Azure Ray Puts China Back On The Board After Winning ESL One Kuala Lumpur
Azure Ray, a team that had gone through a massive roster change, had many fans doubting their capabilities and whether they deserved a direct invitation to ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023. Well, we got our answer here, as the Chinese squad pulled off a reverse sweep against the Gaimin Gladiators in the tournament's Grand Final.
Azure Ray found themselves staring at elimination after dropping the first map against Team Liquid in the Lower Bracket Final. Still, they persevered and pulled off the reverse sweep to set up a rematch with the Gladiators in the Grand Final.
For Azure Ray, reaching the Grand Final was already a miracle that nobody in the community expected. Dyrachyo said his team would defeat Azure Ray 3-0 without issues. It looked like dyrachyo was telling the truth, as the Gladiators easily won the first two games of the Best of 5 series.
In the third game, Azure Ray flicked a switch and showed their peak performance, where they demolished the Gladiators with some very well-executed fights. However, the success seemed short-lived, as the Gladiators continued their dominance in the fourth game, building up a convincing lead going into the mid-game. However, after a few mistakes from dyrachyo and Ace, Azure Ray found a way back into the game and tied the series 2-2.
In the deciding game, Gaimin Gladiators picked Faceless Void as a “block pick” to ensure Lou didn’t get his hands on the hero. However, it turned out to be a terrible decision, as Azure Ray had plenty of saves from Outworld Destroyer, Shadow Demon, and Naga Siren. After multiple failed Chronospheres, Azure Ray could take control of the map and convincingly win team fights, completing the reverse sweep.
Azure Ray had to play eight consecutive games of Dota 2, and their efforts have paid off tremendously. The Chinese squad took home $300,000 and 4,800 EPT Points, but most importantly, this victory put Chinese Dota back on the map! What an exciting tournament to end 2023.
amazing story, amazing games.