DOTA 2 WEEKLY RECAP : NOVEMBER 7th 2023
We have the ultimate Breakdown of what went down at the Dota 2 International this year. If you missed anything and I mean anything we have you covered. So sit back grab a cup of coffee and join us as we deep dive into TI12 and break down everything that happened, is going to happen and so much more.
A NEW CHAMPION HAS CLAIMED THE AEGIS!
Team Spirit defeated Gaimin Gladiators 3-0 and claimed the Aegis of Champions a second time!
In the world of competitive esports, Team Spirit ultimately emerged as the champions of The International 2023. Their impressive performance saw them rise to the occasion, overcoming formidable opponents and claiming victory in the Grand Final on October 30th.
This is their story of the road to The International for Team Spirit:
1. Facing Virtus. Pro: The First Hurdle (October 21)
Team Spirit’s journey began on October 21 when they were pitted against Virtus.Pro, a formidable opponent. The opening match set the tone for their entire road to the International. The battle was intense, with both teams pushing their limits to gain the upper hand. After three fierce games, Team Spirit emerged victorious with a 2-1 series. This initial win propelled them into the next stage of the tournament.
2. Team Liquid: A Thrilling Encounter (October 28)
After their victory over Virtus Pro, Team Spirit had a seven-day wait before clashing with Team Liquid on October 28. Team Liquid, a well-known esports powerhouse, presented another formidable challenge. Once again, the teams engaged in a fierce contest, showcasing their skills, adaptability, and teamwork. In a series of closely fought matches, Team Spirit proved their strength once more, securing a 2-1 victory.
3. LGD Gaming: The Final Countdown (October 29)
With two significant victories under the belt, Team Spirit advanced to the Upper-bracket Final. On October 29, they faced LGD Gaming, another prominent esports team with a consistent strong track record. The stakes were higher than ever, as the winner would earn a coveted spot in the Grand Final. In a performance that left spectators in awe, Team Spirit delivered a dominant 2-0 victory against LGD Gaming, sending a powerful message to their competition and securing their place in the Grand Final.
4. Grand Final Glory: Undefeated Against Gaimin Gladiators (October 30)
The Grand Final, which took place on October 30, was the culmination of Team Spirit’s incredible journey. Their opponents in this high-stake showdown in the Grand Final were Gaimin Gladiators, a team that had also showcased their skill and determination throughout the tournament. It was a Batlle for the championship. With precision, teamwork, and unwavering focus, Team Spirit delivered an extraordinary performance, winning the Grand Final with a clean 3-0 victory.
Truly a journey to remember!
Team Spirit’s journey to the Grand Final of The International 2023 was nothing short of a thrilling adventure. From their first victory in the Group stages, where they topped the group stage and is the only team to do so with a 100% win rate, to their remarkable triumph against Gaimin Gladiators in the Grand Final, the team demonstrated exceptional resilience, skill and determination. This story serves as a reminder of the passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence that define the world of esports. Team Spirit’s path to the Grand Final will be remembered as a testament to their unwavering spirit and as an inspiration to aspiring gamers and fans alike.
BREAKING DOWN THE PRIZE POOL OF THE INTERNATIONAL 2023
The total prize pool of the International 2023 was $3,144,270.
The Breakdown of the prize pool, as reported by Dexerto.com, provides insights into how the winnings were distributed among the top-performing teams:
Team Spirit: The champions of the tournament, Team Spirit, walked away with the lion’s share of the prize pool, claiming a staggering $1,414,524.
Gaimin Gladiators: As the runners-up, Gaimin Gladiators secured a prize of $377,151. Their hard-fought battles throughout the tournament showcased their competitive prowess.
LGD Gaming: LGD Gaming, who reached the Semi-Finals, earned a commendable $251,503 for their efforts. They demonstrated their skill and dedication, earning their place among the top contenders.
Azure Ray: Azure Ray, a notable presence in the tournament, received $170,843 for their respectable performance. Their journey in the tournament was marked by moments of brilliance. Ended up in 4th place.
Team Liquid: Team Liquid, despite not reaching the ultimate goal of the Grand Final, still claimed $102,206. Their tenacity and skill earned them a spot among the top finishers. Ended up in 5th place.
