Team Secret under team captain Clement "Puppey" Ivanov has long been known to make the most out of a bad situation. They're getting what could be one of their biggest tests so far in Tour 1 of the new DPC 2023 season. That's because this Dota 2 team is in danger of being relegated to Division II. Right now, they have a win-loss record of 1-5 and one more match remaining, and that match is against Nigma Galaxy, a team composed mainly of former TI champions.
Before we take a closer look at what Secret needs to do, it's important to take a step back and understand the format. In Division I, there are eight teams participating with the top four earning a spot at the Major. The bottom two teams will be relegated to Division II. In Western Europe, one of those teams is Into the Breach.
A Difficult Road Ahead
Here's the thing, whether Secret stays in Division I or heads to Division II depends on Nigma. Nigma has a win-loss record of 1-4 and two matches left.
Now if Secret loses in their match against Nigma, that's it for them. The team is going to spend Tour 2 working their way back to Tour 1. Even if they make it back, there's a high chance that they have to go through the qualifiers if they want to join this year's The International.
What happens if Secret wins in their match against Nigma? They're not out of the woods yet. That's because it's 2-5 for Secret while 1-5 for Nigma. However, if Nigma wins its last match against Entity, the team ends up with a 2-5 record, and that means a possible tie-breaker match between Secret and Nigma.
Lima Major
Early this week, Team Liquid managed to secure a spot in the upcoming Lima Major. Now based on the results of yesterday's matches, Liquid is guaranteed the top spot in the region and 300 DPC points. Four teams are currently fighting for the three remaining spots for Lima Major.
Region Standings
As of writing, here are the current standings:
- Team Liquid: 6-0 (Secured Spot for Lima Major)
- Gaimin Gladiators: 4-2
- OG: 4-2
- Tundra Esports: 4-2
- Entity: 3-3
- Nigma Galaxy: 1-4
- Team Secret: 1-5
- Into The Breach: 1-6 (Relegated to Division II)
What do you think? Can Team Secret do it and stay in Division I?
