Team Spirit Upsets Team Secret to Reach TI10 Finals
There is only one series standing between Team Spirit and completing one of the most impressive runs in the history of Dota 2’s The International. The CIS squad pulled off yet another upset and sent Team Secret home in the lower bracket finals at TI10.
The TI curse continues to loom over Puppey and his team, though it seems to have at least lessened. Secret’s highest finish at TI is third place, improving on a fourth-place exit at TI9. However, even after showing dominance, controlling the tempo, and winning multiple drafts, Secret couldn’t break Spirit’s will.
In game one, Secret focused on shutting down Miposhka by not allowing him to play his signature support heroes. It heavily impacted Spirit’s early game, but Secret’s Nisha with Void Spirit dominated and allowed MATUMBAMAN’s Terrorblade to become monstrously strong. Secret eventually took control and won the game.
In game two, Spirit secured a strong draft with Yatoro’s Morphling. They played at a slower pace, emphasizing technical play and teamfights. Nisha continued to excel with Void Spirit, but Secret couldn’t hold onto their lead, and Spirit equalized the series.
With both teams fighting for their tournament lives in game three, Spirit’s execution reached another level. Kills were even, and Secret held a small lead until Spirit turned the tide with Sven, Storm Spirit, and Magnus. Yatoro’s Sven became unstoppable, leading to another Rampage and breaking Secret.
Spirit’s Cinderella story continues into the TI10 grand finals, where they will face PSG.LGD for the Aegis of Champions. They have a chance to be the first Eastern European team to win TI since Na’Vi at TI1, a team that featured Puppey.
Unfortunately, it’s the end of the line for Puppey and his team, securing a third-place finish, their best showing at a TI yet.
“Thank you for believing in us,” said Puppey. “Losing sucks, but life goes on.”
With Secret heading home, Spirit moves forward, and only time will tell if their impressive run will continue.
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