Team Liquid and OG Set to Clash in the Grand Finals of The International 2019
The International 2019 has seen both Team Liquid and OG turning their seasons around and dominating the main stage. This has set up an intense clash between two European powerhouses in Shanghai.
The grand finals of TI9 will feature the TI7 and TI8 Champions battling it out for the title of the first-ever two-time Dota 2 champions.
OG Cinderella Story Continues
OG entered TI9 as underdogs, having performed poorly in the Dota Pro Circuit. Despite the return of Anathan “ana” Pham to the roster, OG struggled to regain their dominance.
However, once they reached TI9, OG showed their true strength. They had an impressive 14-2 run through the group stage, silencing the doubters and entering the upper bracket with confidence.
OG fought their way back from tough situations against Evil Geniuses and PSG.LGD, securing their spot in the grand finals for the second consecutive year. This is a historic achievement in Dota 2, as no team has ever reached the finals the year after winning an International.
Team Liquid’s Redemption
Team Liquid had a strong regular season, but their playstyle started to stagnate. In an effort to rejuvenate the team, Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi made a roster change, bringing in Aliwi “w33” Omar.
Although they had a rough start at TI9, facing elimination at one point, Team Liquid managed to secure a series win over Keen Gaming, allowing them to qualify for the lower bracket. From there, they turned their game around and went on an incredible 11-1 run. This included sweeping TNC Predator, EG, Team Secret, and breaking through LGD to reach the finals.
A Clash of Giants
In the grand finals, OG’s roster of ana, Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen, Sébastien “Ceb” Debs, Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka, and captain Johan “N0tail” Sundstein will look to make history once again by becoming the first back-to-back International Champions.
On the other hand, Team Liquid’s Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi, Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov, Maroun “GH” Merhej, and KuroKy will be aiming for their second Aegis in three years, while w33 hopes to secure his first after losing in the grand finals of TI5.
Ultimately, either OG will solidify their dynasty or Team Liquid will complete another incredible lower bracket run to claim their second TI victory. The International 2019 will crown the first multi-time winner in Dota 2 history.
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