DOTA 2 delight for Thailand as first #GEG22 title awarded

Team beats Malaysia for glorious gold in the women’s event in Istanbul, Türkiye

The victorious Thailand women's team at the Istanbul 2022 Global Esports Games. Photo: Ben Queenborough/GEF

After a fantastic Opening Ceremony, the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center was a hive of activity, with numerous nations battling it out to make esports history.

The women’s DOTA 2 competition came down to two of the favorites, Malaysia and Thailand, who both played brilliantly on their way to the centerpiece final at the Global Esports Federation’s flagship event, the Global Esports Games.

Thailand eventually prevailed 2-0, winning the first gold medal of the #GEG22, in a thrilling and tense battle full of brilliant moves and unexpected errors.

“The last game was not that good at first, and we were really surprised by them,” Thailand’s team manager, Fin, said. “We were worried a little bit. And in an early game we did a lot of mistakes but then we came back strong.

“We have enjoyed Istanbul. The weather is great because it’s not as hot as Thailand, and there are lots of cats everywhere, which we love.

“The arena was very big and bright, it is beautiful. We will have a little party now.”

Malaysia’s qiubilong and her talented teammates saw a great run of form come to an end on the Bomonti Grand Ballroom stage.

“We are feeling great, but a little disappointed,” she said. “Thailand were very organized and very, very strong. They were too skilled for us.”

In DOTA 2, nothing is more important than camaraderie, as the Namibia team discussed earlier in the week.

“I wasn’t feeling confident at first when I arrived here, but my team gave me the confidence,” qiubilong said. “It feels really good to be part of this team.”

They have also loved the hospitality in Türkiye. “The food is the best bit,” she said.

Argentina plays Singapore for the bronze medal on Saturday, when the DOTA 2 open medals will also be contested.