BetBoom Team: BetBoom Team also secured $102,206, showcasing their competitiveness and resilience throughout the event. Ended up in 5th place.
Nouns: Earning $78,556, the team made a commendable showing in the tournament, demonstrating their potential in the esports arena. Ended up in 6th place.
Virtus Pro: Virtus Pro, a notable esports organization, also received $78,556, reaffirming their presence among the top teams of the tournament. Ended up in 6th place.
In the world of Esports, success is measured not only in terms of glory and triumph but also in the substantial financial awards that await victorious teams.
RESHAPING THE DOTA 2 LANDSCAPE: THREE TEAMS DISBANDING POST-TI 2023
North America finds itself a player down, as the nouns Dota2 roster, which defied expectations with a remarkable top-eight finish at ti12, has announced its disbandment.
Exceeding Expectations at TI12:
The nouns Dota 2 roster made waves in the competitive Dota 2 scene by exceeding expectations at The International 2023. Their remarkable journey took them to a top-eight finish, a feat that earned them recognition and respect within the community. This success showcased their talent, teamwork, and dedication, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for this promising team.
Unexpected Disbandment:
However, following the conclusion of TI12, the organization dropped a bombshell by announcing the disbandment of the roster. While the reasons behind this decision remain undisclosed, it signifies a significant shift in the North American Dota 2 landscape. Fans of the team are left wondering about the factors that led to this decision and the fate of the talented players who brought the organization to such heights.
Hope for the future:
Despite the roster disbanding, nouns remain committed to Dota 2 and are looking ahead to the future. The organization’s statement hints at exciting developments on the horizon, as they ask fans to “keep an eye out for their 2024 plans.” This suggests that nouns are not bidding farewell to Dota 2 but are, in fact, preparing for a new chapter in the competitive scene.
In the wake of this surprising announcement, the Dota 2 community eagerly anticipates what nouns has in store for 2024 and remains appreciative of the memorable journey of the disbanded roster as The International 2023.
The South American Dota 2 scene is in for a major shake-up in 2024 as Evil Geniuses announces the release of its entire roster. After a disappointing 13th-16th place finish at The International 2023 (TI12), EG’s Dota 2 team faces an uncertain future, casting doubt on the organization’s Dota 2 prospects for the upcoming year.
EG’s decision to release its Dota 2 roster follows a series of controversies, including layoffs within the organization and criticism regarding the treatment of other esports teams. While the departure of EG’s former CEO, Nicole LaPointe Jameson, appears unrelated to these issues, questions persist about the organization’s management.
The road ahead for Evil Geniuses remains unclear, and it will be closely watched by fans and industry experts as EG navigates these challenges and shapes its future in South American Dota.
Talon Esports has made a significant announcement, marking the end of its Southeast Asian Dota 2 lineup. Comprising top-tier players, including 23savage, Mikoto, Jabz, Q, and Oli, this squad had risen to prominence on both regional and global stages. Their remarkable performances at events like the Riyad Masters 2023 and the Lima Major 2023 showcased innovative gameplay, inspiring talent, and pushed Southeast Asia into a competitive spotlight that challenged even the established European teams.
Despite their previous achievements, Talon’s journey at The International 2023(TI12) ended with a 12th placement, signaling a need for strategic changes. The organization’s decision to disband the legendary lineup marks the conclusion of an era for Talon Esports’ Dota 2 ambitions, acknowledging the immense success this roster has achieved, including two TI qualifications and several major tournament performances that won them a legion of fans.
The future paths of these talented players remain uncertain, with potential opportunities in Western Europe or China on the horizon. Nevertheless, fans eagerly anticipate their next move, whether they continue as a unit or find new organizations in the upcoming season, carrying their remarkable legacy forward.
RISING STARS: NEW TEAMS ILLUMINATE THE DOTA 2 ESPORTS HORIZON
The Dota 2 esports arena welcomes a new contender as Philippines-based betting company, 747 LIVE, makes its foray into the competitive landscape. This fresh entrant introduces a formidable team of Southeast Asian talent, setting the stage for an exciting journey in the world of professional gaming.
