Any fans expected a tight game between Gambit vs Vici Gaming in the SL Kiev Minor final will have been left disappointed as Vici went unchallenged on their way to clinching victory in what was the most one-sided finals that Dota 2 esports has seen in a while.
Despite a convincing victory over Flying Penguins earlier in the day, Gambit was unable to get going against a better opponent, making just three kills compared to Vici Gaming’s 17 in game one. It took just 25 minutes for the eventual victors to sweep their opponents aside.
Despite a marginal improvement from Gambit in game two, they were unable to deal with an assault from Zeng “Ori” Jiaoyang, Pan “Fade” Yi, Zhou “Yang” Haiyang and Zhang “Paparazi灬” Chengjun, who racked up 22 kills between them, compared to just six for Gambit. With eight towers secured, it once again took just 25 minutes for Gambit to crumble.
Gambit was able to take the first kill in game three, but that didn’t foreshadow what was to come. Vici secured the next 13, setting them well on their way to victory. Gambit had moments, pulling it together at the 23 minute mark to take their kill tally to eight, but they had left it too late to turn the tide.
Despite the game dragging out, Vici won the third game and secured an easy 3-0 win.
Victory here means Vici take home the grand prize of $125,000, 500 Pro Circuit Points and qualification to DreamLeague Season 11.
Gambit vs Vici Gaming: Road to the SL Kiev Minor final
Vici Gaming’s victory today was hardly surprising, given their victory over Gambit in the group stage. The Chinese side claimed a 2-1 victory earlier in the week to maintain their 100% win rate at this tournament.
That proved to be Gambit’s only defeat of the tournament up until this stage, as they secured easy 2-0 victories over BOOM ID, Demolition Boys and Flying Penguins to reach the final two.
For Vici, the lost map against Gambit has been their only defeat suffered in Kiev — an impressive record that makes their victory here all the more deserved.