Itsme Gaming: Game Reviews

ADC Champion: Scythe.SG

Jack Rodriguez

The battle between Nirvana.MY and Scythe.SG was over.

Among all the teams that joined the tournament, Scythe.SG emerged the last team standing.

These are the top 10 teams included in the playoffs:

Nirvana.MY
2 Singapore

Scythe.SG
3 China

LGD.sGty
4 Malaysia

Aeon.MUFC
5 China

Nirvana.Cherry
6 Singapore

XTC
7

SB.Gigabyte
8 Thailand

Roccat.Trust
9 Indonesia

AlienwareDG
10 Australia

LGD.AU

Grand Finals:

Nirvana.My Rosters
Net
Xt
Ice
Chuan
Mushi-

SCYTHE.SG
Hyhy
Roy
Koy
sharky
Yamateh

Replays:
Nirvana.MY vs Scythe.SG 1
Nirvana.MY vs Scythe.SG 2
Nirvana.MY vs Scythe.SG 3

Congratulations, Scythe.SG for winning 2010 Alienware Asia Dota Championship!

Ehome vs DK: Battle of the Best Teams in 2011

Jack Rodriguez

4 comments

After the big trade made by Ehome, it is now hard to determine which team is better... Ehome or DK? Ehome's captain remain at Ehome as well as X!! and 357. X!! was their best mid player, which I learned admired a lot by Maelk. 357 is their main support and teaming up with 820 as support makes Ehome one great solid team.

Unfortunately, KingJ and Burning left Ehome. KingJ was believed to be the lucky charm of chinese teams. FTD got him when they first tasted their championship at SMM, then he was with Ehome when they started being indestructible. Burning is considered to be their most reliable carry. He is an excellent player in his role. He can dominate his lane while getting farmed up as quick as possible.

Longdd, one of the most popular player before Asian dota was discovered, joined Ehome. Lanm too who is also a good player though he's not that popular.

KingJ and Burning are joined by PIS (Yaphets), Benz(Sharingan) and Ksss. Ksss will be their captain.

Confusing on which team is stronger, isn't it?

Maybe this replay I got here may give the answer. See it for yourselves.

*The teams aren't complete yet in this match but this will give us an idea on what to expect on their first official match. Highlighted players are the players not included in their official roster."

Sentinel (Ehome)

Spectre - Ehome.820
Windrunner - Ehome.357
Lion - Ehome.X!!
Zeus - mouse
Venge - 54chuanqixka

Scourge (DK)

Queen of Pain - Yaphets
Nerubian Weaver - Burning
Gyrocopter - KingJ
Storm Spirit - Ksss

Earthshaker - Musha

Download it here: Ehome vs DK Latest Match (1.24b warcraft version)

QOP 41 Kills by 2009: Another Tutorial from the legend

Jack Rodriguez

Former FTD and LGD.sgty captain, LGD.2009.sgty, is currently unleashing his game mind-set in Dota. It is up to us whether to grab it or not.

2009 played Dota using Fraps to be able to record the game while he proceed with his commentary tutorial. This time, his lesson is focused on using Queen of Pain(Akasha) effectively, though you're not only going to learn playing that hero. You'd also learn positioning, his rationality and builds.

As of now, the video doesn't have any subtitle yet but I'm pretty sure, the it will come out soon. As of now, you can watch his point of view first while playing. I'll be posting the version of this video with subtitle as soon as it's out.

Watch the video here: QOP tutorial by 2009

Weaver Action by GGnet.Pajkatt

Jack Rodriguez

In GGnet vs TR game, GGnet.Pajkatt's invoker was banned first by TR. Puppey picked Weaver first for Pajkatt. He banned Ancient Apparition, Lich and Razor and picked Weaver first. Wasn't puppey scared that weaver would be countered with mass disabled team? No. In fact, TR did pick a lot of disablers(Earthshaker, Venge, Beastmaster, Puck) but didn't succeed against GGnet.

Pajkatt died once from being ganged early game but in 12 minutes he got an unstoppable streak. His first item was Ring of Basilius, then he rushed Vanguard. He played aggressively against puck which he killed solely through Scourge's 1st tower.

This replay isn't a recommended replay. TR was definitely owned by GGnet though they moved around the map well. Teams who don't pick Weaver in competitive games would want to try and train line ups with this hero. Pajkatt's weaver isn't a pure late game agi type of carry which I find suited for aggressive type of teams.

