The Southeast Asia (SEA) region, known for its dominance in MOBA and mobile games, faced a disappointing performance in the 2023 Dota 2 Pro Circuit. With only one team considered a contender at The International, Talon Esports head coach Lee “SunBhie” Jeong-jae believes that SEA Dota is currently at its weakest point.
SunBhie, a respected coach with experience in various regions, including MVP HOT6ix and Team Secret, states that European Dota sets the standard for gameplay, and SEA is falling short. He believes that SEA lacks the fundamental skills necessary for success in Dota 2, which has been established for over a decade.
While SunBhie acknowledges the advantages of playing and training in SEA, he emphasizes that the region needs to recognize its weaknesses and work towards improvement. He hopes that SEA teams and players will wake up to this reality and take responsibility for their shortcomings.
In terms of his own team, Talon Esports, SunBhie believes they have strong fundamentals but approach the game strategically. They study the dominant strategies used by European teams and adapt them to their own playstyle. However, he also emphasizes the importance of maintaining their own beliefs and aligning them with the strategies of other teams.
Talon Esports aims to peak around TI 2023 by focusing on building their fundamentals and team chemistry. They prioritize avoiding burnout and health issues that have affected other teams by taking breaks and pacing themselves. Their six-week break before DreamLeague Season 21 allowed them to perform well and become the only SEA team to reach the TI 2023 playoffs, while Team SMG fell in the group stage.
Looking ahead, the SEA region will undergo changes as Valve disbands the Dota Pro Circuit next year. However, it will require significant effort for SEA to regain its competitive fire and make a strong comeback.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
