I







Beyond the Summit







Manila On the Horizon

Make sure to follow @TeamLiquidPro for updates from the event!

Writer // lichter

Graphics: // shiroiusagi

t's been a while since we've seen some Liquid'Dota action, but fans of Kuroky & Co. need not wait any longer. With ESL One Manila this weekend, there's going to be more than enough to fill your appetite for destruction.When last we saw the gang live, they mounted an assault on Shanghai that ended in defeat in the finals. Despite falling to Team Secret at the last hurdle, it was a valiant debut for this Liquid squad at a Dota Major. With wins against compLexity, Virtus.pro, Alliance, MVP Phoenix and Evil Geniuses, Liquid proved that they could take down the big boys on the biggest stage.One of the most memorable matches from the entire tournament was Liquid's turnaround against EG in the Lower Bracket Finals. Down in kills, gold, and experience far into the match, it looked like lights out in Game 1 of the series. However, with a couple of brilliant plays, Liquid managed to seize an unlikely victory.Now, Liquid set their sights higher, and that can only mean the championship.Since then, the 5 boys have warmed up well for Manila by storming through Beyond The Summit Europe #3. With a total map score of 9-1, Liquid barely broke a sweat. Only 2 of their games went beyond 40 minutes, and they closed out the online event with a 15 minute bulldozing.Liquid have performed better and better in each of their past 3 tournaments in Asia. There's something about the continent that just brings out the best in our boys. At Nanyang last October, Liquid placed 4th. At WCA in December, it was 3rd. At Shanghai, 2nd. Following this pattern, is a title in Manila on the cards?Momentum and expectation are both on Liquid's side, and they've been drawn into arguably the easier of the two groups. compLexity, Wings Gaming and Minseki are the initial hurdle, while two of Team Secret, EHOME, Fnatic, and Empire will reach the bracket stages.The boys in blue are hurting for a chance at payback on Team Secret after a combined 1-5 score in Shanghai, and with the way things are lined up, there's a good chance they'll get their shot. No matter who they face, however, Liquid are ready to claim their first title on Asian soil.