Our Experience at the Bali Major 2023: A Spectacular Fusion of Dota 2 and Tropical Paradise!

We were privileged to attend the Bali Major, a prestigious Dota 2 tournament held at the breathtaking 5-star Ayana Resort in Bali from 7th to 9th July 2023!

Co-hosted by IO Esports and EPULZE, this event brought together the world’s top Dota teams and talents for an unforgettable intersection of professional Dota and a tranquil getaway. Spanning three eventful days, the Bali Major showcased the competitive prowess of elite teams from all over the world.

The journey to the grand finals began with an intense group stage from 29th June to 3rd July, where eighteen teams, including powerhouses such as PSG.LGD, Gaimin Gladiators, Tundra, and Team Liquid, clashed in a series of best-of-two matches. After the dust settled, the top four teams secured spots in the upper bracket, while the fifth and sixth ranked teams were dropped to the lower bracket.

With the group stage completed, the playoffs took center stage on 5th and 6th July, adopting a double-elimination format. The remaining twelve teams fiercely battled in best-of-three matches, vying for a spot in the grand finals.

After countless thrilling clashes, only eight teams remained standing: PSG.LGD, Tundra Esports, Gaimin Gladiators, Team Liquid, Quest Esports, 9Pandas, Azure Ray, and beastcoast. Each team showcased their skill and determination, captivating the audience with their strategic plays and adrenaline-pumping clashes.

Bali Major Main Event

The first day of the main event was graced by relentless rain showers, which had persisted for days prior. The organizers’ thoughtful provision of umbrellas for all participants ensured a comfortable and enjoyable experience, displaying their commitment to hospitality.

We were shuttled to the venue as Ayana is hugeeee!

Goodie Bag Collection

As we traversed the vast resort, shuttling from the hotel lobby to the event venue, we eagerly collected goodie bag! To our delight, we were also presented with a delightful array of door gifts, including a neck cooler, mousepad, t-shirt, hoodie, hat, and a stylish bum bag.

This thoughtful gesture further emphasized the organizers’ attention to detail and enhanced our overall experience.

Let’s Watch Dota Live!

One of the unique features of the Bali Major was the outdoor venue, specially constructed within Ayana. Watching live Dota 2 matches amid the natural beauty of outdoor atmosphere offered a refreshing twist to the traditional esports experience at other majors.

The gentle breezes, surrounding greenery, and open-air setting created a serene ambiance that added an extra layer of enjoyment to the tournament.

Bintang Beer While Watching DOTA

To further enhance the spectators’ experience, several booths were set up, allowing attendees to redeem 5 cups of Bintang beer daily! Needless to say, we made full use of this generous offer, savouring the beer while cheering for the boys!

Popular DOTA Panels, Casters, and Influencers

The Bali Major was not only a platform for top-tier Dota 2 competition but also an occasion where Dota celebrities gathered to grace the event.

The charismatic emcee, Snare, set the stage alight with his vibrant energy and engaging commentary. Joining him were esteemed moderators and commentators such as Sheever, Tsunami, Odpixel, Fogged, Cap, SVG, KBBQ, Winter, BSJ, Aurora, Resolut1on, Fear, and SeekNStrike.

Attendees eagerly lined up to capture memorable moments with their favorite personalities, with Sheever being a prime example of her star power within the Dota community. Their contributions to the event elevated the overall experience and added an extra layer of excitement to the already electrifying atmosphere.

The Grand Final We Have Been Waiting For

The grand finals arrived with great anticipation and a charged atmosphere. Two formidable teams from Europe, Gaimin Gladiators and Team Liquid, emerged as the finalists, ready to clash in an epic showdown. The venue buzzed with excitement as countless fans filled the arena to witness the culmination of the tournament.

Gaimin Gladiators demonstrated their dominance in the first game, outmaneuvering Team Liquid and securing an early lead to wrap up Game 1. However, Team Liquid showcased their resilience and determination, mounting a spectacular comeback in the second game in a mega creeps game to claim a hard-fought victory. The crowd’s thunderous cheers reflected the loyal fan base that passionately supported Team Liquid. LET’S GO LIQUID is being heard constantly!

In a battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Gaimin Gladiators proved their mettle, delivering a commanding performance in the third game with a clean sweep thanks to their IO-Lesh line up. With lightning-fast gameplay, they overwhelmed Team Liquid, forcing a surrender within a mere 20 minutes. This resounding victory solidified Gaimin Gladiators’ claim as the best Dota 2 team.

The fourth and final game of the grand finals epitomized the epitome of nail-biting tension. Team Liquid fought valiantly, refusing to go down without a fight. However, Gaimin Gladiators showcased their prowess and sheer skill with Quinn being the favourites for MVP this tournament. Gaimin ultimately emerging triumphant, securing the championship title in Bali.

All hail the champions, GG!

Gaimin Gladiators’ dominance throughout the tournament was unquestionable. With their victory at the Bali Major, they completed a clean sweep of every Dota 2 major in 2023, leaving a memorable mark on the competitive scene. Their aggressive playstyle, coupled with perfect draft and execution, had proven to be too much for all opponents. The Bali Major heralded the dawn of a new era in Dota 2, with Gaimin Gladiators leading the charge!

Thank You to The Sponsors

No major event of this magnitude could become a reality without the generous support of sponsors. Thus, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who made the Bali Major possible:

Starting with co-partner EPULZE, presenting partner 1XBET, official venue partner Ayana Estate, official Internet partner Biznet, official gaming chair partner DXRacer, official snack partner Sukro, official crypto exchange partner Bitget, official monitor partner Predator, official travel partner Airpaz, and official fashion partner H&M. Their commitment to esports and their contributions to the tournament’s success are deeply appreciated.

Wrapping Up

As the Bali Major came to a close, we bid farewell to the stunning Ayana Resort and the exciting Dota 2 battles. With eager anticipation, we eagerly await the next major tournament, where we will once again immerse ourselves in the electrifying world of Dota 2.

Until then, farewell, and see you at the next Dota event!