Started exactly one week ago, the MDL Macau qualifiers are already over. Six teams claimed their tickets to the fifth Minor of the Dota Pro Circuit, two more will join them via direct invites.
The regional qualifiers were held in a single elimination, best-of-three games format, in five of the six regions. The Chinese representative team was decided in the DPL Top regular season. LGD Forever Young took the first place there by besting 3-2 Newbee. The other five teams are winners of their respective region qualifiers.
In the Southeast Asia qualifiers, TNC managed to take down the region's strongest team of the moment, Mineski, and therefore they will be heading to their first Minor of the season. Also, at their first Minor appearance are VG J Storm, who emerged victorious in the North American bracket.
Europe will be represented in Macau by OG, who had a rough start of the season, failing in a few other qualifiers. The three times Major Champions of last year, OG seem to have finally found their stride and are ready to enter the qualifying points race. So far they have 0 points accumulated, but they’ve been playing only in the AMD SAPPHIRE Dota Pit. MDL Macau will be their second minor secured via regional qualifiers, Notail and co also securing tickets to the Captains Draft minor.
Also without a single point to their name so far, Infamous will have another chance at changing their situation in Macau. Infamous won the South American qualifiers by taking down SG e-sports 2-1 in the grand finals.
Last but not least, Natus Vincere keep on delivering in regional qualifiers and secured another event for themselves. MDL Macau is their third Minor secured via regionals, after SL i-League Invitational and PGL Open Bucharest. However, it seems that the LAN playoffs give them troubles as the black and yellow team hasn’t secured any Dota Pro Circuit qualifying points so far.
MDL Macau participating teams:
LGD Forever Young
TNC
VG J Storm
Infamous
OG
Natus Vincere
TBA - Direct Invite
TBA - Direct Invite
Along with the directly invited teams, MDL Macau is yet to announce the LAN event format, the venue and the prize and qualifying points distribution. The event will take place in Macau, December 8-10, and according to the tournament organizers, live audience will be allowed at the venue.
