The new DOTA Season will kick off in China with eight of the best Chinese teams competing for 300 DPC points and a chance to play in the circuit’s first major.
A quick peek at Pinnacle’s outright odds show Aster and Xtreme Gaming at the top to finish first with odds at 3.40 and 3.58 respectively. Amidst the crazy post-TI roster shuffle, these two teams had the least amount of changes made in contrast to their rivals.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 3rd, 5:00 A.M. (EST)
After an abrupt retirement to pursue a career in law, Aster’s long-standing mid-laner Ori will be replaced by Xwy. The 26-year old bounced around China’s tier 2 scene after a relatively decent showing in several big international events under the Ehome and Keen Gaming banners. A big splash on his comeback to tier 1 should be expected as he has very big shoes to fill with Ori being one of the most formidable Chinese mid players..
Meanwhile, Xtreme Gaming failed to make it past the Last Chance Qualifiers despite being heavy favorites. It turned out to be not so much of a shame though as the two teams to come out of the LCQ, Team Secret and Team Liquid, made it to the top 3 of the main stage.
The team let go of Lou, who served as their position 1 last year. 12,000 MMR Malaysian player, Ghost, will be taking his spot in the core role. Old Eleven will also move to inactive status who will be replaced by another Malaysian, JT-, who played for Invictus Gaming for a long time. Xtreme gaming retained support duo Dy and pyw who have played with each other for a couple of years now.
Perhaps the biggest loser of the whole roster shuffle is PSG.LGD, who lost 3 of their 5 players. The star-studded crowd favorites had to let go of XinQ and Faith.Bian, following the latter’s retirement. Superstar core player Ame will also be taking a break with his future unclear for now. Word around the Chinese community says that he will be making an official retirement announcement soon, however. The team pooled in Shiro and Planet to fill their carry and soft support roles. The two have notably played for Ehome last circuit and before that grinded back and forth from division 1 and division 2. Meanwhile, the legendary Faith.Bian will be replaced by a 19-year-old prodigy from LGD’s academy team.
With PSG.LGD’s reign seemingly coming to an end, the Chinese DOTA scene has burst wide open. Who among the eight teams will outclass their opponents?
