Third Grand Finals Matchup In A Row - Team Liquid and Gaimin Gladiators Reign Supreme In DPC 2023 Season

The culmination of the Dota 2 Pro Circuit (DPC) 2023 season is approaching with the grand finals of the Bali Major 2023, marking the third and final major of the season. Gaimin Gladiators and Team Liquid are the two finalists of the Major, marking the third consecutive time that the two teams are meeting in the grand finals of Dota 2 Majors. Gaimin Gladiators have managed to win against Team Liquid two times in the past, and fans are anticipated to see whether Liquid can break the curse or if Gaimin Gladiators can take home another championship title.

It has been a long road for both teams through the season, who have become the final bosses of the Dota 2 scene.

Lima Major 2023: first meeting in the grand finals

The first encounter between Team Liquid and Gaimin Gladiators took place at the Lima Major 2023. Both teams dominated the group stages, with Gaimin Gladiators finishing atop Group A and Team Liquid securing the top spot in Group B.

Both teams’ dominant performances led them to the upper bracket finals without dropping a single game in the playoffs. However, Gaimin Gladiators proved to be the better team and swept Team Liquid 2-0, relegating them to the lower bracket. Despite Team Liquid's subsequent triumph over Talon Esports in the lower bracket finals, Gaimin Gladiators emerged victorious with a clean 3-0 sweep, claiming the title.

Berlin Major: Team Liquid’s miraculous lower bracket run

The second major of the DPC 2023 season, the Berlin Major 2023, witnessed Team Liquid and Gaimin Gladiators crossing paths once again. With both teams placed in Group A, Gaimin Gladiators outclassed its competitors, securing the top spot in the standings, while Team Liquid finished third in the standings.

Gaimin Gladiators maintained their dominance by proceeding to the grand finals through an upper-bracket run without dropping a single game, similar to the Lima Major 2023. In contrast, Team Liquid faced an initial setback, losing the first upper bracket match against OG 2-1, relegating them to the lower bracket from the tournament's onset. 

Undeterred, Team Liquid embarked on a remarkable lower bracket run, winning five consecutive series to secure their place in the grand finals. Although Team Liquid showed improvement from the Lima Major, winning game two of the series, Gaimin Gladiators ultimately prevailed, securing a 3-1 victory to claim the title once again.

Third time’s the charm: Bali Major 2023 Finals

Now, at the Bali Major 2023, Team Liquid and Gaimin Gladiators find themselves facing each other in the grand finals for the third consecutive time. As something that has not occurred in Dota 2 before, it highlights these two teams' competitive prowess and consistent performances throughout the season.

For Team Liquid, the grand finals present an opportunity to finally overcome their rivals and secure a major title after coming close twice in the past. Meanwhile, Gaimin Gladiators aim to etch their name in Dota 2 history by winning three majors in a row, matching OG's record set in 2016.

As the stage is set for the Bali Major 2023 grand finals, anticipation and excitement build up among Dota 2 fans worldwide. With both teams hungry for victory, the grand finals promise to be a thrilling and memorable conclusion to an action-packed season of Dota 2.