A rebuilt Team Aster undoubtedly knocked out the reigning TI champions, Tundra Esports. In the lower bracket first round, they edged out 2-1 against the TI winners in a back-and-forth. With Team Aster also coming into the tournament with a new Midlaner, this came as an upset. Aster also looked like their former TI form as they drafted around carry Du “Monet” Peng.
Tundra Esports finished third during the winter tour, securing their spot in the Major. This came after a close series of repeating tiebreakers between OG and Entity. Tundra is also known for its patient and strong map control gameplay, dubbed by fans as “boring.” Strategy aside, Tundra also garnered notoriety as being a “patch team” after the results of their elimination.
Aster returned with a new midlaner in Zhai “Xwy” Jingkai after the retirement of Zeng “Ori” Jiaoyang. In the group stages, they bested Beastcoast to secure an upper-bracket appearance. However, they ran into misfortune as Gaimin Gladiators swept them 2-0, sending them down into the lower bracket. In the winter tour, they placed 2nd with a 13-4 record, a better record over 1st place PSG.LGD’s 12-6. Even more, Team Aster lost the tiebreaker for 1st place.
During the elimination game, Aster took advantage with a solid Snapfire performance from Lin “Xxs” Jing. What impressed the crowd was a great showing from the new Aster midlaner on Ember Spirit. Monet acted as a good pillow for the team as his Nature’s Prophet carried great tower pressure and physical damage.
Team Aster and Team Tundra
In the second game, Tundra Esports bounced back with a Riki pick for Martin “Saksa” Sazdov. Riki joins Lina, Broodmother, and other heroes in the ban pool. Aster allowed the Riki draft, which spelled disaster for their game. Tundra’s Batrider picks allowed them to create space for their Ursa to farm up and converted that advantage to more farming. They finished off Aster after a nail-biting 51-minute game 2.
Game 3 showed a close game between both teams. Once again, Saksa gave viewers a masterclass, this time on Monkey King. But this wasn’t enough to overpower the ranged carry duo of Drow Ranger and Templar Assassin from Aster’s mid-lane. With only a late-bought Wraith Pact to mitigate their damage, Tundra was overwhelmed by Aster.
Aster faces home favorite Evil Geniuses in the next round. Tundra Esports go back to the drawing board and try to qualify for the Spring Major. If you liked this article, you can read more on our website. You can also follow us on social media to stay updated with the latest esports and gaming news.
