Have you caught the first week of the DPC 2021 Season 1 league? If not, here's why you SHOULD be watching it.
After a long hiatus and a much-awaited return to the DPC season, all six regions completed their first week in the new league play format.
There is a lot going on in these games with even more at stake. In the upper-division teams are fighting for both Major spots and to keep out of the lower division where they will spend a season out of point contention. Those in the lower brackets are fighting for a chance to move into the upper brackets and not only gain points but a chance to go to the Major next season.
Here is why you should be watching the action (apart from the obvious fact that it IS the DPC)
1. Upsets: In SEA Execration upset TNC Predator with a 2:0 win against them. Execration has not been any type of force to be reckoned with and heading into the league, had been ranked in several lists in dead last place while TNC were among the clear favorites. Execration absolutely shellacked TNC in the opening match and then dominated again in the second match. Their unexpected sweep puts them at the top of the standings at the end of the first week and shoves TNC down to the lower division regulation slots so far. Although there are five more weeks of gameplay, this already upsets the balance of the regional standings and puts things in an interesting position for TNC.
2. Experimentation: Players are experimenting with new heroes and roles. So far we've seen offlane naga, support position5/4 chaos knight, position 4 gyrocopter, and offlane alchemist. Best to be watching the pro's do this so when you stumble upon them in your pubs now you'll know what to do and why it's happening.
3. Stiff Competition: In both Europe and China, the upper-division is stacked with talent and most teams are real contenders. Unfortunately, there are only two guaranteed spots in the Major for both regions. Two more teams in each region will head to the Major Wild Card with details not yet known on what that will mean for them. At the moment Nigma is leading in EU and EHOME in China.
4. Return of the Kings: Evil Geniuses is playing again and are still in North America. The team has not played in any NA regional events in the last several months and when they last competed, it was in the EU for Omega League. Currently, after week one, they are in first place. They next play on January 28th.
5. New teams emerging: CIS is missing several of their veteran superstars. Players and teams have a chance to really break through this season into the Majors and claim the top spots in the region. Live to Win has assumed first place position so far while in South America Infamous has risen to the top of the standings (second place) with new(er)comer mid player Mr. Jeans creating a buzz. Infamous will next play on January 29th.
Head over to our Hub for match info and our One Stop Shop; DPC 2021 Season 1 guide to get all the info on what is to come for the next few weeks and how the divisions are being handled.
