T1's DPC Points Penalty for Karl's Stand-In Has Been Reversed

Despite finishing second in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) Southeast Asia (SEA) 2021-22 Regional Finals, T1 scored only 46.8 points instead of the original 130 points since it employed two stand-ins during the event. However, it looks like T1’s DPC points loss is going to be substantially lower than it was previously indicated. In a recent tweet, Beyond the Summit (BTS), the organizer of the Regional Finals, has explained that the points that were reduced as a result of T1's second stand-in, will be reversed, as it was an error on BTS's end. Consequently, T1's total DPC points from the Regional Finals will be 78 instead of 46.8.

BTS' error causes T1's DPC points penalty for Karl's stand-in to be reversed

T1 used a stand-in for Karl "Karl" Matthew Baldovino's in the fourth game of the DPC regional finals and hence was deducted 40% of its DPC points as a result. However, it has been reversed. BTS acknowledged that it had made an “administrative error” by allowing the team to compete with a second stand-in. As such, the additional 40% penalty that was imposed on the team due to Karl's substitution had been refunded.

Going into the Regional Finals, T1 announced that it will be playing with Kim "Gabbi" Villafuerte Santos in place of 23savage, who was moved to the inactive roster. As a result, it was clear that the team would receive a 40% deduction in any DPC points earned during the event, because Valve rules state, “Any team that competes in a Major tournament with a sub will incur a 40% penalty on DPC Points earned from that tournament.”

Unfortunately, Karl had connection problems just as the fourth game of the grand final was about to begin, forcing Polaris Esports' Mc Nicholson "Lelouch-" Villanueva to come in as a replacement. After finishing second in the Regional Finals, T1 had received a 40% deduction for 23savage's stand-in (130-52=78) as well as another 40% deduction for Karl's replacement (78-31.2=46.8). However, the extra 31.2 points have now been refunded to T1.

With 120 points in the regional league and 78 points in the regional finals, T1 climbs to the 10th position on the global DPC ranking list. Currently, Boom Esports is the leader with 450 points, despite having received a 40% deduction for playing with Souliya "JaCkky" Khoomphetsavong instead of Justine Ryan Evangelista "Tino" Grimaldo during the Regional Finals.

While T1 might have been able to recover some of its DPC points due to the error on BTS's side, it is expected to lose more points going forward once it officially announces Gabbi as its new safelaner. As per Valve’s rules, “any player removals will incur a 15% penalty to all DPC Point earned at the time of removal. There is no penalty for adding a new player.”

T1's CEO Joe Marsh tweeted about the Dota 2 squad moving to the Philippines full time to avoid situations like the one that happened with Karl during the grand final. This tweet indicated that Gabbi would be the team's safelaner for Tour 2 as well.

Currently, T1 is playing in the BTS Pro Series S10 with Gabbi as the safelaner. 23savage continues to be on the inactive roster. Tour 2 of the DPC 2021-22 is expected to begin on 14th March.