Neslyn A. December 10, 2018
Team Liquid took notched another title at the MegaFon Winter Clash without dropping a single game in the process.
The TI7 champions entered the event’s grand final undefeated with a 4-0 score in the group stage. Liquid won against Natus Vincere in the upper bracket final to secure their grand final slot and a one-game advantage.
Na`Vi eliminated PSG.LGD in a lower bracket finals upset to earn a rematch against Liquid in a best-of-five series.
The series started with a carry Dazzle being played by Lasse Aukusti "MATUMBAMAN" Urpalainen and a Brewmaster support for Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi. The unusual but trending picks would immediately pay off.
An early rotation from Kuroky resulted in a first blood on Na`Vi’s Idan "magicaL" Vardanian’s Outworld Devourer, who tried to use both a faerie fire and a healing salve to save himself before dying. This only compounded his early disadvantage, sending a ripple effect through the remainder of the game.
The first game ended decisively in 29 minutes after a rampage from Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi’s Phantom Lancer.
Already up 2-0 thanks to the upper bracket advantage, Liquid approached the deciding game with a similar strategy. The former champions dominated the game with a map blanketing Meepo, and used Keeper of the Light to counter Na`Vi’s Monkey King pick.
Although Na`Vi made great some rotations in the early game, Team Liquid was quick to respond to these attempts and was able to turn some of the ensuing team fights in their favor. Miracle’s Meepo had an early godlike streak and proved a severe threat to Na`Vi throughout the game.
Team Liquid took the last game and was hailed as the undefeated champion of the tournament. The team was rewarded $150,000 in cash, while Na`Vi took home $75,000 for their second-place finish.
Team Liquid fans will hope that the dominant performance is a harbinger of thanks to come during this latest Dota Pro Circuit season.