A solid performance by RSG helped the team to defeat the top dog in Southeast Asia (SEA) Dota 2 - T1 in the two teams' first series of the SEA Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2021-22 Tour 3: Division 1. The series went to three games, and RSG exhibited excellent drafting and execution skills in the first and third games to emerge victorious. Despite being caught off guard by T1's aggressive draft in the second game, RSG looked better in all aspects of the game in the other two games. RSG's offlaner Lee "X1aOyU" Qian Yu delivered flawless performances in their winning matches.

RSG vs T1: Match Recap and Highlights

Recap

In game 1, RSG's aggressive strategy was spearheaded by xsilearn's mid Keeper of the Light. Outmaneuvering T1, RSG built a 6k advantage in 19 minutes and subsequently took control of a big chunk of the map. T1 was restricted to a small area around its base meaning that it was massively outfarmed. However, RSG's high ground piercing capability was restricted, making it extremely difficult to close out the game. However, after 59 minutes, RSG broke through T1's defenses to take a 1-0 lead.

T1 went all-in in game 2 with a mid Ember Spirit, a carry Dragon Knight, and an offlane Visage. RSG attempted to fight back, but it consistently lost more bodies than its opponents. T1's huge tower damage allowed it to finish the game in 34 minutes before mks' Phantom Assassin became too powerful for its draft

In game 3, RSG once again outclassed T1. It had the appropriate hero counters for T1's heroes and ensured that they were played as desired. The laning stage was rather even for both sides until RSG became the aggressor, understanding that T1 couldn't do anything in retaliation. Even if the net worth advantage did not favor RSG by a wide margin, it was clear from the manner the team was executing its movements and destroying towers that the team was ahead. RSG was able to win a well-executed game in 33 minutes.

Highlights

Here are some highlights of the series.

As a team up from Division 2, RSG never looked like it belonged there. While RSG had an excellent Division 2 campaign last season, its underperformance in the recently concluded BTS Pro Series S11 had indicated that the team might not be as formidable as it looked today. In the drafting and execution of strategies, each of the five players outshone T1. The fans of RSG will be hoping that it is not just a one-off occurrence and that the team can continue in this manner.

On the other hand, this loss is a major upset for T1, which has been a top three contender in SEA DPC Division 1. A loss against RSG means the road ahead, where obstacles like Fnatic and BOOM Esports await, will only become more challenging. T1 traditionally is a slow starter but is capable of a strong comeback as the tournament progresses.

Next, T1 will play Nigma Galaxy SEA on 16th June while RSG plays Fnatic on 18th June.