The Western Europe DPC saw an unexpected development as Team Secret was relegated to Division 2. In this Winter Tour, Team Secret saw its worst performance as a team since the regional leagues began.
With a score of 1 win and 6 losses, this puts them at the bottom of the rankings. Also included in the relegation to Division 2 is Into The Breach.
In this tour, Team Secret brought in Miroslav “BOOM” Bičan, former midlaner of Gaimin Gladiators, to replace Michał “Nisha” Jankowski. Many speculate that Nisha was instrumental to Team Secret’s success during his stay.
They even went as far as finishing Top 2 during The International 11 in Singapore. Outside expectations mounted on BOOM to replicate the same impact Nisha had, and so far it has been lackluster.
BOOM is known for his consistent midlane performance during his time at GG. Their team managed to finish 9th-12th at the last TI while competing directly for the tournament as well.
But, he left from Gaimin last October 2022, open to joining any team. However, he never cited the reasons why he parted with the organization. On December 2022, a day after parting with Nisha, Team Secret brought in BOOM as their new midlaner.
Team Secret Takes Crystallis
Team Secret also made moves by taking up carry player Remco “Crystallis” Arets. It was in the middle of 2022, replacing sumaiL as he later would join Nigma Galaxy. It also left the internal chemistry lacking, as BOOM just started playing for the team.
However, WEU Division 1 is a cutthroat competition. Their cohesion needed to catch up, as the team was catching losses every week. Team Secret bagged a single win during their series against Into the Breach. It also included standout performances from Crystallis and Resolut1on.
However, during their relegation match against Nigma Galaxy, they were handed a loss. It also put them at the bottom of the league. During the series, Nigma’s carry ATF put out two great Razor performances. It also complimented the “run at them” strategy they refined.
Both teams were at risk of relegation, but Nigma managed to outlast Secret. Once again affirming the popular fan theory that “KuroKy has Puppey’s number.”
The Relegation
Team Secret relegated means they’re out of Winter Major contention. They are also out of Spring Major contention. This is because, during the future Spring Tour, their immediate goal is to qualify back to Division 1. Because this is their Spring Tour goal, this also means that the Summer Major is the only Valve event they can realistically join.
With their goals of making it into The International 12, Team Secret must win the Summer Major for a chance to enter the regional qualifiers at best. In a rough scenario, they will enter the last chance qualifiers once more, the same as the last TI.
For now, their first goal is to get out of Division 2 WEU. It also boasts a competitive line of teams. Of course, the most sought match in Spring Div 2 will be Team Secret versus Janne “Gorgc” Stefanovski and Team Bald Reborn.
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