Upcoming Match-ups

Dota 2 The 2019 Chongqing Major Odds: Secret, Liquid, and Vitrus.Pro All Co-Favorites

Zack Bowker

by Zack Bowker in eSports

Updated Apr 2, 2020 · 10:51 AM PDT

OG eSports Dota 2
PSG.LGD look to find redemption after falling to OG in the finals of The 2018 International. Photo by @dota2updates (Twitter)
  • Dota 2 Chongqing Major takes place January 19-27
  • Three teams are listed as co-favorites in what is expected to be a very tight tournament
  • See the odds for all contenders

The first Major of the 2019 Dota 2 season will be taking place from January 19-27, where we will see the worlds best battle it out in hopes of claiming the Chongqing Major.

In a very rare case, there are actually three teams that are tied as favorites to take home the trophy and $350,000 prize.

Team Secret, Liquid, and Virtus.Pro all stand an equal chance of winning Chongqing outright at +450. Just behind the three favorites are last year’s runners-up from The International PSG.LGD at +550, followed by ViCi Gaming at +600.

Odds to Win Chongqing Major

Teams Odds
Team Secret +450
Liquid +450
Virtus.Pro +450
PSG.LGD +550
ViCi Gaming +600
Evil Geniuses +1000
Fnatic +1200
Winner of Bucharest Minor +1600
Forward Gaming +2000
TNC +2500
NoPangolier +2500
paiN +3300
J.Storm +3300
Alliance +5000
Thunder Predator +10000

*All odds taken 12/24

Will the Russians Roll Through the Competition?

Virtus.Pro is a team that has been at the top of the Dota 2 for some time now, and dominated during the 2018 season. They were able to win 4 premier tournaments, and placed 2nd in another.

Though a disappointing finish at The International where they placed 5-6th, they bounced back and were able to win in the final Major of the year in Kuala Lumpur, defeating Team Secret 3-2 in the Grand Finals.

YouTube video

The Russian side definitely has momentum coming into Chongqing, but will it be enough to push them through the tournament on their way to hoisting yet another Major championship?

PSG.LGD Looking for Redemption

After falling short to OG in the finals of The International, PSG.LGD had yet another disappointing finish in the Kuala Lumpur Major, placing 5-6th.

The Chinese squad was bounced by Evil Geniuses after falling 2-0, and followed that up by placing 7-8th in H-Cup Season 10.

YouTube video

Needless to say, the end of 2018 could have gone better for LGD, and they are going to come out hungry to start the 2019 season.

With their odds slightly longer than the top 3 teams, they may provide a little more value, though I don’t think they’ll be the ones raising the trophy on the 27th.

Can Team Secret Get it Done on the Big Stage?

Team Secret is a squad that consistently places Top-6, but they seem to struggle when trying to close it out on the international stage.

They did have a few wins in the 2018 season, but they came in tournaments that didn’t necessarily see the top teams in the world competing.

YouTube video

Though they are listed as one of the co-favorites to win at the Chongqing Major, I would say it is unlikely they are to do so.

Secret almost seems like they have a mental block when it comes to tournaments with top teams competing, and I don’t see that block being removed for the first Major of the year.

Evil Geniuses the Dark Horse?

Evil Geniuses are a team that you can just never count out. Led by veteran SumaiL, the North American qualifying team could provide some serious value here, as they are listed at +1000.

The former International champions are a team that can compete with the best of the best, and regularly find wins over some of the top teams in Dota. Though they ended their 2018 rather underwhelmingly, EG should bounce back and be in top form come time for the Chongqing Major.

Best Bet

Personally, I’m sticking with one of the favorites, but if you’re looking for a big payday, EG offers the best value when scrolling down the board.

Pick: Virtus.Pro (+450)

Author Image