GGnet(Sentinel)

Witch Doctor - GGnet.Puppey (top)
Crystal Maiden - GGnet.Miracle (top)
Phantom Lancer - GGnet.KuroKy (top)
Windrunner - GGnet.Azen (mid)
Nerubian Weaver - GGnet.Pajkatt (bot)

TR (Scourge)

Earthshaker - TR^pggshka (Roaming)
Bone Fletcher - TR.Bl00DAnGeL (Top)
Beastmaster - fota.McDeath (Mid)
Faerie Dragon - TeamHome^Nova (Bot)
Vengeful Spirit - inflaai (Bot)

Download it here: GGnet vs TR

Posted in: Game Reviews,Heroes,Reviews

Free Dota Lessons From 2009| Shadow Fiend Tutorial Review

Jack Rodriguez

Wow, I just finished watching 2009's Shadow Fiend Tutorial and I learned a lot. Aside from using Shadow Fiend on a higher level, you're also going to learn to analyze several aspects of the game that we usually overlook. I knew some Pro Players who asks for payment in teaching their knowledge. 2009 made it for free.

He used Fraps and played a pub game where he uses Shadow Fiend. It is difficult to simultaneously play while discussing strategies but that's not a problem for 2009. In that video, you can observe how he actually play because you can see his actual screen while playing. Mouse clicks, camera view, messages typed and others seen on the monitor while playing Dota.

At the beginning of the game he speaks about the reason for his starting items. He got 4 branches, a tango and a flask. That is the safest build, he stated. He also analyzes his team mates' starting items and lanes. Since it was a pub game, the hero picks wasn't planned to have perfect CM-like chemistry but he knows that there's a big chance of winning for them. Their line up was Yurnero Windrunner SF Tiny Earthshaker.

While he was on his lane against Medusa he speaks on what you should focus first on playing SF - being stable on the lane. It means that you should be able to survive your lane and preferably dominate your lane. He showed the basics of playing at the mid lane. He gave tips to effectively farm on your lane and harass your opponents simultaneously. His goal in his lane is to have stability and not to give his opponent a good tempo. If his opponent is having an easy time creeping at mid lane, disrupt that tempo by suppressing him continuously.

He roamed a lot making the game CM like which he said that was risky for pub games. They have the upper hand in the game but their opponents are recovering. They are starting to build their items. 2009, having the proper mindset, knows that they can still win. The battle wasn't that easy at all but he was so amazing to know what's the next best things to do. Even though the opponents are getting really fat, he didn't ran out of plans. I would suggest to gank opponents asap if I were on the team but he said to take it slowly. He was still so patient to not rush things and they end up winning.

Overall, in this video, you can learn a lot because you can acquire the high level of thinking 2009 has. He is commenting on every clash, item choice, ganks and almost all aspects of the game. Since his team mates are committing a lot of errors he explains why you shouldn't do the same thing or simply why they are considered errors. You can see how patient and mature 2009 in playing. He never flame team mates or trash talk his opponents. He also said sorry for committing mistakes.These are traits of a real professional player.

See the Videos here:
http://www.gosugamers.net/dota/thread/722404-2009-talks-dota-episode-3-translated

Happyfeet-WOOTZ Great Comeback from 0-5| Managed to Farm his Dagger in 22minutes.

Jack Rodriguez

4 comments

Happyfeet vs Minerva game was definitely an example of 'Turning Point'. Minerva dominated a lot early to mid game. For average opponents, Minerva could have won The Net Dota Tournament easily but Happyfeet is not your ordinary team.

Happyfeet-WOOTZ played Earthshaker in this game. He died a lot early game. In 8 minutes he has 3 deaths and 0 kills. He only has a stick and 2 branch.

In 9 minutes, his score is 0 kills 4 deaths(0-4). There's no change in his items yet. He only have 164 gold. In 10 minutes, his score is 0 kills 5 deaths(0-4).

At 14 minute mark, he got his 500 gold for boots after roaming and getting few creep kills.

[16 minutes] He bought a null of talisman. He move around the map like he isn't worried not getting his Dagger. They successfully killed Stone Giant but there's no assist for him because he reserved his Fissure for back up.

[19 minutes] They successfully took bottom's first tower. He farmed at 2 neutral camps after pushing. He now has 1,100 gold. Then roam again.

[21 minutes] There was a huge wave of creeps at the top lane. It was like 3 groups of creep. He used fissure maximizing aftershock to instantly kill the ranged creeps then almost perfectly last hit the creeps making him have 1,650 gold.

[22 minutes] He continued to farm the top lane for another creep wave. He now have 1806 gold.

[22:20] Minerva is now pushing their mid 3rd tower. He defended using his fissure and killed one creep. He now have 1,921 gold. Happyfeet's slardar was killed. He returned to their base and sold his boots. Dagger up!

Because of that, this epic Echo Slam was eaten by Minerva making the entire Happyfeet recover from terrible early game.

Morphling who was also having extreme difficulty in farming, got an ultra kill because of that Echo Slam.

