The third day of the Upper Bracket at The International 2019 (TI9) saw a highly anticipated rematch between two Dota 2 powerhouses: OG and Evil Geniuses (EG). In their previous encounter, at the Major Championships in Chongqing, OG secured a narrow 2-1 victory over EG. As the teams faced off once again, the Dota 2 community eagerly awaited another thrilling contest.
OG’s Dominant Performance in Game One
In the first game of this upper bracket series, OG showcased their formidable team play and strategic prowess, leaving EG struggling to keep up. With a combined effort from Anathan "ana" Pham and Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen on the cores, OG dismantled EG’s defenses, securing a convincing win in just under 30 minutes.
EG’s Tenacity Shines Through in Game Two
Determined to reclaim their ground, EG put up a strong fight in the second game of the series. Artour "Arteezy" Babaev and Sumail "SumaiL" Hassan, playing on the carries for EG, put on impressive performances, managing to outmaneuver OG’s initiation and crowd control from Neta "33" Shapira and Sébastien "Ceb" Debs. With a relentless push in the late game, EG secured the victory, setting the stage for an exciting final game.
**The Decisive Game Three: A Battle of Wits**
In the final game, both teams brought their best strategies to the table, making for a nail-biting and tense conclusion to the series. OG, with a strong early game presence and effective rotations from ana and Topson, managed to control the map and secure key objectives. EG fought back, with SumaiL’s carry hero putting immense pressure on OG’s defenses and Arteezy’s initiation causing chaos in team fights.
However, it was OG who emerged victorious after a grueling 62 minutes of gameplay. Their ability to maintain map control and adapt to EG’s counter-strategies ultimately proved to be the deciding factor in this closely contested series.
**Summary: A Rematch for the Ages**
The rematch between OG and EG at TI9’s Upper Bracket was a testament to the exceptional talent and teamwork displayed by both teams. While OG ultimately secured the 2-1 victory, each game presented its own unique challenges and moments of brilliance, leaving Dota 2 fans in awe. As these two formidable rosters continue their quest for the Aegis, they are sure to leave an indelible mark on this year’s TI9 tournament.