The long awaited ESL One Genting 2018 starts today with its doors opening to all in the early evening. It’s a day of crowd fanfare as eSports fans make their way up to Genting Highlands by the busloads.
For most, the goal is to watch their favourite Defense of the Ancients 2 (DotA 2) team fight it out. Some are there for stalking purposes. Of course, the teams – all of whom fought in group stages behind closed doors – are vying for the combined US$400,000 prize-pool.
This year round, ESL One Genting 2018 feels significantly larger than last year. The stage area has a new makeover to accommodate even more viewers that are still streaming in. Personally, this is the way forward as the arena is almost full during this time – a working Friday of all things.
ESL One Genting 2018 starts with Day 1 becoming pretty hot pretty fast, featuring two quarter-final events. First up – Team Newbee against Team VICI Gaming. This battle of the Chinese teams is painfully quick as Newbee made quick work for a 2-0 win.
Right after is Evil Genius going against the Russian juggernauts, Virtus.Pro. It’s a highly entertaining match that saw Team EG put the beat down on Team VP at 2-0.
While fun, it’s a real water-shed for both match-ups. ESL One Genting 2018 starts today with its Quarter Finals guys; everyone is expecting hours of non-stop action!
ESL One Genting 2018 will resume tomorrow with the Semi Finals, featuring Newbee VS Team Secret and Evil Genius VS Team Liquid.
(Text and photos: Din)
