Tio Inka: “The main problem is that this patch has completely run its course, and there’s nothing left to squeeze out of it.”
Commentator Paul “Tio Inka” de la Cruz spoke on the La Sopa podcast about the comparison between LGD Gaming and PlayTime, Yuma “Yuma” Langle’s inconsistency, and also stated that the current Dota 2 meta has run its course.
On the Comparison Between LGD Gaming and PlayTime
I believe that, without in any way downplaying LGD Gaming’s achievements at BLAST, the format of that tournament helped them a great deal. I think the only way to truly determine which team is stronger right now is for them to face off head-to-head.
On Yuma’s inconsistency
Yuma is exactly the kind of player who, when he’s on a roll and having a good day, really performs at his best and is capable of carrying the team. In those moments, he can make all the difference.
On the Stagnation in the Meta
It seems to me that the main problem is that this patch has completely run its course, and there’s nothing more to squeeze out of it. Under the current circumstances, there won’t be any sudden comeback of, say, Phantom Lancer as a carry—it just won’t happen. We won’t see any fundamentally new strategies; it’ll all come down to specific counter-picks and nothing more.
Therefore, unless LGD Gaming and PlayTime somehow fail to make it to the finals of The International 2026 qualifiers, it will be a huge surprise. But they will make it.
Earlier, Team Nemesis coach Filipe “Astini” Astini Ribeiro congratulated LGD Gaming on qualifying for The International 2026 and also reminded everyone of the upcoming Esports World Cup 2026, in which his team will also compete.
Photo: Paul “Tio Inka” de la Cruz.
