It’s official.
Filipino powerhouse TNC Predator, the last Southeast Asian squad to win a Dota Pro Circuit Major, will not be taking part in the upcoming ONE Esports Singapore Major.
Despite figuring in a rough start to their Dota Pro Circuit 2021: S1-Southeast Asia Upper Division, TNC was able to win three consecutive matches in the second half of the season against T1, Boom Esports, and 496 Gaming, respectively. That gave them a chance to secure one of the three seats in the first-ever Major of the year.
Unfortunately, though, TNC could not overcome regional rival Fnatic, closing out its upper division campaign with a 1-2 loss.
With the deflating loss, TNC saw its fate stripped right out of its hands. That left them with only one way to make the flight to Singapore — hope for a Neon Esports win against T1. But with Neon Esports falling to a Karl “Karl” Jayme-led T1 via a 1-2 decision, TNC was officially booted out of contention.
It was huge blow for a TNC squad, who actually led the 2019 DPC season in points with 5320 before it was completely cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
TNC will be finishing Season One with a 4-3 card at the fourth spot. Boom Esports (4-3) and Execration (2-5), who ended their campaign at the fifth and sixth seed, will join Fnatic, Neon Esports, T1, and TNC in the upper division for Season Two.
The seventh-ranked 496 Gaming and eighth place Vice Esports will be relegated to the lower division. They will be replaced by Filipino squad Omega Esports and Lilgun in the upper division.
The ONE Esports Singapore Major 2021 will run from March 27 until April 4. The winner will be taking home the lion’s share of the US$500,000 prize pool and 500 DPC points.