That's your Happyfeet Captain, Happyfeet-WOOTZ.
Download the replay here: Happyfeet vs Minerva G1 Finals

Happyfeet Destroyed Fountain in MPGL Finals

Jack Rodriguez

After losing in game 1, Happyfeet, retaliated and showed to Softvision who's the boss. Happyfeet, in their second game, destroyed the well of SoftVision. Fans are arguing that Happyfeet weren't serious with the picks in first game. I don't want to agree but Happyfeet always do have their core heroes like Shadow Fiend, Priestess of the Moon, Dragon Knight, etc. In this game, there was none. Their mid heroes was Ogre Magi and Chen. They picked traxex too. No one knows except the Happyfeet players.

Happyfeet is the Champion of MPGL this month. It is a back to back victory for them Congratulations Happyfeet!

Here's the link of game 2: Happyfeet vs SoftVision G2

Happyfeet vs Minerva Game Review|The Net Tournament Finals

Jack Rodriguez

1 comment

Once again, Happyfeet and Minerva faced each other in the finals but this time the epic battle happened at the Net Dota Tournament. This is Happyfeet vs Minerva Finals Game 1.

~VS~

Happyfeet (Sentinel)

Happyfeet-CWR (top)

Happyfeet-JULZ (mid)

Happyfeet-WOOTZ (bot)

Happyfeet-JOHN* (bot)

Happyfeet-g6^Rr (bot)

Minerva (Scourge)

Minerva.Vash*(top)

Minerva.Ryðw² (mid)

Minerva.Rggg (bot)

Minerva.Chad¹ (bot)

Minerva.nrrrrrr (bot)

Overall Review:

If you always watch Happyfeet replays, you can say that their hero drafting doesn’t change a lot. They have their tier heroes that they just play to its full potential. Their picks may be predictable but it’s a fact that their hero picks covers every aspect of the game. Its flexibility gives them variety of strategies and the ability to adjust their play in their games.

Minerva, on the other hand, focused mainly on ambush and sacrificed other aspects of the game as seen on the chart.

Now on the actual game, Morphling faced Batrider at the top lane. This is a hard lane for Morphling. He has range disadvantage and using his waveform would make him in trouble. He did die twice against Batrider in less than 10 minutes.

Shadow Fiend, at the mid lane, has no problem against Stone Giant. Stone Giant received continuous harassments from Shadow Fiend but survived using bottle-crow. This caused shadow fiend to farm his Lothar’s Edge in 13 minutes.

Bottom lane is where the trilane battle occurred. Minerva totally dominated the trilane with Necrolic on it. Necrolic with Rogue Knight’s AOE nuke and Crystal Maiden’s disables plus mana regeneration for the team won the bottom lane for Minerva.

Early to mid game was a total disaster for Happyfeet. Minerva had a non-stop killing with their gank-oriented line up. I nearly asked myself if the spoiler I saw was right. I thought Minerva would win the game. They kill anyone they see on the map. Morphling had hard time farming. Earthshaker got reached 0-5. Minerva executed their ganking plan perfectly.

Just when everything was going well for Minerva, there was a sudden shift in the dominating team when they decided to end the game. They need to end the game early because they don’t have much late game potential as stated in the chart. However, their heroes aren’t designed for 5v5 battles. Minerva, forcing to push, lost in 3 huge clashes making them lose the game.

I am amazed with Happyfeet's ability to recover from a total wreck game. Though I consider Shadow Fiend to be the MVP of this game, the Echoslam at 22 minute mark turned the wheel for Happyfeet. I salute Minerva for being fun to watch and being unique though it's risky.

Highlights of the Game

[00:38] First blood attempt by Rogue Knight, Crystal Maiden and Batrider on Shadow Fiend failed. Thanks to Earthshaker who’s planning to babysit Shadow Fiend.

[1:37] Vengeful Spirit got the first blood for the team killing Necrolic but Slithereen Guard was killed by Crystal Maiden.

[4:31] Vengeful Spirit was killed by Crystal Maiden after being over-aggressive. -Assists(Rogue Knight, Necrolic)

[4:37] Morphling was killed by Batrider trying to have a normal attack battle. He used his waveform to damage Batrider and at the same time, escape but Batrider chased him.

[4:40] Rogue Knight killed Earthshaker after his epic block. –Assists(Crystal Maiden, Necrolic)

[6:29] Earthshaker was killed after meeting 3 heroes after trying to respond at mid lane. Kill goes to Necrolic. -Assists(Rogue Knight, Crystal Maiden) –Location(Sentinel Jungle)

[6:36] Shadow Fiend avenges Earthshaker and killed Necrolic. –Assist(Vengeful Spirit)

[6:53] Vengeful Spirit killed Crystal Maiden after having a support 1v1 battle.

