of the sweet #SwAg given away at the raffle. I wanted that pint glass… (1)







Chicago local (for now…) Merlini stopped by on Day 2, fresh off his panel hosting at TI3. He held a 1v1 tournament against 6 players (including Altered State's AvuKamu – the player who managed to “beat” Merlini last time, NA Dota’s Spit-wad – playing for uMad, and Too Many Carry Player’s Shibby – arguably the best player in Chicago). However, Merlini was in top form, and only Shibby was able to really challenge him in a game.. He stuck around for a few hours, signed some autographs, took some pictures, and talked to fans for a while. A pleasant visit overall.













When all the teams came in, the question in the air was where were the previous D2OC champions, Please Gank Shibby (named after their outstanding mid player)? But they were there under the new tag Too Many Carry Players, and were the favorites to take the tournament. Altered State was the previous runner-up, with a few new players (including me in the offlane role!) and some new play styles. Teams from out of state even showed up, coming as far as Detroit and Wisconsin. Spit-wad of NA Dota fame joined a team last minute, team uMad (University of Madison), and looked to be in top form. Detroit locals, team iGiD made the long track, and Dota Noobs (from the website Dota Noobs), also came from several hours out. The draw of this LAN united not only Chicago, but the Midwest as a whole.







NA Dota’s Spit-wad showed up, and gave some pretty strong performances (2)







The format was double bracket, best of one format until the Grand Finals. First place was awarded with $1,000, Second place was $600, and third $400. Vykromond handled the casting fantastically, and was able to catch some of the really great games (shout out to one of his co-casters, Im Famous)



In terms of the actual games, Post-TI3 influence was rampant throughout every game. Rat Doto, Alchemist farming, Wisp banning, and Visage money-bagging was present in most games. The stronger teams handled the weaker teams, and only a few of the games were close. The strongest teams proved themselves to be TmcP, uMad, Altered State (that’s me!), and team Vexx with their hyper carry Storm Spirit. TmcP cruised through the upper bracket, not looking weak in a single game. Altered State would eventually be knocked out by uMad in the Semi-Final Lower Bracket, and uMad, the second best team there, in my opinion, was in turn was upset by Vexx to secure a place in the grand finals.







Former Runner-Ups Altered State (Don’t worry, I was repping TL) (1)







When the finals came around, Shibby’s TmcP made it clear who was the best team in the region. They handled team Vexx in two extremely convincing games, led by Shibby’s amazing mid play and their offlaner’s, Hackleshot, versatile playmaking ability.



At some point of the near future, I believe we will be seeing more of Too Many Carry Players (or by whatever tag they go by in the future) – Shibby is one of the best mid players I’ve seen in a long time, and Hackleshot is one of the best Windrunner’s in America. They have some of the most solid drafts, and are able to recognize the weaknesses of other teams almost immediately. Every position is extremely solid, and another lossless sweep of the D2OC should bring some recognition to this team. I hope to see this team invited to some larger online tournaments (The Defense 5 participants, maybe?)





Final Standings: + Show Spoiler +

1st - Too Many Carry Players $1000

2nd - VexX Gaming $600

3rd - University of Wisconsin Madison $400







Shibby looks from the background at his future opponents Vexx after they knocked out iGiD (2)















+ Show Spoiler [VOD] +

Altered State vs Sires4Dota Second Round Upper Bracket



Sire - Dire





Altered State - Radiant





A game that looked like it could snowball out of control, eventually it becomes pretty even until the very end. Keep an eye out for that…unique QoP build.







+ Show Spoiler [VOD] +

uMad vs Altered State Loser’s Bracket Semi Finals



Altered State – Dire





uMad – Radiant





This was probably the most even match of the tournament. Both teams played at a very high level, and came down to the last few decisions at the end of the game. Also, Clinkz mid or feed.







+ Show Spoiler [VOD] +

uMad vs VexX Gaming Lower Bracket Finals



uMad – Dire





VexX Gaming – Radiant





A standard uMad farming lineup goes against the VeXx Light’s signature Storm Spirit.







+ Show Spoiler [VOD] +

VexX vs TmcP Upper Bracket Finals Game 2



TmcP - Dire





VexX Gaming





Just drop on by and check this game out for the ridiculous lanes. Also, GoDz cocaster!











Overall, the event was a great success. The stream clocked over 300 viewers at times (which is a big deal for such a small event!), had easily over 100 people at the facility, and everyone had a great time. I met a lot of great people there (shout out to Spit-wad, really cool guy), and everyone had a great attitude, yet still had a competitive atmosphere. The event was held really professionally, and all of the staff was great at organizing and addressing player concerns. The sponsors, SteelSeries and Dust-Off ® , came through with some really good gear and giveaways.



When December comes around for the next event, I’ll be back, and shooting for first place next time!



Vykromond - awesome caster of the tournament.

http://www.twitch.tv/vykromond

https://twitter.com/vykromond

http://www.youtube.com/user/Vykromond



1 -Photos courtesy of Daniel Nichols

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.622917547752749&type=1



2 – Photos courtesy of Sam Oanta

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153118231740526.1073741828.205207570525&type=1



Any bad graphics that isn't the top banner done by me in MSPaint in 10 seconds.



