The Dota 2 Stockholm Major 2022 has been an exciting watch for everybody. With a reformed OG squad, exciting T1 and worthy underdogs beastcoast, there was always going to be breath-taking moments. Unfortunately, one moment that had occurred was the surprise elimination of top North American side Evil Geniuses in the group stages. With players such as Andreas “Cr1t” Nielson, Artour “Arteezy” Babaev, Abed Azel “Abed” Yusop, Egor “Nightfall” Grigorenko and Jesse “Jerax” Vainikka, they were expected to go far.
With esports betting, EG had been amongst the favourites to qualify for the knockout stages, and then make it to the finals bracket. Arguably, if they would have made it to that stage, they would have had phenomenal fan support, which could have pushed them to their first Tier 1 title since Manila Masters and Dota Pit League Season 5 in 2017.
Group Standings
Group A
- 1st Tundra Esports 11-1
- 2nd OG 7-5
- 3rd BetBoom Esports 7-5
- 4th T1 6-6
- 5th BOOM Esports 5-7
- 6th beastcoast 6-8
- 7th Evil Geniuses 2-10
Group B
- 1st Gaimin Gladiators 8-4
- 2nd Thunder Awaken 7-5
- 3rd TSM FTX 7-5
- 4th Team Spirit 7-5
- 5th Team Liquid 7-5
- 6th Fnatic 6-6
- 7th Mind Games 0-12
What Happened ?
Unfortunately, EG couldn’t scrape a game win on day one of the Stockholm Major, as they lost 2-0 to both Tundra Esports and T1. Despite an 0-4 record, they then managed on day two a 1-1 tie against Boom Esports. Day three would bring yet more disappointment as both BetBoom and OG would claim 2-0 victories over the NA giants. EG would then leave the competition after splitting games with beastcoast.
With a last place finish in groups, it is a position no Dota 2 esports betting site, pundit or expert had predicted. They had just recently picked up victories against NA rivals TSM FTX, Quincy Crew and DogChamp. Additionally, they had also claimed the DPC NA 2021/2022 Division 1 title. The competition and stakes may have risen since then, but with this extremely skilled roster, it was astonishing to see a drop in performance to this level.
What is Next
Regardless of the disappointment, all five players will not fade away. With being a top regional team, it is a certainty they will be practicing and focusing on defending their DPC title. So, when you see memes of disbanding, remember these are professional players who have experienced a rough patch, not a rough career. If anything, watching their NA counterparts play against top tier opposition offers a chance to observe them further.
The mantle of NA expectation has now been passed onto TSM FTX, who themselves take on European giants OG. After this high-profile shock exit, who will be the ones that take the entire tournament? Either way, we are going to be treated to much more amazing Dota 2 gameplay. Below is the official bracket for ESL Stockholm 2022. With fans making a return in the latter stages of bracket play, it will be something you do not want to miss.
www.esportsbets.com