[6:59] Shadow Fiend was being chased by Rogue Knight and Stone Giant but Shadow Fiend Killed Rogue Knight when they reached the Sentinel’s 2^nd tower.

[7:01] Stone Giant successfully executed his Toss-Avalanche combo on the low hp Shadow Fiend but right when he was about to land his finishing blow, he got stunned by Earthshaker. Unluckily, he still managed to land one normal attack but he missed. At the end, he was the one who died after being hit by the tower and receiving a Shadow Raze from Shadow Fiend.

[7:22] Batrider killed Morphling for the 2^nd time.

[8:04] Rogue Knight Killed Earthshaker in a trilane battle. –Assists(Necrolic, Crystal Maiden)

[9:05] Earthshaker died after being burnt by Batrider and receiving a creep tossed by Stone Giant. –Location(Mid)

[9:40] Batrider and Tiny ganged and killed Shadow Fiend.

[10:32] Vengeful Spirit and Morphling tried to kill Batrider but he wisely shackled Morphling and drag him to his flame while planning to juke them on the trees. He could have had a double kill but Morphling escaped through his replicate while Vengeful Spirit died. (Shown in the following images)

[15:00] Stat update

[10:44] ES was ganged by 4 Minerva Heroes at the bottom 2^nd sentinel tower.

[11:45] Stone Giant was ganged by Vengeful Spirit and Earthshaker and killed by Shadow Fiend.

[12:21] Vengeful Spirit killed being trapped by Sven and Crystal Maiden. –Location(River near Roshan’s Lair)

[13:16] Batrider killed Morphling chasing him through the first tower but was also killed by Shadow Fiend after Vengeful Spirit teleported to trap him. Batrider’s Mega Kill ended.

[14:24] 4 Minerva heroes planning to gang mid failed when Stone Giant made an error causing him to die as well as Necrolic who managed to kill Vengeful Spirit.

[15:28] Shadow Fiend and Earthshaker plans to kill Batrider farming at the top lane but Shadow Fiend end up being killed by Stone Giant having no help from Earthshaker. Minerva may have had the game paused unexpectedly to save because Happyfeet-Julz commented to inform them for pause.

[16:28] Vengeful Spirit was killed by Batrider after getting trapped by Neutral Creeps while placing wards.

[16:36] Stone Giant Killed Morphling. –Assists(Batrider,Crystal) –Location(Middle Second Tower)

[16:43] Great Escape by Rogue Knight occurred after getting ambushed by Shadow Fiend with his lothars.

[18:21] 4 Happyfeet heroes (no sf) used smoke to gang. They successfully killed Stone Giant who was creeping and Crystal Maiden. –Location(Near the Scourge’s Second Tower)

[19:52] Shadow Fiend was ganged and killed by Batrider and Stone Giant. –Location(Scourge’s Jungle Near 1^st tower)

[22:24] Minerva decided to push the 3^rd tower at mid lane. Happyfeet’s Slardar died at once but with Earthshaker’s perfect Dagger Echo Slam they killed managed to defend the tower and kill 4 Minerva heroes giving Morphling an Ultra Kill. Stone Giant escaped.

[25:30] Minerva, realizing that they lack late game advantage, tried to push again. A huge clash happened. The clash turned out to be 3-2 in favor of Happyfeet.

[29:30] Another fail push by Minerva. This time it’s 3-0 clash for Happyfeet. It’s big advantage for Happyfeet at this point.

[30:00] Stat Update

[31:57] Shadow Fiend, while farming, was killed after getting caught by Batrider. –Location(Bottom Near Scourge 2^nd Tower)

[34:00] Slardar was killed in an outnumbered team fight.

[36:04] Happyfeet who were just setting up a push was ambushed by Minerva causing the death of Vengeful Spirit.

[36:15] Happyfeet retaliated by killing Crystal Maiden and Necrolic when the other Minerva heroes teleported to other lanes.

[38:40] Minerva initiated an ambush leading them to kill Vengeful Spirit and Slardar. Shadow Fiend Killed Batrider. After that slight lead of Minerva, here comes Earthshaker again. Shadow Fiend got triple kill after this. Stone Giant escaped. –Location (Sentinel’s Middle lane)

[40:26] Earthshaker was killed after being tossed towards the Scourge’s 3^rd tower.

[43:18] Scourge’s Bottom 3^rd tower was destroyed by creeps and Shadow Fiend’s illusion. It was undefended because the 5 Minerva heroes tried to gang heroes using smoke of deceit and didn’t found any unguarded hero.

[44:00] There was a 4v5 clash on scourge bottom lane, it was a close 1-1 match but Scourge’s 3^rd tower was destroyed by Morphling. He was on his way to destroying the barracks but Stone Giant and Batrider came to defend. Morphling wasn’t successful but Shadow Fiend was. Shadow Fiend, unnoticed, destroy the Barracks of the bottom lane.

