In a twist of fate at the recently concluded closed qualifiers for ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, Team Secret and 9Pandas have defied expectations, earning coveted spots in the tournament. The qualifiers, marked by intense competition and limited slots, saw these Dota 2 stalwarts emerge victorious against the odds. 

Team Secret and 9Pandas’ Journey to ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 

Amidst doubts surrounding their capabilities, Team Secret and 9Pandas faced skepticism, having failed to secure promising talents during the trade window. Following a lackluster performance at TI 2023, both teams were deemed losers of the post-TI 2023 roster shuffle. The revamped 9Pandas roster appeared to be a step down, while Team Secret, despite welcoming back familiar faces, struggled to convince fans of their potential in the Malaysian tournament. Surprisingly, they have proven critics wrong in a remarkable turnaround. 

Team Secret's journey in the Western European qualifier was far from smooth, starting with a 0-2 setback against OG and a lower bracket scare against Alliance. Despite this, they rallied, displaying resilience by defeating Alliance, Team Tickles, and securing revenge against OG. Their final triumph over Entity solidified their spot, showcasing remarkable coordination and evolving chemistry throughout the qualifiers. 

9Pandas mirrored this narrative in the Eastern European qualifier, facing an initial setback against the relatively unknown Klim Sani4. Undeterred, they embarked on a dominant lower bracket run, ultimately securing their tickets to Kuala Lumpur. Notably, 9Pandas eliminated formidable teams like NAVI and Virtus Pro, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the December tournament. 

The clash of qualified and invited teams is set to unfold in Kuala Lumpur on Dec. 11, vying for a substantial $1 million prize pool. Not only does this event mark the pinnacle of Dota 2 competition, but it also heralds the beginning of the "2024" competitive calendar in a revamped scene post the dissolution of the Dota Pro Circuit. As the Dota community eagerly anticipates the spectacle, Team Secret and 9Pandas stand as living proof that underestimating seasoned teams can lead to unexpected triumphs in the ever-evolving world of esports.