Azure Ray and LGD Gaming Secure Top 6 Spots at TI12
Chinese Dota 2 teams Azure Ray and LGD Gaming have made it to the top 6 at The International 2023 (TI12), sparking hopes of a return to China's former glory in the esports world. Azure Ray, which qualified through the China (CN) Qualifier, defeated nouns in the Upper Bracket, while LGD Gaming delivered an impressive win against tournament favorites 9Pandas.
Both teams have secured a top 6 placement at TI12 and will soon face each other in the Upper Bracket Semifinals. This guarantees a Chinese team in the top 3 of the tournament, much to the delight of Chinese Dota fans. The current Playoffs bracket for TI12 can be seen in the provided image.
Azure Ray receives overwhelming support at TI12
A brief history..
Azure Ray, a team that made it through the China (CN) Qualifier, has been receiving overwhelming support from fans at TI12. The team comprises a slice of the former PSG.LGD lineup – Lu „Somnus“ Yao, Yang „Chalice“ Shenyi, and Xu „fy“ Linsen – who were the strongest favorites of TI8. For two consecutive years, the legendary trio placed second and third place at TI8 and TI9, respectively. However, after TI11, Somnus and Chalice had both taken a long break from the pro scene and focused on streaming. They were inactive for six months before making a casual return to the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) with Azure Ray. Fy also took a six-month break from Dota 2 after a disappointing TI10 run. He returned to the pro scene with Invictus Gaming and then switched to Vici Gaming. He then reunited with former PSG.LGD teammates in Azure Ray in May of this year.
Despite making a last-minute return this season, Azure Ray quickly picked up momentum. The team grabbed a fourth-place finish in China's Division I during Tour 3 DPC. They then grabbed a surprising top 8 placement at the Bali Major. Riding the wave, Azure Ray soared through TI qualifiers and booked their ticket to TI12.
The overwhelming support for Azure Ray at TI12 has been noticeable. Dota 2 analyst, TeaGuvnor, posted on Twitter/X, „Azure Ray fans are turning up at TI12, they're proper loud! Easily the team with the biggest support so far.“ Even as online spectators, we can definitely hear the fans cheering their every move.
Azure Ray's rise to the top 6 at TI12 has been incredible to witness. Fans have a soft spot for this notable trio, and they can't help but long for their redemption after coming so close to winning the Aegis of Champions in the past. With the team's current form and the overwhelming support from fans, Azure Ray is now on track to lift the Aegis of Champions.
Is This the End of China's Dark Age?
China's Dota 2 scene has had a difficult year in terms of achievement, with Chinese teams like Knights and Invictus Gaming placing consistently at the bottom of every Dota 2 Major. Additionally, there have been numerous match-fixing cases, with over 40 pro players receiving lifetime bans from Valve, including players from Knights and EHOME who took part in Major tournaments.
However, the recent success of Azure Ray and LGD Gaming at TI12 is a welcome change. Both teams have advanced to the top 6 at The International 2023, bringing hope to China and its Dota 2 scene. During Dota 2's early years, China was dominant in the scene, with champions of TI alternating between other regions and China. However, this pattern was broken after 2016, when Wings Gaming became the last Chinese team to win TI.
With Azure Ray's and LGD Gaming's recent success, China sees the light at the end of the tunnel. The possibility of a Chinese team winning TI for the first time since 2016 is becoming more and more likely. This success brings hope for the future of China's Dota 2 scene and its potential to reclaim its former glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did Azure Ray and LGD Gaming defeat to advance to top 6 at TI12?
Azure Ray and LGD Gaming defeated several teams to advance to the top 6 at TI12. However, the specific teams they defeated are not mentioned in the available search results.
How many teams were competing in TI12?
A total of 20 teams were competing in TI12, with 12 teams qualifying through their performance during the Dota Pro Circuit, and eight more teams coming through the regional qualifiers.
What is the prize pool for TI12?
The prize pool for TI12 is not mentioned in the available search results.
Who are the other teams in the top 6 at TI12?
The other teams in the top 6 at TI12 are not mentioned in the available search results.
What strategies did Azure Ray and LGD Gaming use to win?
The specific strategies used by Azure Ray and LGD Gaming to win are not mentioned in the available search results.
What is the history of Azure Ray and LGD Gaming in previous TI tournaments?
The history of Azure Ray and LGD Gaming in previous TI tournaments is not mentioned in the available search results.