[45:04] Morphling came back and successfully destroyed the Scourge’s top Barracks. He was killed but bought he bought back.

[46:58] This is the last clash. Shadow Fiend was hexed and focused fire by Minerva but after all the disables, he activated his Manta Style and Satanic making his low hp full after few hits. Happyfeet won after destroying everything on their way (Towers, Barracks and Heroes and the Frozen throne).

Final Stats

Vigossive game by Vigoss: Don't Miss it!

Jack Rodriguez

1 comment

Sentinel Scourge

The best Dota player in the world, Vigoss, shows how to own using AA(Ancient Apparition). I believe that you've never seen Ancient Apparition played as aggressive as this. After seeing this game, you would know why Vigoss is a living Dota Legend. Learn how he dominates his lane and the entire game.

I won't show any spoiler, like his stats. It is worth watching, don't miss it. I'll just give you a hint on what to expect. That Cchokoboy(Vigoss) you're going to watch is a definition of a skilled all around Dota player.

Here's the link: http://gosugamers.net/dota/replays/43752

GGnet vs Fearz: Learn how to Pressure Lanes

Jack Rodriguez

2 comments

GGnet vs Fearz

In this GGnet vs Fearz game, GGnet will teach you how to win by pressuring all lanes. Basically, their line up is not clash-oriented. It is not easy to win against Fearz's line up if you are going to have 5v5 clashes. Puppey realized this and go for pressuring lanes evading team fights as much as possible. With Fearz line up, it is hard to defend simultaneous pushes and I salute Puppey for finding the weak point of the opponents and took advantage of it. Watch it to learn more...

Download the Replay here @gosugamers.net

Posted in: Game Reviews,Reviews

Fountain of Life Destroyed by Itsme in a Showmatch

Jack Rodriguez

4 comments

One of the strongest thing to do in Dota, is to destroy the opponent's Fountain.

The Fountain is the most dangerous place for opposing heroes. It can burn and kill any hero in seconds. To destroy the Fountain in a real 5v5 game, you should be powerful enough to inflict high damage to the Fountain and to constantly kill reviving enemy heroes.

Watch how ITSME Dota Team did this in a Tournament Showmatch.

Heroes of the Game

Priestess of the Moon - Perfect solo lane against 3 heroes at bottom lane. He even managed to farm sick items and became a killing machine reaching 37 kills 0 death 13 assists. He has close to 100% arrow accuracy.
*credit to itsme.DESO*

Shadow Fiend - Owned mid lane and carried the team fights from early to late game. Good map movement and sensational use of Shadow Raze.
*credit to itsme.kwKy*

Download Replay Here

Posted in: Game Reviews,Reviews

Analysis on MPGL Championship Game: Happyfeet vs Minerva

Jack Rodriguez

1 comment

The Biggest Local Gaming in the Philippines, Mineski Pro Gamer League, is over. Happyfeet, which was the team most people expected to win, did end up the MPGL Champion. They are the most solid team who had the highest number of wins on international matches. They are so ahead in terms of experience. They are arguably the finest team in the Philippines at the moment. I'm admire this team for not copying any other play styles. Most of the time they would have same hero line ups and counters. They don't aim to be fancy. They aim to win. One thing that makes them very successful is their rock like desire to win. We all want to win but what makes successful people different from those who are not, is giving everything it takes to achieve our goals. Happyfeet doesn't have superstars. They only have the popular 'Julz'. But, I gotta tell you guys, he is not the reason of Happyfeet success. He is only a part of it. Let's get in to the game. This is not 'Happyfeet's Winning Formula' article.

Sentinel: Happyfeet
Scourge: Minerva

I'll start off with the hero ban and picks apparently. Minerva goes first.

1st Banning Phase

Minerva's First Ban: Shadow Fiend

Minerva knew that Happyfeet uses SF good with Julz on the team. Banning it would make the game easier for Minerva since they have new strategy that they have already use most games at the tournament. They might be using it in this game too.

Happyfeet's First ban: Pugna

A decent ban to avoid getting rushed

Minerva's Second Ban: Dragon Knight

With Happyfeet's love for Bottle-Crow, which I discussed in my Bottle-Crow Strategy Discussed article, Dragon Knight has a very high chance of getting all geared up and simply click heroes he wants to kill. Minerva doesn't want this thing to happen.

Happyfeet's Second Ban: Morphling

Difficult to kill early game and painful late game. nuf said

Minerva's Third Ban: Alchemist

Great tank. Minerva might be relying on nukes and there's no time to waste on Alchemist.

Happyfeet's Third Ban: Doom Bringer

Early game's big red evil pain in the a**. Supports will just be 2 clicks away from death early game.

