Ever wonder where your favorite veteran players are? Well, they certainly haven’t kicked the proverbial bucket just yet. Many are now in DPC Division 2 Europe, which looks like a retirement home nowadays.
Old-Timer Showcase in DPC 2023 WEU Division 2
While the young guns are striving on the main stage of DPC 2023, the Division 2 bracket has become bloated with old-timers.
Old G’s Disappointing Journey
First up, Sébastien “Ceb” Debs and Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen in Old G. The former two-time champions played alongside other high-profile veterans too, such as Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko. Despite the stacked lineup, Old G didn’t live up to the fans’ expectations of a TI-winning roster. Fans believed that placing seventh in Tour 2 and ultimately losing their Division 2 slot should have been a tell-tale sign to retire and disband.
Yet, by merging with PuckChamp, they managed to secure a Division 2 slot to compete in Tour 3 somehow.
Nigma Galaxy’s Struggles
Then, there’s Nigma Galaxy, which fell from Division 1 last tour. If anything, Nigma arguably looked the worst in shape after losing Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan and Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf. Nigma failed to capitalize on the two young prodigies’ strength, leading to their underwhelming performance.
This was evident when Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov’s stand-in performance for team OG at Berlin Major 2023 looked phenomenal. Similarly, SumaiL’s stand-in appearance for Team Aster was also impressive.
Nevertheless, Nigma is another old-school team, better known as ex-Team Liquid players who won TI7. However, they are merely a shadow of their former selves in the recent DPC 2023 WEU Division 2.
S4 and Alliance’s Journey
Lastly, there’s Gustav “s4” Magnusson, who still plays for his founding Esports organization, Alliance, with whom he won TI3. Although none of s4’s former teammates are active anymore, he continues the legacy by leading a new squad of talents. Last tour, they placed fourth, which is certainly much better than Old G. However, chances are, Alliance won’t be the best bet on placing top seeds.
Other Old-School Players Making Their Mark
Besides the former TI Champions, the DPC WEU Division 2 bracket also consists of several seasoned teams. The former Monaspa roster, led by the iconic Greek captain, Giorgos “SsaSpartan” Giannakopoulos, is one that could potentially climb back into Division 1 next DPC season. Team Level UP, comprised of Nikita “Daxak” Kuzmin and Milan “MiLAN” Kozomara, could also be an unexpected contender to challenge for first place as they are the latest team from the closed qualifier to compete in Division 2.
Additionally, over in Southeast Asia Division 2, Galvin “Meracle” Kang, renowned for his Naga Siren, is competing for Myth Avenue Gaming. Another popular Filipino player, Ryan “Raging Potato” Qui, has joined Neon Esports in the same division.
Harsh Competition in DPC 2023 WEU
The Dota Pro Circuit 2023 (DPC 2023) Western Europe has been fiercely competitive in recent years. Tundra Esports winning The International 2022 (TI11) was just the tip of the iceberg when discussing the WEU teams’ supremacy, as the top-four at TI11 were also occupied by Team Secret and Team Liquid, both WEU rivals.
Fast forward to the recent DPC 2023 Tour 3, and Gaimin Gladiators and Team Liquid secured top-two finishes in two consecutive majors. As such, it puts other regions, especially Southeast Asia and China, to shame for their underwhelming performance.
With all said and done, expect intense competition in DPC WEU Division 2, even if it might seem like a retirement home for Dota 2 players. These teams could have easily rivaled the DPC WEU Division 1 bracket if it was back in 2016.
Conclusion
The presence of Dota 2 veterans and old-timers in the DPC Division 2 Europe highlights the longevity and passion these players have for the game. Despite not being at their prime, they continue to compete, striving for success and an opportunity to return to Division 1. As the Dota 2 competitive scene evolves, the mixture of experienced players and rising stars creates a dynamic and exciting environment for both players and fans alike.
FAQs
Can old-timer teams in DPC Division 2 compete with the younger teams?
Old-timer teams in DPC Division 2 have the experience and skill to compete with younger teams, but they often face challenges adapting to the rapidly changing meta and the rising talents.
Why do old-timers continue to play in Division 2 instead of retiring?
Many old-timers continue to play in Division 2 because they still have the passion for the game and the drive to compete. They see Division 2 as an opportunity to prove themselves and potentially make a comeback to Division 1.
Are there any chances of old-timer teams returning to Division 1?
While it is not impossible for old-timer teams to return to Division 1, the competition is tough, and they need to consistently perform well to secure a spot in the higher division.
How does the presence of old-timers impact the Dota 2 competitive scene?
The presence of old-timers adds a nostalgic element to the Dota 2 competitive scene and provides a bridge between the past and present. It also serves as a source of inspiration for younger players, who can learn from the experience and wisdom of these veterans.
Are there any other regions where old-timers are making their mark?
Apart from Europe, old-timers are also making their mark in other regions, such as Southeast Asia, where players like Galvin “Meracle” Kang and Ryan “Raging Potato” Qui are competing in Division 2, showcasing their skills and experience.
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