The Dota 2 DPC Winter 2023 regional league showcases surprising strategies
The Dota 2 DPC Winter 2023 regional league is in full swing, and teams from all regions have been delivering some breakout moments. Most notably, the Western European teams have been bringing out unexpected tactics and drafts in their series. The latest shocker came from Gaimin Gladiators in their matchup against Nigma Galaxy.
Nigma Galaxy opted for a somewhat conventional draft, with Sumail and ATF playing their comfort heroes. However, Gaimin Gladiators decided to take a different approach. Their offlane player, Ace, who is known for experimenting with unconventional builds, surprised everyone with the Witch Doctor offlane pick in game one.
The core Witch Doctor build is something that has been tested in high-level pub games but had never been tried on a competitive level. This brought a fresh perspective to the game that caught Nigma Galaxy and the viewers off guard.
While analysts and casters debated the viability of the offlane Witch Doctor pick, Ace dominated the lane against Kuroky’s Mirana and ATF’s Sven. With the constant sustain from Seleri’s Io, Witch Doctor’s Voodoo Restoration and Io’s abilities ensured they won the lane without needing additional regeneration.
With items like Guardian Greaves and Pipe of Insight obtained within 12 minutes, Witch Doctor became a formidable force. The combination of Maledict and Voodoo Restoration’s damage over time, along with the support of Quinn’s Batrider and dyrachyo’s Terrorblade, allowed Gaimin Gladiators to secure a decisive victory in game one.
However, game two did not go as planned for Gaimin Gladiators. Nigma Galaxy’s mc’s Magnus empowered ATF’s Sven, causing them to dominate the game and secure a decisive victory. It seemed like a turning point for Nigma Galaxy, as they showcased their top form once again.
Gaimin Gladiators, however, regained their momentum in game three, as if game two never happened. They had newfound energy, with Quinn’s Batrider and Ace’s Tidehunter controlling the fights while dyrachyo’s Lina dealt significant damage to Nigma Galaxy. As the game progressed, Gaimin Gladiators solidified their lead and eventually closed out the series with an impressive victory.
Dota 2, DPC, Winter 2023, regional league, Gaimin Gladiators, Nigma Galaxy, unconventional draft, offlane Witch Doctor, surprising strategies.