The announcement, made on November 5th via Facebook, unveiled the newly formed 747 Dota roster, generating anticipation within the Dota 2 community. The team’s statement reads, “We are 747.LIVE, and we will now enter the Dota 2 Battlegrounds! Announcing the 747Live Dota 2 Team! Expecting a great experience on this journey! Looking forward to your support and thank you!”
The 747 Dota roster is a collection of standout Southeast Asian players, including Muhammed “inYourdreaM” Anugrah, Karl “Karl” Baldovino, Daud “db-” Budiawan, Marvin “Boomy” Rushton, and Jaunel “Jaunuel” Arcilla. This lineup presents a dynamic blend of talent and accomplishments within the competitive Dota 2 scene, igniting curiosity and excitement about their potential impact in the esports world and of course the world of Dota 2.
Heroic, a prominent name in the esports world, has announced its strategic expansion into the Dota 2 scene, signaling a significant move to broaden its esports horizons beyond its dominance in CS: GO. The official announcement on Heroic’s website outlined their commitment to building a competitive Dota 2 roster and participating in the new open circuit in 2024.
In the statement, Heroic expressed its intention to bring fresh energy and create captivating storylines that extend throughout the year, aiming beyond the pinnacle event, The International. The organization’s decision to venture into Dota 2 underscores its dedication to establishing a formidable presence in multiple esports titles.
With a history of excellence in CS: GO, Heroic is known for its competitive gameplay. Their recent successes in CS: GO, including first place at the BLAST Premier: Spring Final 2023 and second place at the Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2023, highlight their commitment to achieving greatness. Now, as they expand into Dota 2, Heroic aims to replicate their success and make an impact in this new competitive landscape.
Heroic’s entry into Dota 2 promises to inject fresh excitement into the competitive scene, with the potential to create dynamic storylines and intense rivalries that will captivate fans and enthusiasts alike. Director of Esports Operations for Heroic, Oliver Valsgaard, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a thrilling journey for the organization.
RINGMASTER: THE NEW HERO REVEALED AT THE INTERNATIONAL 2023
At The International 2023, Valve unveiled a mysterious addition to the Dota 2 hero roster: Ringmaster. This captivating hero brings a unique twist to the game, aiming to capture other heroes and enlist them in his circus. The reveal came with an intriguing trailer during the Grand Final of TI12, offering a glimpse into Ringmaster’s lore and his unconventional quest to assemble a circus troupe.
Ringmaster, true to his name, orchestrates a circus and endeavors to recruit fellow heroes to perform in his spectacle. However, heroes appear to be hesitant volunteers, leading Ringmaster to resort to unconventional methods to entice them. The trailer showcases an inventive approach as Ringmaster tricks Axe into a test of strength, ultimately capturing him to join the circus.
While the trailer provides no details about Ringmaster’s abilities or role, it teases an exciting addition to the Dota 2 hero pool. It is anticipated that Ringmaster will likely serve as a support hero, specializing in crowd control and perhaps forcing opponents to perform circus-related actions. The trailer suggests the hero may possess an ability that traps enemies temporarily.
Additionally, it’s possible that Ringmaster may have an ability that instills fear in enemies, compelling them to flee- a fitting theme considering the inherent creepiness associated with circuses and clowns.
The end of the trailer hints at circus-themed cosmetics for existing heroes, with Kunkka and Monkey King adopting clown personas, Mirana and Keeper of the Light dancing on their mounts, and Axe enduring a predicament with knives hurled at him. This opens up exciting possibilities for themed cosmetics and collaborations.
The launch of Ringmaster in 2024 presents an ideal opportunity for the introduction of a unique game mode. While Dota 2 hasn’t featured one in a while, a spooky circus-themed game mode could be an engaging addition, offering players a thrilling and eccentric experience with the Dota 2 Universe. Ringmaster’s arrival has certainly grasped the interest of the Dota 2 community, and his abilities and impact on the game will be eagerly anticipated.
THE INTERNATIONAL 2023 FULL BREAKDOWN!
The International 2023: Dota 2’s Grand Spectacle.
