Talon End Gaimin Gladiators Tournament Streak
The Gaimin Gladiators have undoubtedly been the best Dota 2 team in the year, winning all five big tournaments this year. They were the favorites to win it all in Riyadh, but Talon Esports, the tournament's dark horse, wanted to mess up those plans.
After a three-map series, Talon Esports could pull off a major upset and forced the Gladiators to finish in an uncomfortable fourth place. This result ends the five-tournament streak for Gaimin Gladiators, and they’ll have to sit out from the conclusion of the Riyadh Masters and set their eyes on The International.
Talon’s Indonesian Mid Laner Mikoto was interviewed after the intense series and gave his thoughts on his next opponents, Team Liquid, who knocked them down to the Lower Bracket in this event.
“I think this is the fourth time we’ve met them in LAN tournaments. Unfortunately, in the last series against Liquid, we should have won, but we began throwing and made stupid decisions. But, I think it’s going to be different tomorrow.”
Earlier today, 23savage mentioned in an interview that he felt like his team could beat anyone in the tournament, and he wasn’t lying. Talon has defeated the best team in Dota 2 right now, even defeating Gaimin’s best strategy, Io + Leshrac, in Game 1.
The Gladiators finish fourth and still pocket $1,200,000, which is as much prize money as all the events they’ve won this year combined from five first-place finishes. Meanwhile, Talon will continue their run and play on the Final Day of the Riyadh Masters.
Talon will have a grudge match against Team Liquid in the Lower Bracket Final, and if they come out victorious, they will continue to meet Team Spirit in the Grand Final. Who do you think is winning the event?