Shocks Galore
The AEF Dota 2 League returned for a fifth season and was as action-packed as the one before, with several surprises.
After an incident-packed group stage, four teams can prepare for the LAN Finals at the Union Theatre in Melbourne to fight for their share of the $A4,100 prize money.
The eight teams that were competing in the Group Stage were Athletico Esports, the previous season’s champions who were then playing as Water, Natural 9, Doki Doki, How Might We, The Buddy Squad, Great Dango Family, Seventh Heaven and, after moving up from Division 2, Trident Esports, who were previously known as Spag and Sons.
Clean Sweep
After finishing seventh last season and having to play in a Qualification Match against Pink to retain their place in Division 1, it was a surprise that Seventh Heaven came out of the gate swinging, beating two-time champions Natural 9 in their first match.
And, to prove that it wasn’t a fluke, they proceeded to defeat reigning champions Athletico Esports 2-0 in Week 3.
Over the course of the seven weeks, Seventh Heaven only lost three games, and were never beaten in a series, as they finished top of the standings and earned a place in the upper bracket at the LAN Finals.
Back for Seconds
Athletico Esports had entered the competition as favourites because of their fine performance last season and, for the most part, they met the high expectations that had been placed on them.
They only lost two games throughout the entire season and each of their victories were 2-0. However, they slipped up against Seventh Heaven when, after two long games – the second lasted 63 minutes – they were eventually beaten and had to settle for second spot.
They still secured an Upper Bracket place though and a rematch against the one team that beat them.
Return of the Giants?
After a disappointing third/fourth-place finish last season, especially after taking first place in the Group Stage, Natural 9 were looking for blood.
Unfortunately, their season didn’t start well and they were beaten by Seventh Heaven and Athletico which left them at the bottom of the standings.
Undeterred, the Australian juggernauts roared back to form and won all of their following series 2-0, which lifted them to third and continued their streak of AEF LAN Final appearances.
The Fight for Fourth
With three teams clearly ahead of the pack, it seemed that the main battle would be for fourth place and the final spot at the LAN Finals.
Initially, Trident were the clear favourites after they won three of their first four games which left them level with Athletico and above Natural 9.
However, when their schedule got harder they suffered as they lost their last three games.
After Week 6, Doki Doki and Trident were both still in the running to finish fourth. Doki Doki had to beat Athletico but they also needed Trident to score one point fewer than them as their opponents held the head-to-head advantage.
How Might We could not clinch fourth place as, even if they had beaten Trident 2-0, Doki Doki would still have more points than them.
Trident took one game off How Might We and Doki Doki lost 2-0 to Athletico which left the two rivals equal on points. However, Trident took fourth place as they had won the head-to-head.
Conclusion
After a gruelling season, the four finalists have now been confirmed.
Seventh Heaven have improved dramatically and are seemingly an unstoppable force. Athletico have maintained their excellent form, Natural 9 have faltered and Trident managed to squeak in at the death.
No matter who comes out on top, it has been an exciting seven weeks, and the LAN Finals are sure to be thrilling.