Ignite Gaming Lounge – Chicago’s best LAN facility. Period.



http://www.ignitenetwork.com/



Sponsors:



16 Teams.80 Players.To most of us, these numbers don’t look big to you. Hell, after TI3, most of you are probably thinking “what’s the point?” But you have to remember – this is North American Dota. Thereno tournaments here. Thereno LANs here. The number of teams that exist are few and far between, and what exists are usually limited to playing Team Match Making and $100 prize tournaments.This is a chance for teams to make a name for themselves. For players to prove themselves. Hell, for people and teams to meet each other. As well all know, America is primarily a LoL dominated land. It can be difficult to even meet fellow Dota players, and harder to organize teams. Having small tournaments like these can really be the stepping stones to further growth, and for more players to become passionate and surface.But for that to happen, the event needs to be successful. How did it go, you ask?(1)Ignite was the LAN center that hosted the event – the second of its kind (the previous was an 8 team, $1,000.00 prize). Ignite is fantastic – having high quality computers, cheap rates (though free for the participating teams), a nice viewing area including comfy couches with streamed matches with commentator Vykromond (and a variety of local co-commentators, as well a short appearance by GoDz), a nice café area where drinks and some food was available for purchase, and just a lot of friendly players and observers.The staff did a great job - they were very proactive about getting people’s computers set up and plugging in their mice and keyboards (even going so far as to finding extra pairs of legs for the keyboards that didn’t have them – sorry about that, Chris. Although Steam felt like having a lot of issues during the event (Dota not starting), the staff were really patient in solving any issues and trying to get the games going. It was as professional of a job as at any major LAN tournament, and very impressive as someone playing in the tournament.Besides the tournament itself, they hosted a raffle event – giving off some sweetfor the lucky people to have enough raffle tickets. They even had a short trivia session to give out more raffle tickets, interviewing the players as they gave them out (don’t worry, I think I repped TL well here #grandgrantofTL).(1)Chicago local (for now…) Merlini stopped by on Day 2, fresh off his panel hosting at TI3. He held a 1v1 tournament against 6 players (including Altered State's AvuKamu – the player who managed to “beat” Merlini last time, NA Dota’s Spit-wad – playing for uMad, and Too Many Carry Player’s Shibby – arguably the best player in Chicago). However, Merlini was in top form, and only Shibby was able to really challenge him in a game.. He stuck around for a few hours, signed some autographs, took some pictures, and talked to fans for a while. A pleasant visit overall.When all the teams came in, the question in the air was where were the previous D2OC champions, Please Gank Shibby (named after their outstanding mid player)? But they were there under the new tag Too Many Carry Players, and were the favorites to take the tournament. Altered State was the previous runner-up, with a few new players (including me in the offlane role!) and some new play styles. Teams from out of state even showed up, coming as far as Detroit and Wisconsin. Spit-wad of NA Dota fame joined a team last minute, team uMad (University of Madison), and looked to be in top form. Detroit locals, team iGiD made the long track, and Dota Noobs (from the website Dota Noobs), also came from several hours out. The draw of this LAN united not only Chicago, but the Midwest as a whole.(2)The format was double bracket, best of one format until the Grand Finals. First place was awarded with $1,000, Second place was $600, and third $400. Vykromond handled the casting fantastically, and was able to catch some of the really great games (shout out to one of his co-casters, Im Famous)In terms of the actual games, Post-TI3 influence was rampant throughout every game. Rat Doto, Alchemist farming, Wisp banning, and Visage money-bagging was present in most games. The stronger teams handled the weaker teams, and only a few of the games were close. The strongest teams proved themselves to be TmcP, uMad, Altered State (that’s me!), and team Vexx with their hyper carry Storm Spirit. TmcP cruised through the upper bracket, not looking weak in a single game. Altered State would eventually be knocked out by uMad in the Semi-Final Lower Bracket, and uMad, the second best team there, in my opinion, was in turn was upset by Vexx to secure a place in the grand finals.(1)When the finals came around, Shibby’s TmcP made it clear who was the best team in the region. They handled team Vexx in two extremely convincing games, led by Shibby’s amazing mid play and their offlaner’s, Hackleshot, versatile playmaking ability.At some point of the near future, I believe we will be seeing more of Too Many Carry Players (or by whatever tag they go by in the future) – Shibby is one of the best mid players I’ve seen in a long time, and Hackleshot is one of the best Windrunner’s in America. They have some of the most solid drafts, and are able to recognize the weaknesses of other teams almost immediately. Every position is extremely solid, and another lossless sweep of the D2OC should bring some recognition to this team. I hope to see this team invited to some larger online tournaments (The Defense 5 participants, maybe?)(2)Second Round Upper BracketA game that looked like it could snowball out of control, eventually it becomes pretty even until the very end. Keep an eye out for that…QoP build.Loser’s Bracket Semi FinalsThis was probably the most even match of the tournament. Both teams played at a very high level, and came down to the last few decisions at the end of the game. Also, Clinkz mid or feed.Lower Bracket FinalsA standard uMad farming lineup goes against the VeXx Light’s signature Storm Spirit.Upper Bracket Finals Game 2Just drop on by and check this game out for the ridiculous lanes. Also, GoDz cocaster!Overall, the event was a great success. The stream clocked over 300 viewers at times (which is a big deal for such a small event!), had easily over 100 people at the facility, and everyone had a great time. I met a lot of great people there (shout out to Spit-wad, really cool guy), and everyone had a great attitude, yet still had a competitive atmosphere. The event was held really professionally, and all of the staff was great at organizing and addressing player concerns. The sponsors, SteelSeries and Dust-Off ® , came through with some really good gear and giveaways.When December comes around for the next event, I’ll be back, and shooting for first place next time!- awesome caster of the tournament. ヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノDELETE ICEFROGヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(⌐■_■)ノヽ(