LGD Gaming: From Ashes to BLAST Slam Playoffs

South American Dota might not always be among the very best, but it is definitely entertaining, especially when we see LGD Gaming rising from the ashes of HEROIC straight into the BLAST Slam VII Playoffs.

Before the Last Chance Qualifiers come to an end and we get the chance to take a deeper look at the Group Stage, let’s quickly review LGD’s performance so far. After (almost) all Group Stage matches were completed, LGD Gaming managed to secure a spot in the Top 3.

(Un)timely Demise

The first part of LGD Gaming’s story was far from ideal. The roster was dismissed by HEROIC and shortly afterward also lost its only chance to secure an Esports World Cup slot after failing to make it past the Group Stage at DreamLeague Season 29.

Things looked grim despite PlayTime more than making up for it by securing 6th place at DreamLeague and punching their ticket to the EWC with an unforgettable victory against BetBoom Team.

South American Dota 2 went from rising stars to complete despair and back to rising stars again in less than two months. paiN Gaming exited the scene on April 14, and PlayTime reached the EWC on May 22 after defeating BetBoom.

Are You Sure This is the Same Roster?

ex-HEROIC left their former organization on May 4 and made an even faster comeback after joining LGD Gaming on May 26. Just three days later, on May 29, they had already secured the Top of the Group Stage at BLAST Slam VII.

It is hard to believe this is the same roster that missed ESL tournaments after losing to PlayTime and seemed all but disbanded only days before the tournament where they would suddenly flip the switch.

LGD Gaming truly seems to have gone through some kind of rebirth, with ex-HEROIC flourishing into a team capable of beating juggernauts such as BetBoom Team, Aurora Gaming, PARIVISION, Team Spirit, and Team Yandex (at least in a best-of-1 format).

Now, LGD looks ahead to even stronger opposition after the Last Chance Qualifier. The team will be seeded directly into the Upper Bracket Semifinals of the Playoffs and will have a full week to prepare for their first decisive match on June 4.

Closing Thoughts

South American Dota has always had its highs and lows. HEROIC seemed to be doing well before leaving Dota 2, and luckily for South American fans, LGD picked up where they left off. Their gamble is already paying off with a Top 3 finish in the Group Stage and a guaranteed Top 6 placement simply by reaching the Playoffs.

Some time ago, Quinn “Quinn” Callahan talked about HEROIC during a podcast alongside Austin “Cap” Walsh. He mentioned that it was fun watching them play Dota despite his current role as a caster.

Now, all that remains is to see whether Quinn’s optimism about the roster was justified. LGD Gaming will need to stay sharp during their week-long break if they want to deliver the unforgettable playoff battles fans are hoping for.

READ MORE: LGD Gaming Hops to South America

Featured Image Source: LGD and PlayTime