Gaimin Gladiators Take Home Victory in Berlin’s Dota 2 Major
The recent conclusion of the second Dota 2 Major in Berlin showcased the adaptability of Gaimin Gladiators, who emerged as the triumphant winners. The tournament was held shortly after the release of the 7.33 patch, putting teams to the test.
A total of 115 heroes were contested throughout the tournament, with Team Liquid being the most versatile by picking 55 different heroes. However, there were nine heroes that remained untouched during the Berlin Major, despite their dominance in the previous Lima Major two months prior.
In this article, we will take a closer look at these neglected heroes and discuss their potential future in the evolving meta after the New Frontiers patch.
Lina
Lina was a popular pick in the Lima Major, appearing in 97 percent of matches. She excelled as a primary carry, boasting a 61 percent win rate. However, the 7.33 patch made significant changes to her abilities, reducing her effectiveness as a dominant hero. The combination of a larger map, decreased mobility, and global stun nerfs made Lina less viable in the Berlin Major.
Natures Prophet
Natures Prophet was a popular pick during the Lima Major and DreamLeague playoffs. However, the 7.33 patch increased ability cooldowns and decreased the damage of his Wrath of Nature ultimate, making him less effective in the Berlin Major.
Treant Protector
Treant Protector was a highly contested hard support in the Lima Major but did not receive any attention in the Berlin Major due to changes in the 7.32 patch. Despite his innate abilities, such as tree movement and Overgrowth rooting, Treant Protector’s overall impact was lacking in the current meta.
Clinkz
Despite significant reworks in the 7.33 patch, Clinkz did not receive attention in both the Lima and Berlin Majors. With more practice and understanding of his pushing power and damage potential, Clinkz could become a viable hero in the future.
Winter Wyvern
Winter Wyvern remains unchosen in both the Lima and Berlin Majors. Although the hero received some changes, such as switching her primary attribute and a slight buff to Arctic Burn, she still requires significant mana investment to be effective.
Gyrocopter
Gyrocopter had minimal presence in the Lima Major, and the changes in the 7.33 patch did not improve his viability in the Berlin Major. Other cores outperformed Gyrocopter, and he may need additional adjustments or meta shifts before making a comeback.
Bane
Bane saw a drastic decrease in popularity, with zero picks in the Berlin Major compared to three in the Lima Major. Changes to his abilities and the global nerf to stun duration impacted Bane’s performance, making him less favorable among professional teams and pub players alike.
Razor
Razor’s potential in the meta is yet to be explored despite significant buffs in the 7.33 patch. The abundance of heroes with strong auras and highly mobile carries may be the reason behind his absence in professional play. However, as the meta evolves and stabilizes, Razor may find his place.
Warlock
Warlock’s potential as a support has diminished due to the mobility of teams and changes in the meta. Despite some adjustments in the 7.33 patch, Warlock’s area-of-effect abilities are no longer as game-changing as before. A lack of impact and lower pick rates have pushed Warlock to the sidelines.
Dota 2, esports, Berlin Major, heroes, meta, patches, Lina, Natures Prophet, Treant Protector, Clinkz, Winter Wyvern, Gyrocopter, Bane, Razor, Warlock.