Just minutes before the semifinals of the European portion of Moonduck.tv’s Midas Mode 2 competition, the Dota 2 International informed the tournament organizer Moonduck that they required a stand-in. Their demand for who must fill in as replacement was not expected.
While Midas Mode 2 is far from a serious tournament, old school Na’Vi has still decided on the best option available, despite how unconventional it is.
When Na’Vi experienced “scheduling conflicts” before their semifinals match with Sir Sadim’s Stunners, SirActionSlacks was forced to deliver the news to the broadcast team, as well as relay the TI1 champions’ demands.
TI1 Na’Vi demanded a large amount of Moonbucks for both squads, which is the out-of-game currency used by teams in the tournament needed to draft champions, select sides, and pause.
They also said they would not play unless Slacks himself stood in and played the Techies character for the entire series.
“So with my hands completely tied five minutes before the semifinals start,” Slacks relented to his analyst comrades, “I must abide by these hostage demands.”
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With that, the beloved community figured departed the on-stage catch for one of the computers in the back, to prepare in solitude for the task before him. But Slacks is well-versed in Techies and proved he’d be no fifth wheel early.
This sort of silliness has been a critical part of the Midas Mode 2 experience. From sock puppets to absurd community created contributions to a ludicrous opening ceremony featuring Gabe Newell of all people, Moonduck.tv and Midas Mode’s insistence on not taking themselves too seriously is all part of their charm.
This tournament that is beloved by the community almost didn’t happen, as the Midas Mode 2 dates previously lined up with those of the qualifiers for the first minor and major of this year’s Dota Pro Circuit.
Thankfully, Valve remedied the problem by changing the qualifier dates, allowing Midas Mode 2 to carry on without any problems (except for the old Na’Vi scheduling conflict, of course).
The winner of the Sir Sadim’s Stunners and TI1 Na’Vi series will face TI3 Alliance in the European grand final. The Asian group is scheduled to begin on September 30, and will feature prominent teams such as Fnatic, Vici Gaming, and EHOME.