GamerLegion and Aurora Gaming succumb to the lower bracket at PGL Wallachia Season 9

PGL Wallachia Season 9 has given us the first taste of Dota 2 action for the new season. With many teams showing off their new rosters, and a recent patch that has shaken things up, there have definitely been a few surprises along the way. Unfortunately for some teams, the second last day of the event would be their last, as they faced elimination.

Having survived to reach the top 6, both GamerLegion and Aurora Gaming were eliminated early in the day – but the victorious teams were not yet safe either.

GamerLegion and Aurora Gaming finish fifth and sixth

For some time, GL have not managed to really make an impact in tournaments. However, PGL Wallachia Season 9 turned out to be quite different, as they brought in Enzo Gianoli “Timado” O'Connor as a stand-in. While the team were eventually eliminated in fifth/sixth place, it was one of their best results in some time. Unfortunately, going up against what looked like a revitalised Xtreme Gaming was just too much for them this late into the event, as they were demolished after a strong showing through the tournament.

Also playing with a stand-in, as well as bringing in a new player to their roster in the form of Oliver “skiter” Lepko, Aurora were hoping to make a strong start to their season. However, having lost to Natus Vincere during the Group Stage, they would meet the young roster once again – this time with elimination on the line. With their unchanged lineup, which has not really made an impact in some time, NAVI were relentless. Taking their second 2-0 over Aurora in the tournament, they would move up into a guaranteed top 4 finish for PGL Wallachia Season 9.

But, even with the victories of NAVI and XG, one will not survive until the final day, with the lower bracket semi-final to be played later on September 26th. For Aurora and GL, they will both need to look ahead to BLAST SLAM VIII, which kicks off on September 29th.