Lower bracket is just about to get underway at TI8 and the first round is a set of crazy best of one elimination matches. Four games are set to be played tonight and I fully expect some wild results. The best of one format sets up for teams pulling out some crazy pocket strats that could result in some major upsets or landslide victorys.
First up Fnatic takes on Team Serenity. Fnatic is the clear favorite with well known players like EternalEnvy & Universe on the roster. Team Serenity is a bit more of an unknown element but they have shown they belong at TI8 so far and won't be backing down from anyone moving into the elimination rounds.
The second match will be TNC versus Mineski. I expect this to be a close match and could see the game going either way. Based on performance so far at TI8, I would give TNC a slight edge but I think these teams are very even matched.
Next up is Newbee and Wnstrike. Winstrike barely made it into the lower bracket while Newbee just missed landing a spot in the upper bracket. I would favor Newbee in this match up but the way Winstrike had to claw their way in their last match of the group stage, I think they will be hungry to take down Newbee.
The final match of the night will feature Vici Gaming and VGJ.Thunder. Two Chinese teams battling it out in the last best of one match of the evening. I think this might be the closest matched battle of the night and I really had a tough time picking a winner. I ended up picking VGJ.Thunder but am honestly still flip flopping about who I think will win.
I'm looking forward to the games tonight and will be glued to my computer all night watching. You can check out the games on Twitch.tv, steam.tv or in the Dota 2 client. Tonight will be well worth your time tuning in as we will be seeing some rapid fire eliminations as things start getting interesting in Vancouver for the opening day of TI8.