The first taste of DOTA 2 action after TI11 went underway in the Asia Pacific Predator League 2022. A total of fourteen teams were invited to the tournament, but only one could prevail. The invited teams were a mixture of DPC teams and amateur teams in the whole of Asia Pacific. Although not all of the invited teams are well-known, it is always lovely to see DOTA back in action.
The tournament will have a total prize pool of 120,000 USD spread out to the First to Third place, with each taking home 75,000 USD, 30,000 USD, and 15,000 USD, respectively. The tournament will compose of a double bracket elimination, with each series using a best-of-one format besides the Grand Finals, which will be a best-of-three series.
Upper Bracket
Unsurprisingly, DPC teams fared well in the tournament, with the likes of TNC Predator and Polaris Esports being part of the Upper Bracket Semifinals of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2022. Polaris Esports refused to be upset by ChubbyBoiz making quick work of them to advance to the Upper Bracket Final after 31 minutes of DOTA. However, GrindSky Esports pulled off a win against TNC Predator booking their ticket to the Upper Bracket Final versus Polaris Esports. Polaris Esports, a division one team in South East Asia, proved too much to handle for GrindSky Esports as they went on to be the first to qualify for the Grand Finals.
Lower Bracket
The Lower Bracket is top-heavy, with multiple DPC teams starting from the Lower Bracket Quarterfinal. TNC Predator defeated Lilgun after a long and rigorous 68-minute game to advance to the Lower Bracket Semifinal. ChubbyBoiz ran out of luck after losing to Execration in a humiliating fashion, going home after a quick 30 minutes of action. Two DPC teams faced off in the Lower Bracket Semifinal. Execration got the upper hand against TNC Predator, winning the game after 31 minutes to advance to the Lower Bracket Final. Execration advanced to the Grand Finals after defeating GrindSky Esports in only 28 minutes.
Grand Finals
The Grand Finals of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2022 was between Polaris Esports and Execration. Two DPC teams fought it out for the 75,000 USD prize. Execration claims first blood after 30 minutes, securing a 1-0 lead. However, Polaris Esports got reinvigorated in games two and three. Polaris Esports pulled off a gentleman’s sweep winning the tournament after defeating Execration in games two and three. Polaris Esports claimed the 75,000 USD prize and are crowned as Champions of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2022.
