Dota 2’s first event of the year is already behind us. The WePlay! Bukovel Minor came to a conclusion this weekend with Nigma taking the first spot.
Nigma barely survived the group stage
During the Dota 2 Bukovel Minor’s group stage, there were two clear leaders – RNGU for Group A and Gambit Esports for Group B. Team Nigma started with a loss to Fighting PandaS in the opening match of the event. Later, they’d face the Pandas again in a decider match and claim victory, securing their advancement into the playoffs.
After the end of the group stage, four teams had already been eliminated – Team Spirit, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Fighting PandaS and FURIA Esports.
A comeback in the playoffs
The remaining four Dota 2 teams then had to fight one another and Nigma started out with another loss against RNGU. Dropping instantly to the lower bracket, the European team made their way back to the top with victories over Gambit Esports and Geek Fam. In the grand finals, they met again with the Chinese favorites but this time, things went differently.
After losing the first game, Nigmaturned it all around and took the next three. With a 3:1 win, Nigma earned their title in Bukovel along with $72 000 and 140 Dota Pro Circuit points. Last but not least, they qualified for the upcoming DreamLeague Season 13. Also known as the Leipzig Major, the event is set to begin on January 18 and last until January 26. The stakes there will be a bit higher – $1,000,000 on the line in prize money and 15,000 DPC points to be split between all participants. Naturally, the biggest chunk will be going to the top four.
The champs are here! We ended up on top at The WePlay! Bukovel Minor. GGWPP @RNGRoyal you were a worthy opponent.Leipzig here we come!#StarsAlinged pic.twitter.com/6fxnxF8qqP
— Team Nigma (@TeamNigma) January 13, 2020
As mentioned earlier, the Bukovel Minor was the first Dota Pro Circuit event for 2020 and also the first event of the official circuit organized by WePlay! The Ukrainian organization did a really good job – the tournament was well received and peaked in over 200 000 viewers while maintaining an average of around 90 000.
Additionally, we saw a showcase between some famous players currently aren’t active in the Dota 2 scene like Danil “Dendi” Ishutin and Kyle “Kyle” Freedman.
Overall, the Bukovel Minor gave Dota 2 lovers a nice start of the year. Who are your favorites for the Leipzig Major?
