Image Courtesy: TNC
TNC Predator clinched the WESG 2018: World Finals title after sweeping through hometown favourites Keen Gaming 2-0 in the grand finals at Chongqing, China.
The Filipino powerhouse has proved their tenacity overcoming setback after setback to secure the title and have showcased that they’re ready to be back in the forefront of SEA Dota 2 after setbacks in the Chongqing Major, Dreamleague Season 11 Qualifiers, and the Starladder ImbaTV Dota 2 Minor.
After completing the group stage with a first-place ranking and 3-2-0 record, TNC Predator dominated the playoff brackets with an undefeated run to secure a Grand Finals spot against Keen Gaming.
Game 1:
TNC Predator picked up a heavy-push strat against Keen Gaming, and raced off to a massive advantage, destroying the Chinese team in the early stages. Keen Gaming quite simply crumbled after that point, as TNC punished every single move that the Chinese team made and managed to secure a 24-minute victory.
Game 2:
The 2nd game started off on a similar note with TNC Predator dominating the early stages thanks to the pressure applied by TIMS and eyyou. While Keen Gaming did fight back with some key pickoffs on Armel's Ember Spirit, Gabbi's Lifestealer was just too strong for the Chinese team to handle. With no means of initiation, TNC Predator just walked through the Keen Gaming base and secured the win and the title.
With that TNC Predator and The Philippines became the first ever two-time WESG champions and secured $500,000 in prize winnings.
The Philippines is your #WESG2018 Dota 2 World Champions!
— TNC Predator (@TNCPredator) March 10, 2019
It is known that our group had encountered challenges outside the game way back last year, and we are thankful for those who stuck with us through thick and thin. pic.twitter.com/gLkYofATEJ
Gfreak’s thoughts: With other tournaments like the ESL One: Mumbai on the horizon, perhaps this will be the momentum that TNC Predator needed to get their season back on track and secure more LAN titles to hopefully make a push towards securing a Major win before the season comes to a close.