Another week has passed and StarLadder has seen multiple teams already dropping out of the run for the LAN finals, whereas Na'Vi's new team keeps the dream alive.
The Ukrainian powerhouse has been on a winning streak ever since they announced their new roster, thus still being in the run for the LAN finals. They currently have a 6-4 score with five matches left. Out of those five opponents, only mousesports (7-2) have guaranteed the trip to Kiev, whereas dd.dota (6-5) would have to rely on others to lose in order to advance.
It looks to be a close fight for first place with fnatic (10-2) currently sitting at the top, although NoTidehunter (9-1) has played two games less. Virtus.pro (8-3) is hanging right behind them and the Russians have, much like Na'Vi, seemingly easier teams left, with the exception of mousesports.
The Germans are sitting at fourth place and are currently struggling with finding a replacement for their former captain KuroKy. Several games yesterday were played with multiple stand-ins, but mousesports cannot afford to slack. They still have to play against the likes of Na'Vi, VP and nth.
Most likely out of the tournament are fota, Power Rangers, 3DMAX, RoX.KIS, Absolute Legends, TCM-Gaming, 3D!Clan, eL'Pride and dd.Dota. While all of them could technically still somehow make it to Kiev, they would have to rely on most teams to lose and could not afford one of the top contenders to score another win.
Place your GosuBets here.
This weekend will see the beginning of the final stages of StarLadder. Absolute Legends and RoX.KIS could be the first teams to be mathematically eliminated. The games will once again be covered by Sheever in English or v1lat in Russian.
There is also the in-game ticket, which features a new courier and access to the Ritmix Russian Dota 2 League.