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Team Liquid defeated Gaimin Gladiators 2-1 in the upper bracket playoffs of the Riyadh Masters 2023.
Despite Gaimin's comeback in the first game, Liquid was determined to win today, showcasing top-notch drafting and gameplay execution.
While Liquid will now face Talon Esports in the upper bracket playoffs, Gaimin will battle Tundra Esports in the lower bracket in the Riyadh Masters 2023.
During the Riyadh Masters upper bracket playoffs, Team Liquid faced off against reigning Major champions Gaimin Gladiators in a battle of the two strongest teams in competitive Dota 2 in 2023. A dramatic turnaround from Gaimin in the first game appeared to have dampened Liquid's focus but the latter was determined to win today it made strategic drafts and executed in a ruthless manner. Liquid upped the ante in this upper bracket contest after being on the losing end mostly in this high-intensity clash previously. The team's midlaner, Michał "Nisha" Jankowski, flexed his skills in all three games, not only delivering exceptional laning performances but also making seamless transitions into the mid and late game that ultimately led the team to victory.
Team Liquid vs Gaimin Gladiators: Match recap and highlights
Recap
Game 1 was close, with both teams finding farm and consistent kills. In the first 30 minutes, the networth fluctuated somewhat in either team's favor, but it did not persist long. After this phase, Liquid seemed to be sailing ahead, with both Nisha on Ember Spirit and miCKe on Monkey King having sold games. But it was at this point when Ace became become a threat, dispatching one hero after another. Despite being down on kills, Gaimin's squad prevailed in 42 minutes after a couple of crucial teamfights wins.
Game 2 saw a fast paced draft from Liquid capable of winning lanes and occupying a large portion of the map. Quinn once again was the target of opponents as he was hunted down time and again. His Pangolier suffered against the massive physical damage that Liquid’s draft presented. This time, the start that Nisha and miCKe got did not go down in vain as they took down each objective in the most comprehensive manner to win in 39 minutes.
In game 3, Liquid displayed one of the most dominant early stages of the tournament. The team won all three lanes thanks to a stronger draft and unleashed an aggressive playstyle that led to Gaimin's heroes suffering casualties across the entire map. Nisha was once again flawless on Templar Assassin, leading from the front. While Gaimin was delaying the game with splitpushing and Liquid was also being careful, it was just a matter of time before the latter took that one important teamfight win to end the game in 43 minutes.
Highlights
Here are some highlights of the series.
Considering Liquid and Gaimin are from the same region and have also reached the finals of four of the five tier one events in 2023, their clash has become a hot topic in competitive Dota 2 this year. In spite of picking up a few series victories during group stage or playoff play, the former has largely fallen short in important encounters, particularly in these four grand finals.
The win at Riyadh Masters 2023 will provide the team with plenty of confidence considering their history. Throughout the tournament, Liquid is showing improved performances and is primed for yet another successful run.
Gaimin might just be showing some signs of fatigue after being at its peak for the past seven months, a factor that the team will have to quickly overcome since it now finds itself in the lower bracket. Furthermore, the Riyadh Masters 2023 and The International 2023 which takes place later this year are the two most important events of the season.
While Liquid will now face Talon Esports in the upper bracket playoffs, Gaimin will battle Tundra Esports in the lower bracket in the Riyadh Masters 2023.
