The FISSURE Universe: Episode 4 has finally concluded its group stage, which gives us a glimpse into how the Dota 2 teams performed.
For many fans, it’s all eyes on Gaimin Gladiators and Team Falcons, which are powerhouses that many had high expectations for. Hence, it was surprising when Team Falcons barely make the cut for top-eight to advance into playoffs. Meanwhile, Gaimin Gladiators is also in a whole slew of trouble as they fumble their group stage.
Oliver “skiter” Lepko at FISSURE Universe: Episode 4 (Image credit: FISSURE)
Recap on FISSURE Universe: Episode 4 Group Stage
The FISSURE Universe: Episode 4 features a modified swiss-system, where all group stage matches are best-of-three. Gaimin Gladiators managed to secure two victories against M80 and Team Falcons, but when they only needed one more win to qualify, they couldn’t. Team Spirit and PARIVISION proved to be much better opponents than Gaimin could have anticipated.
Gaimin’s current state after Seleri left
Looking back at Gaimin’s games in FISSURE Universe: Episode 4, it’s evident that their drafts were confusing and all over the place. From the unpopular carry picks and ineffective counters to the enemies’ meta picks, Gaimin just seem to lack a viable captain since Melchior “Seleri” Hillenkamp’s departure. Prior to Seleri’s foreshadowed departure, Gaimin’s other support player, Erik “tOfu” Engel has been taking up the role as captain and drafter.
Gaimin’s new carry player, Alimzhan “watson” Islambekov, may have gotten a lot of backlash for being a poor replacement to its predecessor, Anton “dyrachyo” Shkredov. However, Watson certainly has been improving his synergy with the team and executing them decently. Ultimately, when it comes to drafts, Gaimin seemingly fall off and couldn’t prevail against a more consistent opponent.
Team Falcons’ poor take on the new Dota 2 meta
Whereas Falcons’ results in the FISSURE Universe: Episode 4 Group Stage has received mixed reviews. In certain instances, Falcons seemingly picked heroes that limit how their prodigy, Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf, can play. Yet, we saw Oliver “skiter” Lepko and Andreas “Cr1t-” Nielsen clutch the series versus BOOM Esports with Sand King’s initiations and Dark Willow’s saves.
Despite their spectacular executions, fans still believe they were undeserving of making it into top-eight of the group stage. Nevertheless, we would have to see if Falcons continue pulling off these impressive stunts, or fall off in playoffs.
All in all, this isn’t the time for Team Falcons and Gaimin Gladiators to be experimenting with new takes on the Dota 2 7.38b patch as it almost costed them their playoffs qualification at FISSURE Universe: Episode 4.