The International 2018: Main Event Bracket Analysis

Lower Bracket Matches

All 4 Lower Bracket matches have been announced. They will be contested in BO1s. The losing team will be eliminated from The International with a prize of ~$124,000. Let us take a look at the matches.

Fnatic vs Team Serenity

Fnatic is one of South East Asia's hope in TI. While Team Serenity is one of the biggest underdogs from China. It isn't unknown for a Chinese underdog to win TI as Wings Gaming did so in 2016. But here it is unlikely that Serenity does make it through. Both teams had a record of 7-9 in their respective groups, but Fnatic looks much stronger on paper. Still I love myself an underdog story, so..

Prediction - Team Serenity

TNC.Predator vs Mineski

The other two SEA teams have been matched against each other meaning that SEA can have a maximum of two surviving teams in the tournament after this round. TNC scratched their way to The International while Mineski comfortably gained an invitation. But in the group stages, TNC fared better with a record of 7-9 and Mineski struggled with a 5-11 record. Judging by their record, TNC should take the win as their form has just been much better.

Prediction - TNC.Predator

Newbee vs Winstrike

Newbee is one of China's strongest teams. While Winstrike is a massive underdog from Russia. Newbee had a rough group stage and a rough year while Winstrike was basically unheard of. Newbee had a record of 8-8 while Winstrike barely made it through with a record 4-12. Newbee should go past them easily and dispatch of them without much trouble.

Prediction - Newbee

VGJ.Thunder vs Vici Gaming

An all Chinese match-up this can be the game of the round. Both teams have had quite average runs so far. VGJ.Thunder had a record of 6-10 and Vici Gaming had a record of 7-9. This should be evenly matched and we should see some good Dota. Although evenly matches I believe Vici should take this home.

Prediction - Vici Gaming