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Dota 2: Team Falcons Fall Short at The International 2023

Another season of intense competition in Dota 2 has unfolded, yet this year, Team Falcons, despite their impressive track record and significant prize money, has faced disappointment after being eliminated from The International by Tundra, who secured a decisive 2-0 victory in the lower bracket.

The matches displayed a familiar pattern, with Tundra securing crucial teamfights around the 20-minute mark, creating a substantial advantage, and ultimately concluding both games well before the hour mark. The irony of Team Falcons’ exit is notable, as they fell to Tundra, the very organization that previously housed key players Skiter and Sneyking before their acquisition earlier last year.

Since their formation, Team Falcons has been a dominant force in the Dota 2 scene, backed by Saudi investors. This year, they achieved remarkable success, clinching victory at four tier-one LAN events, including ESL One Birmingham and BetBoom Dacha Dubai, in addition to winning the DreamLeague titles in both March and May. Their strong performances positioned them as frontrunners for the Aegis, especially with the defending champions, Team Spirit, also in the mix.

However, the tournament would not go as planned for either of these powerhouses. Team Spirit met their end at the hands of the formidable Xtreme Gaming, after an unexpected loss to Nouns in the Seeding Decider. Following their earlier setback against Tundra in the upper bracket, Team Falcons had to fight hard for their survival, overcoming teams like 1win, BetBoom, and Cloud9. Yet, in the rematch against Tundra, history repeated itself, leading to their elimination.

Team Falcons now joins a growing list of organizations in the Dota 2 landscape that have entered The International as favorites, only to be left disappointed. Last year, it was Gaimin Gladiators, who boasted an extraordinary collection of accomplishments throughout the year but ended up falling to Spirit when it mattered most. Other notable teams that have faced similar fates include OG, PSG.LGD, Evil Geniuses, and Team Secret.

As for the future, it remains uncertain whether this defeat will instigate any roster changes, but the team will have limited time to make those decisions. The post-TI roster shuffle period is expected to be condensed in 2024, coinciding with a series of high-profile events scheduled for the remainder of the year. Upcoming tournaments include PGL Wallachia starting on October 4, followed closely by BetBoom Dacha, DreamLeague Season 24, and ESL One Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Tundra’s journey continues, as they face Gaimin in the lower bracket final later today. The victor of this match will move on to a best-of-five showdown against Team Liquid, promising an exciting spectacle for the fans, particularly those in Denmark.

Source
dotesports.com