In the realm of esports, there exists an event that captivates the hearts of millions, a tournament that stands as the pinnacle of competition in the world of Dota 2. The International, often referred to as TI, is not just a tournament; it’s a global phenomenon, an electrifying showcase of skill, strategy, and teamwork. The International 2023, the twelfth installment of this grand spectacle, was no exception, as it brought together the world’s finest Dota 2 teams to battle for glory.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we will delve into the tournament’s various phases, from Group stages to the dazzling Grand Finals. We will explore the thrilling upsets, the rise of new metas, and the return of old metas.
After closely following The International, it’s evident that the tournament will likely impact the Dota 2 pub meta. Strategies, hero picks, and tactics showcased by professional players often inspire changes in how the game is played by the wider community. As spectators witness innovative approaches, they can expect a shift in popular hero choices, item builds, and gameplay styles.
So, let’s get right into it!
GROUPSTAGES (October 12-15)
In The International 2023’s group stage, 20 top-tier Dota 2 teams were divided into four pools, each featuring five competitive contenders. These pools engaged in a round-robin format, with each team facing every other team within their pool twice. The stakes were high, and the last-placed team in each pool would face elimination, leaving 16 teams to advance to the next phase. The 4 teams eliminated are Team SMG, Thunder Awaken, Beastcoast, and PSG Quest.
At the next phase of the group stages, the top two teams from each pool enjoyed a unique privilege: the ability to handpick their opponents from the third and fourth-placed teams in different pools. This selection process added an exciting twist to the competition, as these chosen matchups would have a significant impact on the road ahead. The victorious teams earned the opportunity to rise to the upper bracket of the main event, where they would set the stage on the path to the Aegis of Champions.
This is the result at the end of the group stage:
HERO STATISTICS (GROUP STAGE)
MOST PICKED HEROES OF THE GROUP STAGE:
- Vengeful Spirit = 33 picks (Despite being the most picked, Vengeful Spirit has the lowest win rate of the top 10 at 39.39%)
- Muerta = 31 picks (58.06% WR)
- Brislteback = 31 picks (51.61% WR)
- Earth Spirit = 29 picks (41.38% WR)
- Phoenix = 28 picks (57.14% WR)
- Dark Willow = 28 picks (53.57% WR)
- Grimstroke = 28 picks (46.43% WR)
- Kunkka = 28 picks (42.86% WR))
- Spirit Breaker = 27 picks (59.26% WR)
- Chaos Knight = 26 Picks (65.38% WR the highest of the top 10)
- Pangolier = 26 picks (33.77% WR)
- Shadow Demon = 25 (28% WR)
MOST BANNED HEROES OF THE GROUP STAGE:
- Dazzle = 74 bans
- Treant Protector = 65 bans
- Pangolier = 62 bans
- Invoker = 59 bans
- Brewmaster = 57 bans
- Templar Assassin = 57 bans
- Kunkka = 52 bans
- Primal Beast = 51 bans
- Phoenix = 43 bans
- Spirit Breaker = 41 bans
- Grimstroke = 40 bans
- Muerta 38 bans
HEROES NOT PICKED
There were 100 matches during the group stage, and 20 heroes were uncontested, they are:
Abbadon, Anti Mage, Broodmother, Dragon Knight, Drow Ranger, Ember Spirit, Huskar, Leshrac, Lion, Lycan, Magnus, Mars, Meepo, Phantom Lancer, Shadow Shaman, Slardar, Timbersaw, Tinker, Ursa, and Winter Wyvern.
THE INTERNATIONAL 2023 MAIN EVENT (October 20-29)
In the next phase of The International 2023, eight teams relegated to the lower bracket were set to engage in intense battles. Each confrontation was structured as a best-of-three series, where the victorious teams would earn the right to continue their journey. However, their path wouldn’t be without further trials, as they were slated to face the teams that had been defeated in the upper bracket.
Here are the results of the first round of the lower bracket:
TSM 2-0 SHOPIFY REBELLION
GAIMIN GLADIATORS 2-0 EG
KEYD STARS 0-2 BETBOOM TEAM
TUNDRA ESPORTS 0-2 ENTITY
Simultaneously, the other eight teams in the upper bracket faced off against each other, with the best-of-three series determining their fate. The victors of these secured a coveted spot in the upper bracket of the main event, setting them on the main stage of The International 2023. On the other hand, the teams who lost would descend to the lower bracket, where they would confront the remaining four teams that won the first round of the lower bracket. The four winners from these matches would then claim their spots in the lower bracket of the main event. With this dynamic structure, The International 2023 evolved into a thrilling contest of skills and strategies, as the final eight teams now competed in the main event. Their goal was clear: navigate the challenging bracket to survive and strive for a place in the Grand Final, where Dota 2’s highest honor awaited the last two teams standing.
