3 takeaways from the Southeast Asia Dota 2 Regional Qualifier

Southeast Asia has proven to be one of the strongest regions in this year’s Dota Pro Circuit. Top finishes at the Kyiv AniMajor and ESL One Summer by T1 prove the potential the region has to play great Dota. These Southeast Asian qualifiers have only solidified that position. Here are the main takeaways from the Southeast Asian Regional Qualifier that concluded Friday.

Indonesia shows out in the Southeast Asian Dota 2 Qualifier

Despite most analysts not giving Boom esports any chance to win the qualifier, the full Indonesian squad defied expectations. While the team was relegated this season, it did not stop them from performing in the qualifier. Boom started in the upper bracket and was able to beat Execration in the first round, another dark horse of the qualifier. Boom fell to TNC Predator in the next round in a close 2-1 series. However, the Indonesians performed well in the lower bracket. They ran through Execration and their fellow countrymen in Galaxy Racer, before falling to TNC Predator once again. While they did not make it to the finals, their performance was a step above what most predicted. Alif “Khezcute” Nelphyana in particular was able to perform on his signature Phoenix in several games.

Galaxy Racer is another team that outperformed their expectations, and also has two Indonesian players. Muhammad “InYourDream” Rizky has been one of the highest MMR players in the Southeast Asian server for a long time. He showed his skill in a 104 minute game against Motivate.Trust, the predicted winner of the qualifier. The fact that Galaxy Racer was able to win out in a 2-0 sweep against the predicted winners shows hope for the future of Indonesian Dota 2.

Southeast Asia will dominate The International

The primary takeaway by most analysts at the end of the qualifier is the strength of the entire Southeast Asian region. With top three finishes at the Kyiv AniMajor and ESL One Summer, and the performances from the regional qualifier – Southeast Asia is in contention to take top spots at the International 10.

I love what we've seen from Boom during these SEA qualifiers, but it's hard to not be hyped for a potentially epic TNC vs Fnatic grand final.

Both teams have been at the last 4 TI's. Fnatic have been at every TI from Ti3 onwards.

It'd be a historic moment for the SEA region.

— BTS Godz | aka Parker (@BTSGoDz) July 3, 2021

T1 have already proven themselves with their LAN performances over the year. However, TNC Predator, Boom esports and now Fnatic have solidified themselves as contenders despite two of them not receiving a spot at The International. This entire qualifier may be a sign that Southeast Asia deserves more spots going into the Major next year.

SEA Dota fans should be really, really proud of the teams, players, and level of play this region has produced.

— Nahaz (@NahazDota) July 3, 2021

Fnatic surprises all

Very few analysts picked Fnatic to win at the beginning of the qualifier. Either going for TNC Predator with Mushi at the helm, or Motivate.Trust gaming, most analysts pushed Fnatic to the side. The primary concern was with the removal of Kam “Moon” Boon Seng and the role swaps of Ng “ChYuan” Kee Chyuan to mid and Yang “Deth” Wu Heng back to offlane.

“Fnatic getting rid of CEO Moon, moving ChYuan back to mid with Deth on off will be interesting to see,” said caster John “Johnxfire” Nathan Fernandez at the beginning of the qualifier.

Fnatic have shown their persistence by reverse sweeping a strong TNC Predator team 3-2 to win it all. Deth in particular had fantastic performances as Tidehunter, Bloodseeker and Pangolier – Sticking to the three core lineups that have been popular since the Kyiv AniMajor.

Sad feels seeing @TNCPredator so tired at the end of the day, but you can't argue with @FNATIC's plays. It's gonna be awesome to have Deth at TI.

— Muriëlle "Kips" Huisman (@Kipspul) July 3, 2021