The ONE Esports Dota 2 SEA League kicks off today, with 10 of the best teams in Southeast Asia competing for the lion’s share of a US$100,000 prize pool.
Here are five players you should keep your eye on.
5. inYourdreaM (T1)
Much of T1’s success rides on inYourdreaM’s shoulders. He often has to juggle making space for his farm-intensive carry, Meracle, being the team’s primary playmaker, and secondary win-condition. Once considered one of the best prodigies to come out of SEA, inYourdreaM has proved he’s capable of being what his team needs.
But, can inYourdreaM become more than just what his team needs and lead them further than another early exit in the Lower Bracket of the Playoffs? His performance in the SEA League will be the answer to that question.
4. Yopaj (Neon Esports)
While Neon Esports’ veteran players led the team to a surprise Upper Bracket berth at the playoffs of BTS Pro Series Season 2, Erin Jasper “Yopaj” Ferrer will have to flex his muscles too if they want to do the same at the SEA League.
The young midlaner headlines Neon’s core of talented newbloods, and the SEA League will be the perfect opportunity for him to show he can become more than just another prodigy.
3. Karl (Geek Fam)
Geek Fam only started to grow into one of the strongest teams in the region once Karl “Karl” Jayme joined the lineup last December. The flashy midlaner allowed the team to have a more dynamic playstyle, as he is capable of either being the space-creating playmaker for his carry or being the win-condition himself.
If Geek Fam is finally able to get that big tournament win at the SEA League, then Karl should definitely be a major catalyst for that.
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2. Gabbi (TNC Predator)
When TNC won the Chengdu Major and was still the best team in SEA, Kim “Gabbi” Villafuerte was undoubtedly the best player in the region. TNC’s star carry player embodied the hyper-aggressive playstyle that the team rode to tier one status at the start of the season.
Gabbi is still an excellent carry despite TNC’s ongoing struggles, though he has to take it to another level if he want to lift his team out of their slump.
1. DJ (Fnatic)
Fnatic continues to be the most dominant team in SEA thanks in large part to Djardel “DJ” Mampusti’s sustained excellence as their position 4 support in his third year with the team.
There’s not much to say here other than DJ is one of the best position 4 support players in the world and is capable of making incredible, game-winning plays from out of nowhere. When all is said and done and Fnatic wins the SEA League (as we expect them to), you can be sure that DJ made a bunch of incredible plays like in the highlights above.
For a closer look at all the teams competing in the ONE Esports Dota 2 SEA League, check out our “Under the SEA (League)” series of previews.
READ MORE: ONE Esports Dota 2 SEA League: Pre-season power rankings