Here are the results of the upper bracket quarter-finals:
TEAM SPIRIT 2-0 VIRTUS.PRO
TEAM LIQUID 2-0 TALON ESPORTS
LGD GAMING 2-0 9PANDAS
NOUNS 0-2 AZURE RAY
THIS LEAVES 4 TEAMS ADVANCING TO THE MAIN EVENT IN THE UPPER BRACKET:
TEAM SPIRIT
TEAM LIQUID
LGD GAMING
AZURE RAY
Here are the results of the second round of the lower bracket:
NOUNS 2-0 TSM
9PANDAS 0-2 GAIMIN GLADIATORS
TALON ESPORTS 1-2 BETBOOM TEAM
VIRTUS.RPO 2-0 ENTITY
THIS LEAVES 4 TEAMS ADVANCING TO THE MAIN EVENT IN THE LOWER BRACKET:
NOUNS
GAIMIN GLADIATORS
BETBOOM TEAM
VIRTUS PRO
Here are the results of the main event:
Upper bracket semifinal:
TEAM SPIRIT 2-1 TEAM LIQUID
LGD GAMING 2-0 AZURE RAY
Lower bracket quarterfinal:
GAIMIN GLADIATORS 2-1 TEAM LIQUID
AZURE RAY 2-1 BETBOOM TEAM
Lower bracket semifinal:
GAIMIN GLADIATORS 2-0 AZURE RAY
Upper bracket Final:
TEAM SPIRIT 2-0 LGD GAMING
Lower bracket Final:
GAIMIN GLADIATORS 2-0 LGD GAMING
GRAND FINAL RESULTS:
TEAM SPIRIT 3-0 GAIMIN GLADIATORS
HERO STATISTICS OF THE INTERNATIONAL 2023:
THE 10 MOST PICKED HEROES OF THE INTERNATIONAL 2023:
1.MUERTA
In The International 2023, Muerta emerged as the standout hero, becoming the most picked hero throughout the tournament. With a staggering 56 appearances in a total of 150 games, Muerta’s versatility shone as she was flexibly played in both core and support roles. Her adaptability was complemented by a commendable win rate of 50%, solidifying her status as a cornerstone pick in the competitive landscape of Dota 2 at the tournament.
56 appearances (31 during group stages, 25 at the main event)
2.GRIMSTROKE
Grimstroke took the spotlight as the second most picked hero in The International 2023, making an appearance in a total of 48 games. This versatile hero was predominantly played in a support role, contributing to a variety of strategies and lineups. Throughout the tournament, Grimstroke showcased its reliability, boasting a commendable win rate of 47.92%. Notably, Grimstroke’s popularity surged during the main event, where it was picked an impressive 20 times, further solidifying its status as a go-to hero in the competitive landscape of Dota2
3.DARK WILLOW
Dark Willow secured its place as the third most picked hero as The International 2023, with an impressive 46 appearances throughout the tournament. While initially seen as a support hero, Dark Willow’s popularity soared during the later stages of the competition as she transitioned into a core role. This strategic shift was driven by her effectiveness as a counter to Muerta, a key hero in the meta. The decision to elevate Dark Willow gave her a remarkable win rate of 56.52%, establishing her as a dynamic and powerful hero in the competitive scene.
4.PHOENIX
Phoenix secured its position as the fourth most chosen hero at The International 2023, making 42 appearances throughout the tournament. The success of phoenix can be attributed to the impactful buffs it received just before the event, which propelled the hero in the limelight. These buffs contributed to Phoenix’s enhanced effectiveness and adaptability in the competitive meta, making it a formidable choice for teams. The hero’s balanced performance was reflected in a solid win rate of 50%, cementing its status as an influential pick in the tournament.
