The Games of the Future have come to an end in Kazan, where a Dota 2 tournament with a $1 million prize pool took place. The competition saw powerful teams, with Chinese teams taking all the podium places. Xtreme Gaming emerged victorious, defeating LGD Gaming 2-0 in the final. Third place went to Invictus Gaming (G2.iG).
On the final day of the Games of the Future, G2.iG's carry Du Monet Peng agreed to an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net. Monet talked about:
- his impressions of the Games of the Future;
- reasons for losing in the semi-finals of the Dota 2 tournament;
- relationships within G2.iG;
- differences between European and Chinese teams;
- his attitude towards derbies with teams from China.
"It was difficult to adapt to the Russian climate and cuisine"
- What were your impressions of the Games of the Future?
- It was a very nice tournament with an interesting format. It was the first time we participated in a "phygital" format. It looked very fresh and different to us and we had a great time at the Games of the Future in Kazan.
- Did you manage to visit other disciplines besides Dota 2?
- When we were playing, there was a phygital football happening nearby. First they played a phygital match [where players used consoles - Telecomasia.net] - and then they moved to a real field. We were focused on the Dota 2 tournament, so we didn't watch it much, but it was very cool and interesting.
- Let's talk about the Dota 2 tournament. What were your team's goals for the tournament? Were you able to achieve them?
- First of all, we wanted to make it to the Grand Final. Unfortunately, we lost to LGD Gaming in the semi-finals and ended up in third place, this is sad.
- Why did you lose to LGD Gaming in the semi-finals?
- We had the Spring Festival at that time according to the Chinese calendar, [Chinese New Year is celebrated from 10th February to 24th February 2024]. We didn't train as much during that time and it affected our performance. Also, when we arrived in Russia, it was difficult to adapt to the climate and the local cuisine.
Bet on cybersports with 1xBet"I'm the captain and JT is a fun guy"
- How did the G2.iG squad come together?
- The managers and the organization chose the players for the team. We just agreed and that's how we made it to the lineup.
- How are the off-game roles distributed in your team?
JT is the funniest person in our group. He brings positive energy and fun every day. JT is like a DJ to us, he plays cool music we listen to. We are more quiet and calm, while JT is a bit different.
Du "Monet" Peng
In the game, I am the captain, but outside of Dota 2, the coach takes on this role. He teaches us new tactics and adjusts our playing style.
- G2.iG has two players from China and three from Malaysia. Do you have any special ways of communicating with each other?
- Although NothingToSay, jT, and xNova are from Malaysia, their native language is Chinese. So we have no communication problems. We understand each other perfectly, support each other and communicate easily.
Bet on cybersports with 1xBet"We feel like we're among the top 8 in the world"
- In Eastern Europe, teams take matches against each other in tournaments, especially derbies, very seriously. How does your team prepare for the matches against Chinese opponents?
- We know our Chinese opponents very well and sometimes we even train together. So we can compete with them because we are very familiar with their tactics. Playing Chinese teams is no different for us than playing teams from other countries.
- In your opinion, who is the most difficult team to play against from China at the moment?
- Xtreme Gaming, because they are a very strong team at the moment.
- In previous years, Chinese teams always came with completely different character priorities and metas. Do you think there are still big differences in meta understanding between European and Chinese teams?
- We are studying each other more now, including European teams. As a result, our understanding of hero metas and drafts have become more similar.
Bet on cybersports with 1xBet- A lot of Chinese legends returned to Dota this year. Do you feel that China is now as strong in Dota 2 as the CIS and Europe?
In the team, we believe we are currently somewhere around the top 6 or 8 in the world. There is a lot of competition in Dota 2 in China right now, but G2.iG has beaten many strong opponents in the region. We train a lot and feel strong and confident. When we have to play against teams from other regions, especially Europe, we feel that we are capable of putting up a fight.
Du "Monet" Peng
- After the Games of the Future, G2.iG participated in DreamLeague Season 22. On the first day, you started with two defeats. Why didn't you get off to a good start and how did that affect your performance afterwards?
- Yes, we lost the first two series, but that did not affect us at all. The team was full of spirit and ready for the upcoming matches.
- What message would you like to give to the readers of Telecomasia.net and all fans of Dota 2 and G2.iG?
- We are very grateful for the invitation to the Games of the Future. In Russia I first had the flu, then my eyes started to hurt, so first of all I wish everyone good health! I love you all and thank you for your support!