Picking 1st phase

Minerva's First Pick: Earthshaker

At this point Minerva appeared to be planning to play defensively. I rarely pick Earthshaker because of his lower aggressiveness nature.

Happyfeet's First and Second Pick: Mirana and Venge

Shadow Fiend and Morphling getting banned, they would not want to lose POTM. She is one of Happyfeet's core heroes. Earthshaker does have good combo with Mirana, so letting the opponents have it will just lead them to have better line up. Venge was picked and I expected that. She is just what the team needs everytime. She got good disable, vision, armor reduction, increase damage, swap for initiation and for saving.

Minerva's Second and Third Pick: Gyrocopter and Windrunner

Gyrocopter's homing high-damage stun along with his other painful nukes is a useful hero, specially if it'll be used by smart players. Minerva used this hero on their wins against VTAG and 2011. They didn't change their hero line up and I find this risky for a Championship game. Windrunner, a versatile hero with high survival rate and ability to effectively handle lanes alone, is a wise pick.

Happyfeet's Third Pick: Crystal Maiden

2nd best support in the game. She has slow, hold, mana for the team and freezing field that is very helpful at times. They may also have picked CM because the opponent can pick CM on the 2nd pick phase which is a very complimentary gank mate of Earthshaker.

2nd Banning Phase

4th Ban of Minerva: Raijin

Raijin is one bad opponent of Gyrocopter. Gyrocopter has slow nukes that are easy to dodge by raijin. Good ban.

4th Ban of Happyfeet: Balanar

Balanar is simply good at killing low hp heroes and Happyfeet might be planning on picking tinker or QOP. Silence, void, heavy nukes by Gyro would be deadly. This is definitely a wise move by Happyfeet.

5th Ban of Minerva: Kunkka

They are banning tanks for Gryo and X mark is a dead mark on windrunner.

5th Ban of Happyfeet: Tinker

Most of the finest mid heroes are gone now, they can't afford to let tinker be the next pick of Minerva.

2nd Picking Phase

4th Pick of Minerva: Witch Doctor

They need another support for trilane and wd is the now the best choice.

4th Pick of Happyfeet: Sven

A carry Sven for tanking and disable.

5th Pick of Minerva: Batrider
Earthshaker and Vol'jin doesn't give fair amount of disables. Batrider fills up that empty space.

5th Pick of Happyfeet: Queen of Pain

A high-damage nuker to complete the team's line up. Also, to avoid gyro's homing stun.

Final Line-up

Laning:

Happyfeet

Top: Mirana
Mid: QOP
Bot: Sven Venge CM

Minerva

Top: Batrider ES WD
Mid: Gyro
Bot: Windrunner

This lane offers big disadvantage for Minerva. They sacrificed the bottom lane with a solo windrunner making Sven farm all the gold he wants. A farmed Sven gives more pain than a farmed Batrider. At mid lane, QOP vs Gyro gives happyfeet a safe mid lane. Homing missile will be easily avoided by QOP due to her blink. Overall, I can say that the laning is equal when it comes to early game. Both Mirana and Windrunner will have a hard life. No upper hand hero at mid lane. This game will be decided based on the heroes movement. If Minerva would allow Sven to continuously farm and finally got a DPS and BKB, this game would be over.

Enough with the analysis, let's get into the game.

The game started with ward placement, as usual. However, happyfeet used smoke of deceit to not let the opponents know where the wards are.

Mirana and Windrunner, both, are experiencing extreme harassment from the supports. It took 2 minutes and 30 seconds before Windrunner reached level 2. At that same moment, the level 1 Mirana was killed at the top lane. Mirana managed to leap out from the fissure but Batrider on firefly passed through the fissure and chased her to death. Batrider was level 3 at this time and he has boots when he got the first blood.

Mid lane was a close fight. QOP managed to survive Gyro's non-stop harassment with homing missile and normal attacks. She even had her bottle at 2:58. By the way, QOP isn't using her blink to escape the homing missile. She accepts it like a diploma. It's alright because lower level of homing missile doesn't really hurt and she just focused on creeping.

Bottom lane, Sven is like a baby overprotected by her 2 moms, venge and rylai. He got 18/6 CS at 3minute mark. This is quite scary for Minerva because they doesn't have a high DPS insurance for late game. Windrunner is expected not to have a lot of farm because of that difficult lane. Late game will rely on Batrider and Gyrocopter which are easily countered by BKB.

At 4:30, gyrocopter is farming with half HP, waiting for his flask to arrive which was used by Windrunner that caused delay. At the same time when she received her flask, a rylai is suddenly behind him and QOP blinked in to finish him. That's a perfect timing by rylai to gank that gave QOP the upper hand on that lane.