5.KUNKKA
Kunka emerged as the fifth most picked hero at The International 2023, with an impressive 42 appearances throughout the tournament. Notably, Kunkka established its dominance as the most popular hero in the midlane, showcasing its versatility and prowess in this crucial role. The hero’s adaptability and ability to influence the midlane were a key factor in its popularity among professional players. Despite fierce competition, Kunkka maintained a respectable win rate of 47.62%.
6.CHAOS KNIGHT
Chaos Knight made a resounding impact as one of the most favored carries in The International 2023, boasting an impressive 40 appearances throughout the tournament. This hero’s dominance was primarily attributed to his exceptional prowess in team fights, driven by his remarkable tankiness and the ability to swiftly eliminate opposing support heroes. With a compelling blend of durability and burst damage, Chaos Knight played a pivotal role in turning the tides of battle. Notably, among the top 10 most picked heroes, Chaos Knight clinched the highest win rate at 67.50%, solidifying its reputation as a formidable and victorious force on the grand stage of competitive Dota 2.
7.BRISTLEBACK
Brislteback took the stage at The International 2023 with 40 appearances, primarily seen in the offlane role. What set Bristleback apart in the tournament was the introduction of its Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade in a new patch before the event. The Aghanim’s Scepter transformation significantly enhanced Bristleback’s durability and impact, making it a challenging hero to deal with on the battlefield. This strategic choice was validated by a commendable win rate of 50%.
8.PANGOLIER
Pangolier secured the eighth spot as one of the most picked heroes during The International 2023, making 39 appearances during the tournament. Despite significant nerfs leading up to the event, Pangolier remained a popular pick due to the substantial potential it brought to team fights. The hero’s agility and disruptive abilities made it an asset in battles. The hero concluded its performance with a low win rate of 38.46%.
9.TREANT PROTECTOR
Treant Protector proved to be a pivotal hero choice at The International 2023, with 38 appearances in the tournament. What set Treant Protector apart was its unique ability to provide valuable map control and vision to its team, granting crucial information for strategic decisions. Additionally, the hero brought a substantial contribution to damage output and crowd control in battles, making it a well-rounded pick. Treant Protector win rate was 53.63%.
10.VENGEFUL SPIIRT
Vengeful Spirit clinched the tenth spot as one of the most picked heroes in The International 2023, with a total of 37 appearances throughout the tournament. Interestingly, the hero found initial popularity during the group stages, with a remarkable 33 pics, while her presence in the main event was more limited, with only four picks. Despite the fluctuating degree of popularity, Vengeful Spirit remained a noticeable contender in the Dota 2 competitive scene. Her journey at the tournament was marked by a win rate of 43.24%.
MOST BANNED HEROES OF THE INTERNATIONAL 2023
- DAZZLE = 102 BANS
- TREANT PROTECTOR & PRIMAL BEAST = 90 BANS
- KUNKKA = 80 BANS
- INVOKER = 78 BANS
- BREWMASTER = 76 BANS
- SPIRIT BREAKER = 74 BANS
- PHOENIX & PANGOLIER = 72 BANS
- BRISTLEBACK & TEMPLAR ASSASSIN = 70 BANS
- CHAOS KNIGHT = 62 BANS
- MUERTA = 55 BANS
HEROES NOT PICKED DURING THE INTERNATIONAL 2023
The International 2023 bore witness to an extensive array of 150 intense Dota 2 games, each showcasing the strategic prowess and individual skills of the participating teams.
Remarkably, in the vast pool of matches, eleven heroes were notably absent from the action, having not been picked to make an appearance. Abbadon, Anti-Mage, Drow Ranger, Lion, Mars, Meepo, Shadow Shaman, Slardar, Timbersaw, Ursa, and Winter Wyvern were among the heroes that did not have an opportunity to grace the tournament stage, reflecting the diversity and ever evolving meta of Dota 2, where the strength and popularity of heroes can vary significantly from one event to another.
FINAL VERDICT
It’s been a jam-packed few weeks of Dota 2 news filled with ups and downs.
TI12 could possibly go down as one of the best Internationals yet. Despite its rather low prize pool TI12 lived up to all expectations and will filled with truly remarkable moments.
Let us know down below in the comments if you enjoyed The International.
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