Mars Dota 2 League: LFY will sweep LGD, head to grand finals

The Mars Dota 2 League is the last event I’ll have eyes on before TI7. Six of the eight competitors will be present in Seattle next month, playing for a piece of the $20,000,000+ prize pool. I predicted many scenarios heading into this tournament, but I never figured the winners’ finals would be LGD vs. LFY. Since we’re here, let me be clear: LFY will sweep LGD Gaming and head to the grand finals.

By reaching the winners’ finals both teams have already secured another Top 4 finish. The second half of 2017 is looking brighter than the first half already. Both LGD Gaming and LGD.ForeverYoung slowly improved their form between January and May before breaking out in June at China’s TI7 Qualifier.

LFY will sweep LGD

Regarding the Mars Dota 2 League group stage, the standings were tighter than expected. 1st Place finishers, OG (5-2), held only a one game lead over 5th Place finishers, Evil Geniuses (4-3). A three-way tie for 2nd Place included LGD, LFY, and Newbee.

Both LGD teams have proven formidable of late. Each side had a Top 4 finish in June. LGD Gaming earned 3rd Place at the Dota Summit 7; one week prior, LGD.ForeverYoung finished a run to the Top 4 of EPICENTER. Despite these recent displays of form, I expected LGD Gaming to play through the losers’ bracket. LGD.ForeverYoung’s arrival is less of a surprise, thus I expect to see them reach the finals with a victory over LGD Gaming. I’m looking for LFY to prove that they’re the better side of the org despite their sister status. After all, LFY qualified for TI7 ahead of LGD Gaming.

How surprising do you find this matchup? Who do you think wins, and why? Are teams like Newbee and Invictus Gaming choosing not to show their cards before the big tournament? Reach out on Twitter and remember to use #LetsTalkDota to connect with the author, @SheenSah.