Team Liquid’s Phenomenal Run at The International 11
Team Liquid’s journey from the Last Chance Qualifier to securing a top-four spot at The International 11 has been truly remarkable. This is particularly noteworthy because it’s Lasse “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen’s final appearance at the event.
iNSaNiA Declares MATUMBAMAN as the Best Player
The veteran Dota 2 player, MATUMBAMAN, continues to impress, just as he did when he helped Liquid win The International 7. Team Liquid’s captain, Aydin “iNSaNiA” Sarkohi, has made a bold statement following MATUMBAMAN’s outstanding performance – he believes that MATUMBAMAN is the best player at the event.
“Throughout my entire career, as long as I’ve played with Michael “miCKe” Vu, I’ve always considered him the best player I’ve ever played with. However, I think Matu might actually surpass him,” he said.
“I believe he’s the best player at this event, regardless of how we end up. I learn new things just by watching him every single day. He’s an incredible player.”
This sentiment is shared by Dota 2 spectators, especially after MATUMBAMAN’s crucial Infest on Lifestealer saved miCKe’s Pangolier with just one health remaining. This last-minute rescue helped them secure a victory in the final game against Thunder Awaken.
iNSaNiA also referred to this iconic Dota 2 moment.
“We had more experience in such situations, and that resulted in Matu making the last-second infest on miCKe. That decision probably won us the game,” he explained.
However, iNSaNiA’s declaration encompasses more than just MATUMBAMAN’s in-game heroics. He emphasized that the Finnish star has played a crucial role in drafting alongside their coach, William “Blitz” Lee.
“Our coach William has taken a bigger role in the drafting process, and Matu has also contributed significantly. I believe both of them deserve credit for our success. They are truly the masterminds behind our performance,” iNSaNiA stated.
Next, Liquid will face Team Aster in the fifth round of the Lower Bracket on Saturday, Oct. 29, after a week-long break. If they emerge victorious, they will advance to the Lower Bracket Final, where they will challenge the loser of Team Secret vs. Tundra Esports.
If they fall short, they will finish in fourth place, earning a collective prize of $1,057,065.
Given MATUMBAMAN’s outstanding form, however, Team Liquid could be a dark horse for the Aegis.
Team Liquid, The International 11, Dota 2, MATUMBAMAN, iNSaNiA, player, event, performance, heroics, drafting, coach, success, Lower Bracket, Team Aster, dark horse, Aegis