At 4:55, sven got his treads. Switching lanes wont benefit the scourge anymore. Rylai didn't left the mid lane. She waited for Gyrocopter to come back. When Gyrocopter finally arrived on the lane from the fountain, he was sent back to the tavern again by QOP and rylai. Another brilliant move by rylai noticing that there was no wards at the bottom lane.

At 5:54, the bottom tower was destroyed by the sentinel. Sven and Venge greedily chased Windrunner through the woods but WD, Gyrocopter and ES teleported and killed both of them. However, Sven managed to kill Windrunner. This move was definitely one of the errors made by Happyfeet. Sven might have felt gigity for Windrunner.

That death of Sven and Venge somehow helped Mirana. Mirana took advantage to recover since Vol'jin and ES teleported out from that lane. Vol'jin and ES quickly regenerate and marched back to the top lane. We all know how dangerous Julz is. Leave him for some time and you don't want to look at his inventory anymore.

QOP and Sven already have item advantages. 7:45, QOP has treads, 2 nulls and a bottle. Sven has treads, quarterstaff and a magic stick.

At 8:00, scourge's mid tower is at its last breaths but it can't be denied yet. Venge hid near that tower waiting for a chance to gank gyro and destroy the tower but Gyro felt it and flee. He went at the top neutrals maybe trying to wait for a chance to gank Mirana so Venge and QOP destroyed the Mid tower. Minerva's support could have rallied towards that tower and try to deny it. It was only two of them who pushed the tower. There's a good chance of denying it if the supports moved but they stayed on the top lane pulling. There are a lot of lanes that needed assistance. Batrider already have advantage on the top lane. It would be good to move a lot. Supporting is the most fun role for me because I tend to use my brain all through out the game. I'm not to discuss it here but you can learn from my team mate who's a very fun to watch support player here Ganking and Supporting Lessons You Can Learn From Jam. In this case, Minerva may have done something to dominate other lanes too like their top lane. Happyfeet's supports are just so good at moving around the map that caused them to dominate 2 lanes, Mid and Bottom. In less than 9 minutes, Happyfeet got mid and bottom towers.

At 9:06, a clash happened at the bottom lane. This is what happened. Sven and Venge started pushing Scourge's Second tower. Sven activated his God's Strength and start hitting the tower. Here comes earthshaker and alleria. They spammed on Sven that caused him to bleed. Sven started running but QOP was suddenly behind ES and Alleria and killed them both in 2 seconds with Rylai's help. Batrider teleportand and caught QOP. He killed QOP but he also died. Witch doctor came to help but end up killed by the bleeding Sven. The clash was 4-1 in favor for Happyfeet. At the top lane a sneaky Gyrocopter killed Mirana.

Item and CS Update at 10mins

Sentinel:
QOP: treads, 2 nulls, point booster, Bottle CS: 60/18
POTM: boots, 2 wraiths, Bottle CS: 21/0
Sven: Treads, Lothars, Magic Stick CS:60/11

Scourge:
Batrider: Treads, Planewalker's Cloak, stout shield, Basilius, and Magic Wand CS: 49/5
Gyrocopter: Stout Shield, boots, Magic Stick CS:12/2
Windrunner: Boots, Basilius CS: 11/2
ES: Ring of Regeneration, Sobi Mask, (no boots yet) CS: 4/2

In 10 minutes, you can already tell that Happyfeet is the controlling team. Minerva will have great difficulty in recovering, specially if Happyfeet will put constant pressure on them.

Now, the supports are aiming on pushing the top lane which happened to be having half HP. They caught Gyrocopter but didn't successfully kill him. However, they managed to get the tower because of the creep advantage. Another undefended tower lost for Minerva. This is going really hard on their side.

At 11:35, Sven quickly killed a farming earthshaker at mid lane using his GS lothars hit bolt and hit combo. Then he farmed on that lane. QOP is pressuring the bottom lane while Mirana Venge and Rylai are planning some attacks on Windrunner who was farming on the top lane. They successfully killed WR with a perfect trap ganking style. Scourge can hardly go out from their base. The game just suddenly turned into a nightmare for them. The Happyfeet's heroes are now a lot stronger than them. Happyfeet's supports are pretty much successful with their ganks to limit the opponent's carries. Great Teamplay by Happyfeet is very visible at this game. Minerva is a good team. I'm somehow a fan of vash who is quite fun to watch but Happyfeet's teamplay is so solid. At the beginning I was thinking that the game will be balanced at early game. Heroes are balanced at early game. Within 10 minutes, they managed to win the game. I know it's not over but if Happyfeet won't lose map control and would just pressure them up, the game is decided.

