Four teams have been eliminated from the Kiev Major, as the first day of playoff games has concluded.
The final series of the day saw Virtus Pro decimate Invictus Gaming Vitality, in the quickest series of the event so far. In two straight games, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) roster played a super aggressive style that, seemingly, caught their Chinese opponents off-guard.
While Invictus Gaming Vitality were able to impress at the Dota 2 Asia Championship, where the squad placed fourth overall, the roster was only able to combat Virtus Pro’s aggression on few occasions—and were subsequently eliminated in last place.
Aside from Invictus Gaming Vitality, Boston Major runner-ups mousesports, one of China’s top teams in Newbee, as well as Digital Chaos were also eliminated from the $3 million event. Another four will be eliminated in the second day of matches, as the first round of the Kiev Major playoffs are yet to conclude.
The matches will feature some of the tournament’s most notable names, as Evil Geniuses, Team Secret, and OG—among others—will be competing for a shot at keeping their tournament dreams alive.
Among the most interesting match-ups, however, the biggest matches of the day will see reigning Valve Major champions OG face off against their Chinese rivals Random (formerly known as Wings). Additionally, a struggling Evil Geniuses will play for their tournament lives by facing Thunderbirds, meaning that at least one of 2016’s most successful squads will be ending the first Valve Major of the year in last place.
The second day of the Kiev Major’s main event will begin at 3am EDT, and will see TNC take on Faceless.
