Team Secret: A Look into Dota 2’s Top Contenders
Team Secret, despite its fair share of controversies, has established itself as one of the top teams in Dota 2 since its formation after The International 4. At the core of their success is Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, the team’s captain known for his leadership skills. Puppey has transformed every player on Team Secret into masters of the game, with a lineup consisting of players from different continents and countries.
Puppey’s influence has elevated the skill level of Zheng “MidOne” Yeik Nai, Pyo “MP” No-a, Yazied “YapzOr” Jaradat, and KheZu, who were considered talented but not quite elite players before joining Team Secret. However, as a team, Team Secret has had mixed results in the 2016-2017 Dota 2 season. While they possess undeniable talent, they have struggled to convert it into consistent victories, with their last major win occurring over a year ago at the ROG Masters 2016.
Despite qualifying for multiple LAN tournaments this year, Team Secret has yet to secure a victory in 2017. This raises doubts about their position in The International, despite earning their spot through the European Qualifiers. An early exit at Dreamhack Atlanta just a week before The International further adds to the uncertainties.
Player to Watch: MidOne
Over the past 18 months, MidOne has proven himself to be one of the world’s top mid players. While not as flashy as others, his reliability as a laner adds immense value to Team Secret. He also holds the record as the second player in the world to reach 10,000 MMR, showcasing his exceptional individual skill.
Biggest Challenge: Stability
Team Secret has a reputation for faltering on LAN events, most notably their unexpected elimination at The Kiev Major. Whether it’s nerves or bad luck, overcoming this barrier is crucial for their success at The International.
Our Grade: B-
Team Secret is undeniably a strong team, but their track record of underperforming at major LAN tournaments raises doubts. While they have the talent to make a deep run, their inconsistency casts a shadow of uncertainty over their potential success.