### 5 Best Dota 2 Teams of 2019
The distinction between a good and great Dota 2 team is determined by their performance under pressure on the biggest stages. That’s why the abundance of Major tournaments in Dota 2 is great for the competitive scene.
In the 2018-19 Dota Pro Circuit, several teams came close to being crowned as all-time great rosters. However, only one team reached the apex and made history. But that doesn’t mean the other top teams weren’t great.
As the next season ramps up and new teams try to dethrone the returning top dogs, it’s important to look back and remember the best teams that competed in and around The International 2019.
#### 5) Vici Gaming
Vici Gaming was one of the Chinese teams that garnered a lot of hype heading into the 2019 season. Led by Pan “Fade” Yi, a veteran player, Vici Gaming consistently delivered strong performances throughout the year.
After a slow start, they won the StarLadder ImbaTV Dota 2 Minor Season One and went on to win two of the last three Majors. This propelled them to overtake PSG.LGD in the rankings and claim the third spot in the Dota Pro Circuit. Despite a disappointing tie for fifth place at TI9, Vici Gaming had a strong overall season and set themselves up well for 2020.
#### 4) PSG.LGD
LGD, the dominant team in the Chinese Dota 2 scene for two seasons in a row, had an incredible year. They consistently kept up with powerhouse teams like Team Secret, Virtus Pro, and Evil Geniuses throughout the regular season. LGD finished in the top six at every Major without any major dips in performance.
At TI9, they showcased their strength by securing a top finish. Despite a costly drafting mistake that prevented them from winning the championship, LGD fought hard against some of the best teams in the tournament and made their home crowd proud.
#### 3) Team Secret
Team Secret, led by captain Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, had one of their best rosters since Puppey left Natus Vincere after TI3. They dominated the regular season, winning two Majors and becoming the most successful team in ESL Dota 2 event history. Their performance at TI9 secured them a top-four finish.
Although they faced late struggles, especially when they placed outside the top 10 at the EPICENTER Major, Team Secret rallied and showcased exceptional performance from players like Ludwig “zai” Wåhlberg and Michał “Nisha” Jankowski. Their success inspired Puppey to make big changes in the roster during the offseason, preparing for an even better 2020.
#### 2) Team Liquid
Team Liquid had a similar trajectory to Team Secret during the regular season. They started off struggling but made adjustments that propelled them back into the TI9 picture. Captain Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi made a bold decision to replace a player, which ultimately worked in their favor.
With the addition of Aliwi “w33” Omar, Team Liquid broke free from their previous strategies and became a new force to reckon with. Their historic run at TI9, winning five series without dropping a single game in the lower bracket, showcased the team’s exceptional skills and strategies.
Despite some roster changes after TI9, Team Liquid’s incredible performance in 2019 solidified their legacy as a top Dota 2 organization.
#### 1) OG
OG, the first two-time and back-to-back International champions, undeniably takes the top spot on this list. Although they didn’t have a remarkable regular season, their performance at TI9 was unmatched. They dominated the group stage and showcased unique strategies and exceptional gameplay during the playoffs.
OG’s ability to play freely and fearlessly, led by Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, distinguishes them from other teams. Even when facing setbacks, they execute their game plan with precision and dictate the pace of the game. They are widely regarded as one of the greatest Dota 2 rosters in history.
As the new season unfolds, it remains to be seen if OG can maintain their dominance and further solidify their legacy in 2020.
Dota 2, teams, competitive scene, Major tournaments, 2019, Vici Gaming, PSG.LGD, Team Secret, Team Liquid, OG