The action is starting to heat up in the Lima Major's Lower Bracket, after four teams were eliminated from the tournament in the March 2 Lower Bracket Round 1 matches.
Lima Major 2023: Lower Bracket Round 2 schedule and betting odds
We've already seen some huge teams be sent home from the Lima Major, as the tension starts to build up in anticipation of the March 5 Grand Final. HellRaisers, PSG.LGD, beastcoast, and even The International 2022 champions Tundra Esports have all been sent packing - proving that no team is safe from elimination at the first Dota 2 Major of the year.
And the carnage is set to continue, with all four teams competing in the Lower Bracket 2 Round 2 matches facing elimination later today - While the winners will go on to face Entity and Shopify Rebellion in the Lower Bracket Quarterfinals.
The action kicks off at 15:00 GMT on March 3, when we'll see Evil Geniuses going head-to-head with Team Aster.
Evil Geniuses (1.75) vs Team Aster (2.04)
Evil Geniuses are coming into today's match fresh from having eliminated South American local heroes beastcoast from the Major, claiming a 2-0 victory in their Lower Bracket Round 1 match on March 1. It was a promising turn of fortunes for Evil Geniuses, who found themselves moving down to the Lower Bracket after suffering a 2-0 loss to Entity in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals. Evil Geniuses had a solid run through the Group Stage too, but they stand at risk of it all coming to an end in their showdown later today.
Team Aster meanwhile have the honour of having defied the odds to emerge victorious over Tundra Esports on March 1, eliminating The International 2022 champions through a 2-1 win. It was perhaps the most notable upset win of the tournament so far, showcasing Team Aster's impressive performance so far in this Major. Of course, they're going to need to keep up that momentum today too, as they get ready to face off against Evil Geniuses.
Evil Geniuses are the favourites to win here, with odds of 1.75 vs Team Aster's 2.04.
We won't have long to wait until the second Lower Bracket match of the day, which is set to take place at 18:00 GMT when we'll be treated to a face-off between Talon Esports and Team Spirit.
Talon Esports (2.64) vs Team Spirit (1.47)
Talon Esports are coming into today's match fresh from having eliminated HellRaisers from the tournament, claiming a 2-0 victory in their March 1 Lower Bracket Round 1 match. It was a promising result for Talon, who had a rough start to the Playoffs - where they had the misfortune of going up against the seemingly unstoppable Team Liquid. Their 0-2 loss to Liquid was more or less widely expected, but that's not to say that Talon doesn't have what it takes to live to see another day at this year's Winter Major.
But they'll need to get past Team Spirit to stay in the runnings. Spirit have just claimed a 2-1 victory over PSG.LGD, eliminating the Riyadh Masters champions from this year's tournament. Their loss to Liquid aside, Team Spirit has delighted fans with a strong performance throughout the Lima Major so far, having finished the Group Stage with a record of four wins, three draws and one loss. As the winners of the PGL Arlington Major 2022, Team Spirit have some heavy expectations on their shoulders - And will need to keep up the momentum to make it through today's match.
The odds are in Team Spirit's favour here, at 1.47 vs Talon Esports' 2.64.
Which team are you supporting? We're just days away from the Lima Major Grand Final, and so you'll not want to miss another moment of this incredible Major. You can watch every match streaming live here on Luckbox - just check out the upcoming match schedule here. And while you're at it, remember to sign up to claim your free 100% bonus!
