Dota 2 title race narrows to four after quarterfinal clashes

The MOBA PC Dota 2 presented by CenterCredit competition took another step towards crowning its GOTF 2026 champion as the quarterfinals unfolded at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace on 3 August.

Following three days of group stages and knockout action, the remaining eight clubs faced their toughest challenges so far. With a place in the semifinals on the line, every series carried enormous significance.

Across four best-of-three quarterfinals, the competition produced another day of standout performances, momentum swings and high-pressure moments.

Day 4 Results – Quarterfinals (3 August)

GLYPH 1-2 PlayTime

PlayTime secured the first spot in the semifinals[SK1.1] after defeating GLYPH in an entertaining three-game series. They controlled the opening game from start to finish before GLYPH responded in a tightly contested second game, recovering from an early deficit to level the series and force a decider.

PlayTime produced a composed performance in the deciding game, dictating the action from the opening minutes before closing out in convincing fashion. Hector "Wits" Maximo Orozco Alza and Anucha "Jabz" Jirawong both finished with 11 kills in the final game.

"Game 2 became much more difficult after we missed one of our bans, so we made some adjustments going into the deciding game. I'm really proud that we have reached the semifinals because we didn't expect to come this far with the amount of practice we've had." – Anucha "Jabz" Jirawong from PlayTime.

Xtreme Gaming 1-2 Team resilience

Xtreme Gaming struck first with a convincing win in the opening game. Team resilience, however, refused to back down, responding with an impressive performance in the second to level the series and force a decider.

The deciding game remained competitive throughout the early stages before Team resilience gradually took control. Shaohan "YSR-04E" Yang starred with 12 kills, 12 assists and 3 deaths, while Ziliang "echozz" Xu delivered a flawless performance with seven kills, 18 assists and no deaths. Their efforts helped Team resilience complete their comeback and secure a place in the semifinals.

Shaohan "YSR-04E" Yang of Team resilience said: "It feels great to win because there's nothing quite like that feeling. We were anxious after losing the opening game because it was a difficult start for us. But we stayed focused and were able to turn the series around."

VICI GAMING 1-2 Yakult Brothers

VICI GAMING gained the early advantage by taking the opening game, but Yakult Brothers responded impressively in the second game to take back control. Lou "Lou" Zhen led the way with 12 kills, zero deaths and 13 assists, while Emo also added 12 kills, zero deaths and 12 assists as Yakult Brothers levelled the series and set up a final game.

Yakult Brothers maintained that momentum in the deciding game, controlling the action from the outset and never allowing VICI GAMING back into the contest.

Hu "kaka" Liangzhi of Yakult Brothers said: "I'm very happy to win this match. After losing the first game, we communicated a lot as a team and our strategy and planning worked. We'll do our best in tomorrow's semifinals."

Rune Eaters 2-1 LGD.Pinghu

LGD.Pinghu made a commanding start to the series, comfortably taking the opening game. Rune Eaters, however, kept their composure to edge a closely contested second game and draw level.

With a place in the semifinals on the line, home team Rune Eaters delivered a dominant performance in the deciding game, controlling proceedings throughout to complete the comeback and secure their sport in the semifinals.

Key Takeaways

The MOBA PC Dota 2 presented by CenterCredit competition continues tomorrow with the semifinals at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace.

PlayTime will take on Team resilience, while Yakult Brothers will face Rune Eaters for a place in the final. Meanwhile, the Games of the Future 2026 campaigns of GLYPH, Xtreme Gaming, VICI GAMING and LGD.Pinghu came to an end following today's quarterfinals.

Where to Watch

Catch every moment of the Games of the Future 2026 live on Phygital+, with full coverage, replays and exclusive behind-the-scenes content available throughout the tournament.