SEA Qualifiers Day 1: No[o]ne's Debut Succeeds, While BOOM's Fail

In the Southeast Asian Qualifiers, numerous notable teams will compete for only one slot at The International. Here's a recap of Day 1!

Execration 2-0 Neon Esports

Throughout the DPC year, Execration has represented Southeast Asia in the majority of international tournaments. They've consistently defeated SEA teams to qualify for Majors, making them a severe competitor in the qualifiers.

Their first opponents were Neon Esports, not the most incredible team in the region. As expected, Execration could sweep Neon in the first game to bring the series 1-0 in their favor.

In Game 2, Neon performed better in the laning phase and mid-game, but Execration's superior teamwork carried them to the win, knocking Neon down to the Lower Bracket after an easy 2-0 victory.

Team SMG 2-1 Geek Fam

One of the most anticipated teams in the SEA region is Team SMG, with their recent addition of Ukrainian Mid Laner No[o]ne.

The series' first game was very competitive and dead even to the 41-minute mark. However, Geek Fam won a decisive fight to break through and take Game 1.

The close loss in the first game didn't shake Team SMG at all, as they could effectively perform the reverse sweep by winning the next two games.

Geek Fam has been sent down to the Lower Bracket, while Team SMG will be Execration's next opponent. No[o]ne's SEA debut is successful. 

Blacklist International 2-0 Army Geniuses

Blacklist International is another favorite in the Southeast Asian Qualifier, and their opponent for their first match is Army Geniuses.

Blacklist International dominated the first game, holding an 18,000 net worth lead at 37 minutes. However, Army Geniuses showed some signs of coming back thanks to inyourdreaM's Morphling. Still, it turned out to be a fake comeback, as Blacklist eventually ended the game at 62 minutes.

The second game wasn't too close, as Blacklist had complete control over the game and didn't let go. An outstanding performance from Raven's Sven carried Blacklist to a clean 2-0 win against Army Geniuses to move on in the Upper Bracket.

BLEED Esports 2-0 BOOM Esports

BOOM Esports is one of the rosters that made massive roster changes, switching two players. They are making their roster debut in this Upper Bracket game against BLEED. Unfortunately, their debut didn't go as planned.

The first game was clean for BLEED, who took over the laning stage and the mid-game. BLEED maintained control over the game and could end it at 42 minutes without too much trouble.

However, BOOM Esports came to play in Game 2, taking decent control of the game at the 30-minute mark. Despite BOOM being up 22-7 in kills, the net worth lead was almost even, as BLEED's heroes could still find good farm. 

The game turned out to be a chaotic back-and-forth game over 60 minutes. Both teams continuously clashed, and many buybacks were used. Ultimately, BLEED took the game after a 24,000 net worth deficit, forcing BOOM down to the Lower Bracket.

BLEED will face Blacklist International in the Upper Bracket Final.

Updated Bracket

Lower Bracket matches will be played tomorrow, where four teams will be eliminated. Here are the matchups:

Which teams do you think are going out early?