The MDL 2016 playoffs continued to satisfy the thirst for prime Dota 2 matches. Teams have been giving first class performances with their new and revamped rosters. Newbee and Evil Geniuses continue their journey in the upper brackets. MVP.Phoenix and Invictus Gaming.Vitality were eliminated. The action resumes tomorrow with lower bracket round 2 elimination series between OG and ViCi Gaming at 04:00 CEST.
The MDL 2016 playoffs delivered on some of the best match ups to get the season started and give fans a taste for the Fall Major potential.
Newbee’s introduction to the new season has fueled much hype and excitement about their new lineup. The void left by the parting of their three veteran players – seems to have been filled with talent and synergy to rival their last seasons winning streak record and performances. Overpowering OG in the first series of the day 2:1 the Chinese were the first team to advance closer to the Grand Finals in the upper brackets.
Evil Geniuses debut has been nothing less than outstanding. Andreas Franck “Cr1t-” Nielsen has stepped up to the plate and filled the large shoes left behind by Peter “ppd” Dager in both drafting and leadership. The team has already shown fluid movement and is creating much stir about their potential of greatness for the upcoming season.
Both teams are guaranteed a top three finish to start out the season with their victories.
MVP.Phoenix was the first team eliminated from the event at the hands of ViCi Gaming following an intense three game series. Drafts seemed to be key components for the outcome of the series with both teams playing well.
Invictus Gaming.Vitality was the second team to be eliminated from the event. The veterans on LGD Forever Young knocked them out in a 2:0 sweep. The younger team, despite being together already since last season, didn’t seem to be able to close the deal against the veteran stars in the end.
The action continues tomorrow with three more teams being eliminated and one team claiming a place in the grand finals.
MDL 2016 playoffs: Upper Brackets
Newbee vs OG
Newbee at MDL 2016 courtesy of Dimitri Vallette
The first series of the day was an incredible show of force by Newbee despite having lost their famed captain and two other veteran stars this season. The first match was all OG – with another outstanding and flawless performance by Anathan “ana” Pham on morphling and Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka on his acclaimed hero Earth Spirit. Newbee went into the second match undeterred and didn’t even bother banning the European mixes signature heroes. Taking Alchemist and Sven for their new players Song “Sccc” Chun and Xu “uuu9” Han respectively, the duo went to town with amazing performances. Shutting down Gustav “s4” Magnusson’s Puck in the mid lane and ana’s Drow Ranger – Newbee stomped over OG to their victory. The series tied up and forced a third game which was all Newbee’s once again. OG brought back the sniper for the third game, which was quickly shut down by Newbee. More fantastic performances by the team with synergy and coordination Newbee shellacked OG 37:8 in just over 30 minutes.
Newbee 2:1 OG. Newbee continue in the upper brackets. OG drop to the lower brackets
Team Secret vs Evil Geniuses
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Evil Geniuses had a great start again today. Although the first series took 53 minutes to close out, Evil Geniuses were in control and had the lead for the entire game. Stand out performances by Artour “Arteezy” Babaev and new captain Andreas Franck “Cr1t-” Nielsen made things difficult for Team Secret’s cores. The second game Clement “Puppey” Ivanov transitioned into a carry Naga Siren ending up as the most farmed hero of the game. Evil Geniuses was not able to contend with the team fight potential and split push coming out from the European/SEA mix and lost the game in just over 30 minutes. Team Secret’s victory forced the deciding game with the series tied. The last match EG took advantage of taking strong laning heroes that also do well in late game. Good execution by them individually and as a team, they were able to take the victory and the series.
Team Secret 1:2 Evil Geniuses. Evil Geniuses continue in the upper brackets. Team Secret drop to the lower brackets
MDL 2016 playoffs: Lower Brackets
MVP.Phoenix vs ViCi Gaming
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The first game of the elimination series started with MVP.Phoenix outdrafting ViCi Gaming. Taking on a Spectre, the Koreans were able to handle the Tinker pick easily and while both teams played well, MVP was able to come out ahead. The second match saw ViCi Gaming even things out in the series with the better draft this time. Yang “Zyf/END” Pu’s Ursa was fantastic and the team was able to execute their strategy effectively. The Chinese team victory pushed the series to a third match. The final match MVP.Phoenix had an earlier game lineup and were not able to close out the game as early as they needed. ViCi Gaming had the opportunity to then farm effectively and with good execution and fantastic performances by Zyf on LifeStealer and Zheng “ghost” Jie on Invoker they seized the match and the series – eliminating the Korean squad.
MVP.Phoenix 1:2 ViCi Gaming. ViCi Gaming continue in the lower brackets. MVP.Phoenix are eliminated from the event
LGD Forever Young vs Invictus Gaming.Vitality
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The first game of the elimination series was in LGD Forever Young’s favor with stand out performances by Xie “Super” Junhao on Timbersaw and Du “Monet” Peng on Juggernaut. Shutting down the Alchemist allowed LGD to hold the advantage and control for the match. The second match took almost a full hour for LGD to close out their game. While they retained the lead and advantage for most of the game, IG.Vitality put up a good fight. In the end they just didn’t have what it took to fight against the Terrorblade and Timbersaw, especially as Slardar had a tough game. Thier loss eliminated them from the event.
LGD Forever Young 2:0 Invictus Gaming.Vitality. LGD Forever Young continue in the lower brackets. IG.VItality have been eliminated from the event
MDL 2016 Playoff schedule
Saturday, October 1st
- 04:00 CEST– Lower Brackets round 2: OG vs ViCi Gaming
- 07:30 CEST– Lower Brackets round 2: Team Secret vs LGD Forever Young
- 11:00 CEST – Upper Bracket finals: Newbee vs Evil Geniuses
- 14:30 CEST – Lower Brackets round 3
MDL 2016 Playoffs Format
- Double elimination brackets
- Top four teams from group stage begin in upper brackets
- Bottom four teams from group stage begin in lower brackets
- All matches are best-of-three
- Grand finals are best-of-five
MDL 2016 Playoffs prize pool
The total prize pool for the event is $250,000.
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