In the fiercely competitive Western European Dota 2 scene, rising Dota 2 team Entity seeks to make its mark at The International 2023. As they battle for a chance at the Aegis, Entity’s midlaner Daniel “Stormstormer” Schoetzau, shared his insights. He talked about the team’s dynamics, roster changes, and their upcoming match against Tundra.
Roster Changes and Gabbi’s Arrival
Entity’s journey in the 2023 season started strong with a 5-6th place finish at the Lima Major. However, as the season progressed, it became evident that something needed to change.
They bid farewell to their long-standing offlaner, Tobias “Tobi” Buchner. The team then took on Kim “Gabbi” Villafuerte Santos, a versatile and experienced player. Gabbi’s addition was unconventional, but it turned out to be a game-changer for Entity.
With Gabbi’s arrival, Entity underwent a notable transformation in team dynamics. Their former offlaner Tobi was a reserved and calm presence.
In comparison, Gabbi brought an abundance of energy and an outgoing persona to the team. His confidence in the game was complemented by his vocal presence, providing a significant boost to the team’s communication.
Stormstormer’s Challenging Moments in TI12 Group Stage
Entity had a promising start at TI12, but they encountered a setback against Azure Ray in the seeding match. Stormstormer attributes this to nerves, as the stakes were high.
Despite the loss, Entity displayed glimpses of brilliance in their gameplay. However, Stormstormer remained proud of their performance and was eager to bounce back.
Entity then faced the defending champions, Tundra, in a high-pressure showdown with elimination on the line. Stormstormer believed that the pressure was more on Tundra due to their status as favorites and recent defeats. He also emphasized on Entity’s underdog advantage and their readiness to enjoy the opportunity to challenge the champions.
Stormstormer has always admired Tundra’s professionalism and strong fundamentals. He acknowledged their smart gameplay concepts and the effectiveness of their map control.
However, he also knew about their vulnerability, as proven by their lower bracket placement. He believed that Entity’s unique strengths could give them an edge, provided they maintain their current level of performance.
Evolving Mid-Lane Meta
The mid-lane meta has undergone exciting changes, and Stormstormer welcomes the diversity it offers. He appreciates the ability to create early-game chaos, emphasizing the importance of being active and setting the tempo. The evolving meta encourages creativity and strategic diversity, which he finds stimulating.
Stormstormer also finds the emergence of the Heart of Tarrasque meta intriguing. This item has been historically uncommon, but has gained prominence in the TI12 meta. He attributes this shift to players who discovered the synergy between Blademail and Heart of Tarrasque.
However, Stormstormer expects post-TI changes to balance this trend and make item choices less obvious.
Goals at TI12
While a high placement at TI12 is a desired outcome, Stormstormer places a higher emphasis on the team’s spirit and determination. He wants everyone on Entity to give their best and maintain faith in their abilities throughout the tournament, regardless of the results. Personal milestones matter, but the team’s unity and effort take precedence.
Surprises and Upsets at TI12 Group Stage
Stormstormer also expressed surprise at the elimination of Quest Esports, a team that had shown exceptional strength in the preceding months. Their departure from the tournament caught many off guard. He also applauded the performance of Keyd Stars, a lesser-known team that defied expectations and earned their place in the competition.
In a competitive and ever-evolving Dota 2 landscape, Entity and Stormstormer continue to adapt and strive for greatness. As they face Tundra and navigate the uncertainties of TI12, their journey unfolds in an arena filled with surprises and challenges.