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Polaris Esports has earned a promotion to Division 1 with an undefeated season in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) Southeast Asia (SEA) 2021-22 Tour 1: Division 2. The team finished the season with seven consecutive series wins, finishing on top of the points table. In addition to advancing to Division 1 in the next Tour of the DPC 2021-22, Polaris Esports also receives $17,000 USD in prize money for securing first place. One more slot is available in Division 2 of the region by which a team can be promoted to Division 1 for the upcoming DPC Tour.
A look at Polaris Esports’ road to Division 1
Players from Adroit Esports who had moved to other teams in the DPC 2021 reunited at Polaris Esports in September 2021.
John Anthony "Natsumi-" Vargas
Mc Nicholson "Mac" Villanueva
Nikko "Nikko" Bilocura
Marvin "Boomy" Rushton
Bryle "cml" Jacob Alviso
The team then played a number of third-party tournaments in the lead up to the DPC 2021-22. Polaris Esports found its form prior to the commencement of the season as it finished second in the BTS Pro Series S9 in November 2021 against some of the best SEA teams.
The team subsequently attained the slot of South Built Esports in Division 2 of the DPC 2021-22 Tour 1. The team faced off against an intimidating Talon Esports, which had just put together a star-studded lineup, in its first series. Despite losing in the first game, Polaris Esports followed up with two convincing victories.
Thereafter, the team continued its winning ways, defeating 496 Gaming, Lilgun, InterActive Philippines, and Army Geniuses to establish a 5-0 record and become the favorite for the top two finish. Polaris Esports was methodical in many of these games, respected the comeback capability of its opponents, and gradually achieved victories.
In the end, it came down to Nigma Galaxy SEA and Ragdoll, the two other undefeated teams in the league so far. Polaris Esports faced Nigma Galaxy SEA first, and after three close games, ended on top to capture the victory. Polaris Esports then wiped out Ragdoll to attain a 2-0 victory and secured the coveted position in Division 1.
Throughout the seven series, Polaris showed impressive versatility and teamfight execution. The players' past experiences probably played a vital role in their ability to perform very cohesively. As the best team in Division 2, the team has remained resilient in a region where teams typically falter in difficult situations.
“Securing our place among the stars! We go UNDEFEATED in series win 7-0 as we qualify for the Upper Division!” Polaris Esports expressed its happiness in a Facebook post.
Both Ragdoll and Nigma Galaxy SEA are in contention for the second Division 1 promotion. Ragdoll has a locked 5-2 record while Nigma Galaxy SEA is 5-1. Nigma Galaxy has one more series it has yet to play, against Lilgun on 20th Jan. Nigma Galaxy can win the second place with a victory in this series; however, it has to play Ragdoll in a tiebreaker if it loses.
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