The Chinese team Gaozu has become a focal point at ESL One Bangkok 2024, drawing attention with both its historical inspiration and unconventional decisions beyond the game.
Why Gaozu? Historical and Cultural Significance
Professional player Zhao "XinQ" Zixing explained the reasoning behind the team’s name, referencing Emperor Gaozu, the founder of the Tang dynasty: "He’s a very prominent figure in Chinese history. It would take too long to fully describe him here, but he was a highly influential person."
The name reflects respect for Chinese culture and its historical icons, making Gaozu a team that stands out for its gameplay and cultural significance.
An Unusual Decision: Players’ Partners at the Tournament
Another unique feature of the team was the presence of players’ partners at the event, sparking widespread discussion in the Dota 2 community. The Telegram channel “Chinese Muesli” noted that the players’ in-game tags included their sponsor, the city of Xiangcheng, China, while also highlighting the team’s unorthodox choice.
Konstantin Doroshenko, author of the Telegram channel “KD all in”, speculated about the decision: "I’m not sure, but it seems that every Gaozu player wanted to bring their girlfriend to the tournament."
Although it was initially reported that all players were accompanied by their partners, this was later clarified as not entirely accurate. Some fans questioned whether this approach might affect the team’s performance, while others suggested it was a refreshing personal touch.
First Test: Match Against Team Liquid
Despite its cultural roots and bold off-stage choices, Gaozu struggled to make a strong impression in their first match. Their clash with Team Liquid ended in a decisive defeat in just 18 minutes, one of the shortest games of the tournament so far.
However, even with this shaky start, the team has already captured public attention with its distinctive style, both in-game and beyond.