Tio Inka on esports in Peru: “I believe that while Dota isn’t the biggest scene today, it’s the most established and reliable.”
Commentator Paul “Tio Inka” de la Cruz discussed the state of Dota 2 in Peru on the La Sopa podcast and shared his thoughts on the South American teams at the Esports Nations Cup 2026.
On the Bolivian national team at ENC 2026
For many, the surprise with this Bolivian team was that a player like Yamsun ended up in the fifth position. Yamsun is a carry, but he plays in the “five” position. Mingatte is also a carry, but he’ll be a support.
On the leading esports game in Peru
I have my own theory. I believe that while Dota isn’t the biggest game today, it’s the most established and reliable. <...> The tournaments are all the same—I’m saying this as a spectator. For example, back in 2015, I was dying to go to events just to see or meet players from teams like Not Today. Then I’d go to another event—and again, I’d watch them play, and so on and so forth.
On the team that could qualify for the ENC from South America
Let this be on the record: I think the Ecuador national team could pull off an unexpected upset and snag one of the slots.
On the coach of the Argentine national team at ENC
Everyone loves Papita and all that, but I think Worlock is much more immersed in the Argentine competitive scene right now. Papita has a very good understanding of the game as a whole and has a wealth of coaching experience, but Worlock is more immersed in local tournaments. Although I’m not a huge fan, Worlock has always been present at the tournaments I’ve watched. He’s constantly watching something, either participating, commentating, or analyzing.
Qualifiers for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup in South America will take place from June 29 to July 1. The organizers have allocated two slots to this region; Brazil received a direct invite based on the results of BLAST Slam VII, surpassing Peru and the Czech Republic in the rankings.
Photo: Paul “Tio Inka” de la Cruz.
