With TI10 happening in less than a month from now, we take a look at the teams competing for Dota 2’s biggest event of the year. In this piece, we take a closer look at T1, Southeast Asia’s top contender for TI10 and possibly their biggest hope at a first Aegis for the region.
T1 at TI10 – can the irreverent SEA team finally bring glory to the passionate region?
Roster:
- Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahanon (position 1)
- Karl “Karl” Baldovino (mid-laner)
- Carlo “Kuku” Palad (off-laner)
- Kenny “Xepher” Deo (soft support)
- Matthew “Whitemon” Filemon (hard support)
Southeast Asia has always been one of the most passionate regions when it comes to Dota 2, and there is no greater proof of that than the number of voice lines and meme-worthy materials that originate from the server. T1, in a sense, is a culmination of the Southeast Asian Dota 2 mentality, one that’s irreverent but incredibly overwhelming to their opponents; their rivalry with Quincy Crew after the events of the AniMajors prove that.
That said, T1 have the walk to back all that talk. Despite being underestimated time and time again, the SEA superteam have risen to the challenge and proven themselves a name to be feared, especially when the game draws on for longer than thirty minutes. With all those qualifications in mind, if there is a list of teams that can unexpectedly come from behind to secure the TI10 Aegis, T1 would sit at the top of that list.
Predictions:
T1 are always at the cusp of great results, although each and every time their hopes and dreams are ended by PSG.LGD. If they can clear this Chinese hurdle, even once during group stages, then they can easily use it to plummet their advantage and take this competition. It’s easier said than done, though, as there were very few teams that managed to clear the challenge of PSG.LGD. All of that said, even if they do not win the Aegis, look for this team to place decently in the overall standings at the end of TI10.
The International 10 will run from October 7 to 17. Stay tuned for our coverage of Dota 2’s biggest event of the year.
