The Pro 16 Dota 2 League is back with another round of exciting action this weekend, only this time we are going to get a clearer picture of where the two groups are headed.
Three sides in each group have the opportunity to pull well clear of the chasing pack, with nine points from three matches up for grabs.
Those sides are White Rabbit Gaming, Energy eSports, and Sinister5 in Group 1, and Exdee Gaming, XTC Gaming, and Bravado Gaming in Group 2.
While those six sides may have unbeaten records so far, at least two teams will lose that hard-earned stat. Energy eSports meet Sinister5, while XTC Gaming take on Exdee Gaming. Now you know why we said we will know more about this competition as a whole once the weekend is up.
On the flip side of the coin, two teams will pick up their first wins of the tournament. Goliath Gaming and Damage Control from Group 1 clash, with the winner moving off the unwanted 0 points so far. For the loser, it is going to take a lot of catching up to make waves in their group. The same can be said of Group 2’s clash between Alpha Star Gaming and Divine//Sky Reborn. It is win or bust now.
READ: Results Wrap – The Pro 16 Dota 2 League round one
Shoutcaster and tournament organiser, Devin Rigotti, says: “I can once again state that this tournament so far has been one of my favorites and now that we are getting a chance to see what some of these sides are capable of, we can look forward to another great Sunday of Dota 2 – and with a new patch to boot.
“I think what is going to be most important this week over all others is to see how each team treats the new patch. What heroes they favour, what playstyles, which players are able to play further to their strengths, and which may struggle a little here and there.”
As has become custom, Devin runs us through the four matches he is most looking forward to this Sunday:
– Damage Control vs Goliath Gaming
Damage Control are yet to win a game, but their first two games were up against Energy and WRG, two of the best teams in the tournament. Goliath is tough, but arguably a more realistic challenge for them. Three weeks in, they need a win here. Goliath have some well known names and will be looking to be more than just a qualifying side here, so beating DC is a must for them too. I think Goliath will win, but let’s see if DC can prove me wrong.
– Energy vs Sinister5
Oh, yes please! This is going to be fantastic. One of the first times we get to see powerhouses go up against each other. As mentioned, Sin5 have been bolstered in the last few months with some new players, they are not to be taken lightly and are perhaps even favourites going into this one… but with that said, Energy are starstudded and have been consistent top finishers throughout the year. This is my pick of the games this week.
– XTC vs Exdee
This is pretty much the younger brother version of EN vs Sin5. Two sides with a great deal to prove. XTC is somewhat the spiritual successor of the original Exdee squad, as many of the new XTC roster were originally in Bravado, which was a side that was comprised of the first ever Exdee roster. See where I am going with this? Tough game, either side could take it.
– Divine//Sky Reborn vs Alpha Star Gaming
My last pick isn’t based on the best known sides in the leagues, Alpha Star Gaming did very well in the qualifiers, but seem to have missed out on the nod after losing to Epoch, but they are a pretty solid side in reality. Sky sits in a similar position as they also are a qualifying team that is looking to impress at this event. The winner here walks away with more than just the pride, but also causes what they hope will be their first blip on the competitive radar.
READ: Results Wrap: The Pro 16 Dota 2 League round two
Sunday’s fixtures in full:
Group 1
WRG v NibbLe.Horde (15h00) – Catch it live HERE
Damage Control v Goliath Gaming (15h00) – Catch it live HERE
New Text Document v Aperture Gaming (18h00)
Energy v Sinister5 (18h00) – Catch it live HERE
Group 2
Bravado vs Goon Squad (15h00)
Divine//Sky Reborn vs Alpha Star Gaming (18h00)
Clan-In-Progress vs Epoch Esports (18h00)
XTC vs Exdee (18h00) – Catch it live HERE