Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Valve

TNC take down Invictus Gaming and Alliance at StarLadder Invitational 2

TNC Gaming made it look easy.
This article is over 7 years old and may contain outdated information

The first day of the second StarLadder Invitational in Shanghai saw one of the Philippines’ premier Dota 2 squads advance into the playoffs.

Recommended Videos

After four months of disappointing results, TNC Gaming dominated the first day of the $100,000 event—winning both of their group stage matches. The squad, which recently added former NP Gaming support player Theeban “1437” Siva, started their impressive run of form with a convincing 2-0 victory against China’s Invictus Gaming.

The Chinese team, which won the Dota 2 Asia Championship on April 4, were totally outclassed in the opening game of the best-of-three series, as Carlo “Kuku” Palad’s Outworld Devourer destroyed Invictus Gaming’s Ou “OP” Peng’s Dragon Knight in the midlane. At the same time, the team quickly pushed through Invictus Gaming’s structures, as 1437’s Jakiro, and Marc “Raven” Polo Luis Fausto’s Lycan pushed Invictus constantly.

Jakiro came to be TNC’s signature pick in the group stage, as 1437 played the hero to great effect in all four games of the day to great success. The twin-headed dragon’s power became most noticeable in the second game against Alliance. In sharp contrast to the opening game of the series, which ended up becoming a grueling 69-minute brawl, 1437’s Jakiro tormented Alliance offlaner Jonas “jonassomfan” Lindholm in the early game—leading to a number of early deaths for the Swede.

In less than 33 minutes, TNC amassed a 42,000 gold lead against their opponents. Timothy “Tims” Randrup’s Bounty Hunter pick was constantly present in teamfights—and often secured multiple Track kills in the engagements. With their net worth skyrocketing, Jonathan “Loda” Berg’s Terrorblade was never able to acquire enough farm to become truly menacing, leaving Alliance without a proper carry, or frontline, to fend off TNC’s constant aggression.

Given these results, TNC have now been directly seeded into the semifinals of the playoffs, which are set to start on May 21.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Sam Nordmark
Sam Nordmark
Writer at @dotesports