The Asian Games 2022 are a significant event for esports because they feature a number of titles, including Dota 2 as an Official Medal Sport for the first time. In Dota 2, China expectedly had the greatest roster on paper, and the results have revealed the same as the competition progressed. In a post-match winner’s interview, China’s midlane player Lu “Somnus” Yao discussed the significance of the Asian Games 2022. According to Somnus, the Asian Games and The International (TI), Dota 2’s premier tournament since the game’s inception, hold equal significance for him, and he approaches every match with the same level of commitment.
Somnus shares his thoughts on the Asian Games and TI
Somnus, as reported on Twitter by user CN Dota In A Nutshell (@Tr1H4rd3rDota2), made a statement about the equal significance of two major Dota 2 events, the Asian Games and TI, following his quarterfinal victory against Thailand.
Furthermore, after defeating Thailand, China was set to face Malaysia in the semifinals, the toughest opponent. When questioned about the matchup versus Cheng “NothingToSay” Jin Xiang in the midlane, Somnus emphasized that it wasn’t about lane matchups, but rather about having a bigger effect in the game.
As it turned out, Somnus and his teammates had the bigger influence; a three-match series saw the Chinese emerge triumphant and qualify for the grand final to battle for gold. Here are some of the highlights of the China-Malaysia series.
At the Asian Games 2022, China brought together one of Dota 2’s most famous core trios, with Somnus in the mid, Wang “Ame” Chunyu in the safelane, and Yang “Chalice” Shenyi in the offlane. Zhao “XinQ” Zixing and Yu “Siamese.C” Yajun, two famous support players in the Chinese scene in recent years, joined them. It turned out to be one of the most lethal teams put together, led by seasoned coach Zhang “LaNm” Zhicheng.
The Mongolians, who have beaten the odds and recorded upsets throughout the Asian Games, now await them in the grand final. The group has a lot of experience playing together, but defeating the Chinese will be a mammoth task. But if they pull off the unthinkable, Mongolia will win its first Asian Games 2022 Gold Medal.
The gold medal match of the Asian Games 2022 Dota 2 Championships between China and Mongolia will be held on 2nd Oct 2023 at 7:00 p.m. SGT and can be watched live on Huya. Somnus, who has been close to winning a TI championship but does not have one, will be hungry to win the inaugural Asian Games Gold Medal.
