The Dota 2 professional scene witnessed an unprecedented event during the ESL One Birmingham 2024 China closed qualifier. Two titans, Azure Ray and G2.iG, clashed in a best-of-five series that not only showcased their exceptional skills but also broke records.
The series stretched over five hours, 34 minutes, and 40 seconds, surpassing the previous record set during the Esportal Dota 2 League Ticket in 2015. This milestone was highlighted by renowned Dota 2 statistician Ben “Noxville” Steenhuisen.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
The Opening Struggle
The first game set the tone for the series, lasting an exhausting 83 minutes. G2.iG’s strategic prowess came to the fore as they overcame Azure Ray’s defenses, marking their first victory.
Azure Ray’s Comeback
In the second match, Azure Ray demonstrated remarkable resilience. A 52-minute showdown ended in their favor, proving their capability to counter G2.iG’s strategies.
G2.iG’s Dominant Response
The third game witnessed a swift change in tactics from G2.iG. By focusing on an early to mid-game strategy, they overwhelmed Azure Ray, who had prepared for a longer battle.
The Marathon Game
The fourth game broke all expectations, lasting an incredible 107 minutes. Both teams displayed extreme caution, with Azure Ray eventually seizing the opportunity to level the series.
. @G2esports/@invgaming vs @AzureRayDota just finished the longest series in the history of Dota 2 – over 5.5 hours of gameplay.
Yes, longer than the C9/Scaryfacez epic. Yes, longer than the DK/IG bo7 reverse-sweep (that was barely 4 hours!). pic.twitter.com/mvlKGHdzGQ
— Ben Steenhuisen (@Noxville) January 30, 2024
The Decider
The final game, the shortest at 44 minutes, saw G2.iG’s strategic mastery shine through. With a well-coordinated team and impeccable hero choices, they clinched the series and secured their spot in the main tournament.
Key Strategies and Hero Choices
Throughout the series, hero selection and in-game strategies played pivotal roles. G2.iG’s adept use of Slark, Magnus, and Zeus in the final game exemplified their understanding of the meta and adaptability.
Record-Breaking and Trendsetting
This series was not just about winning or losing. It set a new standard in professional Dota 2 play, demonstrating the evolving complexity and competitive nature of the game.
Epic Showdown Sets New Standards
Both teams displayed exceptional skill and strategic depth, offering valuable insights for aspiring Dota 2 players. For teams aiming to compete at this level, adapting to the evolving meta and understanding the importance of endurance in prolonged matches is crucial.