Istanbul 2022 Global Esports Games titles claimed in women’s DOTA 2, eFootball™ 2023, and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
The Istanbul 2022 Global Esports Games got underway in Istanbul, Türkiye on Friday, with Thailand winning a glorious gold in the DOTA 2 women’s final, Chinese Taipei taking the honors in Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, and Brazil/Iran triumphant in the eFootball™ 2023.
Following a fantastic Opening Ceremony, the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel and Conference Center was a hive of activity, as numerous nations battled it out to make esports history.
DOTA 2 delight for Thailand
Thailand beat Malaysia to win the first gold medal of the #GEG22. In a thrilling and tense battle full of brilliant moves and unexpected errors, the Thais prevailed 2-0.
“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. 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.”
Argentina plays Singapore for the bronze medal on Saturday.
GamerBee retains title in Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
GamerBee, of Chinese Taipei, won his second successive GEG Street Fighter V: Champion Edition gold medal, retaining the title he won last year in Singapore.
He beat The4philzz, of Great Britain, resisting fierce pressure to come back from losing the opening three games.
“Usually in the tournament we will lose the first game because sometimes we are still trying to figure out what their strategy is, and you have to do a lot of tests. Doing tests is risky so sometimes you lose,” GamerBee explained.
“But if you get enough information you (can) adjust yourself fast enough (and) that’s why I beat him in the end.”
A frustrated The4Philzz confirmed as much: “I thought I had him but he switched up the way he played after I beat him in the first game, and it took me too long to react to how he changed.”
New Zealander GhostChips took bronze. “The journey here was very long,” he said. “Four hours to Melbourne, a seven-hour layover, 13 hours to Dubai, then five hours there, and five to Turkey. But winning this medal makes it worth it.
“I will celebrate by playing more games. I’m an indigenous New Zealander, I’m Māori and it’s great to introduce that side of my country to the world.”
Iran too strong for Brazil in eFootball™ 2023
Brazil was the defending GEG champion, but this time around Iran – bronze medalist at the Singapore 2021 Global Esports Games – took its title.
Hasan_Player1, of Iran, playing as Bayern Munich, took on Brazil’s Eduardinho_PR, playing as Manchester United.
The Iranian lost the first match on penalties after a tight draw, but hit back in the second with a narrow victory. He saved the best until last, though, putting on a ruthless display in the third match to get his hands on the GEG gold medal.
“I thought I could do it, and after I lost the first game, I just thought, ‘comeback’,” Hasan_Player1 said. “I tried so hard, but my opponent was very hard. Brazil are very good at football, but in eFootball, Asia is better. I will give myself eight out of ten.”
Eduardinho_PR is clearly one to watch in the future. “I am a little sad to lose, but it has been a good tournament for me,” he said.
“The first two games were close, but he is a very good player, and he was someone who could win. But I have enjoyed this experience. We are in a beautiful city and it is the biggest tournament I have ever played in, so I am happy about it.”
In the bronze medal match, WillyFreire10, of Uruguay, beat Arda–Golaaazooo of Türkiye.
The GEG continues on Saturday with medals being awarded in the DOTA 2’s open competition, and PUBG MOBILE.
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