While top-tier Dota 2 teams are in a lull before DreamLeague Season 26, the Tier 2 scene is buzzing, particularly at the FISSURE Universe: Episode 5 Play-In stage. This event is noteworthy not only for the battle for main event slots but also for its participants. We`re getting our first look at the new MOUZ roster featuring Seleri, and of course, Virtus.pro with V-Tune and Antares. Let`s dive into how these two teams are faring.
Seleri built up significant anticipation for his new lineup, raising expectations. He posted messages like:
Time for my announcement is almost here, looking forward to it. Everything turned out even better than I expected ☘️
Thanks for all the support I received during the break. Will finish this season stronger than you might expect.
The actual announcement, however, felt somewhat ambivalent. On one hand, it features renowned players with Tier 1 experience, but on the other, the composition is incredibly varied: zeal joining from the Chinese scene, Abed ending his challenging SEA journey, and Kami. Truly a `mixed bag` of talent.
On paper, MOUZ`s individual skill looks promising compared to most Play-In teams. After all, three members have attended LAN events this season, and Kami had a strong period with Night Pulse. The main issue is Abed`s absence, with W1sh- standing in.
The crucial question was how these players would gel as a team – concerning language barriers and a unified vision of the game. Based on the initial matches, they seem to be facing significant issues in this regard.
A single highlight against OG could perhaps summarize MOUZ`s early performance: they managed to throw a map they were heavily favored to win. By the 30-minute mark, they held a roughly 20k gold lead and a near 100% win probability according to Dota Plus, yet they lost.
Currently, zeal`s apparent disconnect from team actions stands out. He might, for instance, solo-dive an enemy support and trade his life (without buyback) for a position five player, be late to a Brewmaster fight, or fail to land a single effective Black Hole over 25 minutes.
Individually, MOUZ players are capable of pulling off impressive highlights. For example, on the second map against OG, Ekki`s Nature`s Prophet sprouts accidentally pushed his own carry off a cliff during a chaotic fight, inadvertently saving the teamfight for them. However, beyond such isolated moments, MOUZ struggles significantly with teamfight initiation and timing. Against Runa Team on the first map, despite having a strong teamfight draft, they were completely passive, allowing the enemy mid Keeper of the Light to roam and secure kills freely. After 25 minutes of struggling, they finally decided to attack but did so *without* their carry who was in the tavern. Predictably, this attempt failed disastrously, costing them most heroes and their Tier 3 tower.
The start of the second map against Runa Team was notably poor. While MOUZ did manage a slight comeback later (though still losing the map), it seemed less due to their own improved play and more to their opponent`s overconfidence and relaxed style after building a big lead.
Given Seleri`s vast experience, it`s surprising that he currently struggles with even basic team leadership, such as organizing smoke ganks. His individual performance has been average so far. On one hand, he`s shown a broader hero pool, including the meta Slark and the emerging Shadow Shaman. On the other hand, similar to his final months with Gladiators, Seleri sometimes appears slow to match the game`s tempo. Rotations, clearing wards, securing runes – everything feels delayed. This often negatively impacts his teammates.
In summary, MOUZ is currently looking shaky, even against Tier 2 opposition like Runa Team. We can only hope for Abed`s return and for Seleri to successfully translate his incredible success from the past three seasons into valuable leadership for this new roster.
Virtus.pro`s Dominance
Virtus.pro, conversely, currently appears to be the main favorite of the event. Daxak`s team is leading their group with two convincing wins, none of their four maps lasting longer than 37 minutes.
VP is currently playing with two stand-ins: V-Tune is temporarily replacing TA2000, and Antares is on trial in OneJey`s position. It`s worth noting immediately that both replacements are performing well so far.
V-Tune has actually been performing at a solid level throughout the season, looking good in both Night Pulse and 9Pandas, but the teams themselves didn`t quite click. V-Tune hasn`t had a chance to prove himself at a high level in a team where he isn`t forced into 1v5 situations. Virtus.pro offers him exactly that opportunity. His play has been very clean: a diverse hero pool, minimal deaths, timely team participation, and well-chosen item builds tailored to each draft.
As for Antares, his eagerness to play Dota is palpable. At times, this manifests as excessive aggression and restlessness, which is often exactly what you want from a position four player aiming to create opportunities. To illustrate Antares` impact, simply look at this moment where he secures a solo double kill on the enemy carry (certainly, the opponent`s play deserves scrutiny here, but it was still a stylish play).
However, the standout player for VP so far has been Lorenof, who had seemed to be in a bit of a slump recently. At FISSURE Universe: Episode 5 Play-In, VP`s midlaner has activated `turbo mode` – he simply looks a cut above all other midlaners.
He dominates the map from start to finish, managing to be everywhere. While padding KDA in easy matches isn`t hard, consider this scenario: VP faced problems for the first time on the first map against OG. In fact, they were on the verge of defeat, left in a 3v5 situation against an opponent with a Rapier pushing their throne. Then Lorenof arrived… and OG was the one typing GG.
Conclusion
Naturally, Tier 2 skirmishes aren`t the definitive test of a team`s true strength, but these games do offer insights into teams` progress (or regression). Sometimes, these events are even more entertaining than some Tier 1 tournaments – though that`s subjective. We`ll certainly keep following Seleri`s journey and Daxak`s attempts to elevate VP to the Tier 1 level, alongside the unexpectedly strong performances from players like nicky`cool and other heroes of this championship.