In a stunning display of skill and resilience, Azure Ray claimed the championship title at the ESL One Kuala Lumpur Major 2023 Dota 2. Their victory was sealed in a breathtaking manner, executing a remarkable reverse sweep against Gaming Gladiators in the grand finals, securing a hard-fought 3-2 win. This monumental achievement not only earned them a cash prize of $300,000 but also bestowed upon them 4,800 ETP points, bringing them tantalizingly close to a direct invite to The International 2024.
Azure Ray Lineup:
| Player Name | Position | Date Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Lou “Lou” Zhen | Carry | May 5, 2023 |
| Guo “Xm” Hongcheng | Mid | November 28, 2023 |
| Lin “Xxs” Jing | Offlaner | November 28, 2023 |
| Zhao “XinQ” Zixing | Soft Support | November 28, 2023 |
| Jiang “Tiān mìng” An | Hard Support | May 5, 2023 |
One of the most remarkable aspects of Azure Ray’s triumph is the fact that the team had only been together for a short time. While Xxs, Xm, and XinQ became part of Azure Ray’s lineup on November 28, 2023.
Despite this, they showcased an exceptional ability to adapt swiftly, establishing Azure Ray as the most diverse team of the tournament by employing the largest hero pool.
Tournament Journey Highlights:
Group Stage Dominance:
Azure Ray’s journey began with an astounding performance in the group stages, where they exhibited their dominance by triumphing over some of the best Dota 2 teams from various regions.
- Finished the group stage with an impressive record of 8 wins and 2 draws.
- Victories included decisive 2-0 wins against formidable opponents such as Team Secret, Wawitas Sagazes, and Gaming Gladiators.
- They also managed to secure draws against Blacklist International and BetBoom Team.
Playoffs Triumph:
In the playoffs, Azure Ray’s pursuit of victory continued unabated.
- In the upper bracket semi-finals, they clashed with Team Falcons, an emerging team from the MENA region, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
- Despite a setback in the upper bracket finals against Gaming Gladiators (0-2), Azure Ray showcased their resilience in the lower bracket finals, triumphing over Team Liquid with a 2-1 score.
Grand Finals Redemption:
The grand finals witnessed an epic rematch between Azure Ray and Gaming Gladiators. Initially trailing 0-2, Azure Ray refused to concede defeat. They rallied back with unwavering determination, claiming three consecutive victories in an astounding display of skill and teamwork. This incredible comeback sealed Azure Ray’s triumph in ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, marking an unforgettable chapter in Dota 2 history.