At 12:30, Venge Mirana and CM tried to gank batrider but they made a big error. Venge stunned batrider but POTM may not be looking and didn't cast his arrow at once that made Batrider free to attack the supports with Vol'jin's perfect chain stun on venge and rylai. This resulted the Scourge to win a 4-0 clash. Only sven survived at the sentinel. That was a good move by Minerva. They quickly reacted and took advantage of that error. However, the game is still not easy for them to win. They can't chase their levels and items that quick. They would need to make 3 more of that kind of won clash. The score is now 11/9. In favor of Happyfeet.

At 13:54, batrider got killed because of being stuck because of the unlucky position where his firefly stopped. He was seen by sven because of an observer ward and was killed. Team mates came to help but Happyfeet supports are ready for their attacks.

Happyfeet decided to push mid tower because of Batrider's death. The supports, having good position, caught windrunner and was killed by the 3 of them- POTM, CM and venge. They try to avenge her and Gyro started the clash nuking but unfortunately, there was an invisible Red Sven behind them and QOP is on her way. The clash ended a 5-0 sweep. The happyfeet then pushed the 2nd tower.

Happyfeet didn't stop pressuring Minerva making them stuck on their base.

18:00, Sven now has BKB. They clashed 4v5 at the bottom while Mirana with Double Damage pushed the top 3rd tower unnoticed. They made the 4-1 push. Happyfeet having the upper hand chose to split the push. They will force a clash on one side so the other side will be able to push freely. If in case the opponents fought 4v4, it'll be a sure win because of several advantages of the Happyfeet. This is a good call by the Happyfeet.

22:00, Windrunner, Gyro and WD planned to gank Sven and Venge who was left farming at the bottom. They managed to kill sven but their top Barracks was pushed by Rylai and Mirana who now has a Linken's Sphere.

Scores Update(25 minutes):

Happyfeet
Sven: 9/3/2
QOP: 8/3/4
POTM: 5/3/3
CM: 2/3/11
Venge: 0/3/7

Batrider: 6/4/3
Gyrocopter: 4/4/2
WD: 2/4/7
WR: 1/6/4
ES: 0/6/3

At 27:34, Sven rushed inside 5 opponents with only venge and rylai behind him and they're far from him. He couldn't hit anything and when his BKB is about to stop, he retreated but it was too late. QOP and POTM went to help but it was too late. Minerva won a 5-1 clash. Only Earthshaker died from Minerva.

29:00: The score is 26/22 in favor of happyfeet. 7 Towers taken down by Happyfeet and top lane barracks while Minerva has only 1 tower destroyed.

It was 33:00 when Happyfeet decided to push all mid but the Happyfeet committed another error that caused them to lose the clash.

At 35:00 the game is tied at 28.

Minerva is good at defending and team fights. Gyrocopter is the reason for this. He inflicts too much pain with his nukes. Batrider uses flaming lasso on sven to prevent him from hitting. This is a good strategy that now have a great opportunity to win the fight. The only problem is, they have a long way to go. They only destroyed 1 tower. This is a lot of time for Happyfeet to get more items and to pressure them more.

36 minutes item update:

Happyfeet
POTM: Maelstrom, Manta, Linken's, Treads, Magic Wand
QOP: Aghanims, Refresher, Treads, Orb
Sven: Lothars, Treads, BKB, Sange

Minerva
Bat: Dagger, Pipe, Treads, Basilius, Stick
Gyro: BKB, Planewalker's, stout, phase, Magic Wand
ES: Dagger,Boots,Magic Wand
Windrunner: Meka, Force Staff, Phase Boots, Basilius

Happyfeet now has luxury items while Minerva just farmed their Core items. Minerva's great team fight abilities made them reach this far but winning is still difficult. If their early game weren't that damaged, I'm sure they could have won the tournament but these great Happyfeet supports and semi-carries really hurt their early to mid game making them less powerful at late.

Happyfeet realized how strong they are in team fights so they split pushed. They are putting a lot of pressure on Minerva. POTM holds mid lane. QOP holds bottom lane. Supports are switching lanes-Bottom and Mid. Top lane has mega creeps. Sven is taking advantage farming neutrals. POTM successfully destroyed Mid's 3rd tower. Venge was caught by Batrider and that started a clash. It was a close clash but the mega creeps on top destroyed the Frozen Throne.

It was one epic game because of the skills showed by both teams. Happyfeet is so good at dominating early game and getting heavily farmed up. Good supports is the main reason for this. Minerva has a great ability of making a big comeback. I didn't expect that they could make the game last longer after that disaster early game. Vash is a player who is not item dependent but contributes the most in team fights. Generally, Minerva did have a great chance to win that game but early game is king. It can change everything. Happyfeet's team play is more omniscient. They are good at almost all aspects of the game. That's the reason why they are the Mineski Pro Gaming League Champions. Congratulations, Happyfeet!