Team Secret survive in TI9, edging out Mineski in lower bracket
The last Southeast Asian team has been eliminated from The International 2019.
In one of the most exciting series of the tournament thus far, Mineski and Team Secret faced off with their futures on the line. Though Mineski nearly pulled off a colossal upset, Secret stayed strong and managed to take a 2-1 victory.
The first game of the series left the audience and casters in awe. Mineski drafted greedy heroes including Alchemist and Wraith King. Team Secret went in a very different direction, picking micro-heavy heroes including Meepo for Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng and Visage for Michał “Nisha” Jankowski.
Kam “Moon” Boon Seng’s Alchemist stomped Team Secret’s lineup early, further amplifying his farm potential. Mineski dragged Team Secret into a bloodbath, winning team fights and knocking over towers. That aggression served them well until a key buyback from MidOne turned a team fight around, resulting in a wipe and massive push from Secret.
While that normally would have been a chance to catch up for Secret, a door to victory was opened after they discovered that Moon did not have buyback.
Team Secret knocked down a tier three and went directly for the throne. Mineski tried to defend but failed. Even though Mineski had a 20,000 net worth advantage just moments earlier, the Dota Pro Circuit’s top seed managed to snatch victory away and start the series 1-0.
Mineski did not let the loss bring them down. The team performed exceptionally in game two, gaining a massive early kill advantage with flawless rotations.
Team Secret was backed against the wall, but they yet again proved to be dangerous in that situation. A crucial team fight broke in Team Secret’s favor and they threatened another comeback. This time, Mineski successfully defended their throne and punished Team Secret for the aggression. That stand allowed them to tie the series and force a deciding game three.
Team Secret seals the deal at TI9
Before the third game, Kaci Aitchison interviewed Team Secret’s coach Lee “SunBhie” Jeong-jae and asked what the mood was inside the pod. SunBhie answered that the team was “angry.”
That anger translated into a powerful showing for Team Secret. The team’s strength was on full display during the third game as they looked for big fights early and got the better of them. Mineski managed to turn the momentum a bit at one point, but Secret was not going to be denied.
After 46 minutes, Mineski tapped out of the game and ended its TI9 journey.
With the loss, Mineski falls into 9th-12th place and takes home over $676,000. Team Secret advances on to face Infamous.
Read Also
Dota 2
Team Yandex stop the magic, defeating LGD in BLAST Slam VII finals
Michael Hassall
Team Yandex have defeated LGD Gaming in the grand finals of BLAST Slam VII in a dramatic 3-1 series that saw both teams pushed to the limit, but ultimately Yandex come out on top. Concluding the last major tournament before teams head to the Esports World Cup and The International 2026 next month and in August, Yandex were able to counter the momentum of LGD that had brought them into ...
Dota 2
BLAST Slam VII Finals Predictions and Picks – Can LGD make it all the way?
Michael Hassall
LGD Gaming in the top three of a tournament!? What is this 2021? BLAST Slam VII has been one of the most surprising tournaments of the year, and has capped off the pre-EWC and TI season with some of the most thrilling gameplay we’ve seen in months. And the finals are set to be even more exciting. With just three teams left there’s a lot on the line, from the ...
Dota 2
Easiest Dota 2 Heroes for Beginners – Best Picks to Learn the Game
Simon Day
We can all agree that Dota 2 is a complex game, but starting with the right heroes can make the learning process much smoother. Choosing one of the best Dota 2 heroes for beginners is key to building your skills and enjoying your matches. That’s why it’s time to explore the heroes that are easy to understand, effective in the game and great for learning the fundamentals. Without going into ...
Dota 2
BLAST Slam VII Playoffs Preview – Visa issues transform the playoff picture
Michael Hassall
BLAST Slam VII is the last major tournament before teams lock-in and compete at the EWC and The International, and as a result, we’re seeing a tournament with some unique outcomes. With teams seemingly treating this as a last-minute tune-up before the championship clashes of the next two months, a South American team has topped the table and some of the best teams in the world are either without players ...
Dota 2
TI-Champions Tundra Esports exit Dota 2 as roster transfers to 1win
Michael Hassall
Tundra Esports has revealed it’s leaving Dota 2 after six years and a victory at The International 2022. The UK-based organization has announced its roster will transfer directly to 1win for future events. The announcement, posted on Tundra's socials on June 1, confirms rumors and earlier social posts from 1win which hinted at a new lineup. With the move, however, questions about 1win’s existing EEU roster and attendance at The ...
Dota 2
A full weekend of TI15 tickets will cost you just $280 – If you don’t mind the view
Michael Hassall
Alongside the team invites for The International 2026, Valve today (May 26) unveiled the pricing and details of how to purchase tickets for TI15, and the price is the lowest in years. For years we’ve seen the price of The International Prize, with a peak of around $700 as a lowest price for a full weekend for both 2023 in Seattle, and 2024 in Copenhagen. But after a fall in ...
Dota 2
Valve has announced the TI15 invites: Here’s why some team names are very different
Michael Hassall
It’s around three months until The International 2026, TI15, and Valve has just unveiled the direct invites and qualifier invites to the event, but eagle-eyed fans will notice some strange names in the team lists. Valve unveiled the invites in the small hours of the morning on May 26 (late evening on May 25 for their HQ in Bellevue, Washington), detailing the seven direct invites, regional qualifier invites, and some ...
