
DOTA 2 WEEKLY RECAP : December 6th 2023
As the Dota 2 landscape continues to evolve, a series of noteworthy events and announcements have stirred excitement within the community. From the upcoming Dota 2 ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, set to captivate fans from December 11 to 17, to the unveiling of the Dota 2 ESL Pro Tour 2024 events schedule, the competitive scene is teeming with anticipation.
The North American Dota 2 scene experiences a shift as TSM departs, and its roster gears up to compete under the banner of Team Undying at ESL One Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, renowned Dota 2 casters Sunsfan and Jenkins make waves by announcing their venture into a new game, ‘Relic Arena,’ promising fresh gaming experiences for their followers.
In a reflective moment, Dyrachyo, a prominent figure in the Dota 2 community, opens up about the heart-wrenching loss at TI12 and sheds light on his team’s resilience in the face of adversity. To add a festive touch, Valve teases Dota 2 enthusiasts with glimpses of the Frostivus 2023 event, though the highly anticipated Arcanas face a delay.
This article delves into the details of each development, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest happenings in the dynamic world of Dota 2.
ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023: Unveiling the Grand Finale of Dota 2 in 2023

The Dota 2 community is gearing up for the grand spectacle of the year with ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, marking the culmination of 2023’s competitive season. From December 11 to 17, twelve elite teams from across the globe will battle in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, competing for a share of the impressive US$1 million prize pool.
This tournament takes on additional significance as it showcases teams that emerged from the post-The International (TI) 2023 roster shuffle
Teams:
A Diverse Mix of Powerhouses and Challengers
The twelve participating teams represent a mix of direct invitations and regional qualifiers, bringing together a diverse range of playing styles and strategies. Originally including the top four teams from TI 2023—Team Spirit, Gaimin Gladiators, LGD Gaming, and Azure Ray—Team Spirit’s withdrawal has reshaped the landscape. Notably, the vacant slot was transformed into an additional qualifier for Western Europe.
The teams competing in ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 boast star-studded rosters: participants like Gaimin Gladiators, LGD Gaming, Azure Ray, Team Liquid, Team Secret, BetBoom team, Blacklist International, Wawitas Sagazes, 9Pandas, Invictus Gaming, Team Falcons, and TSM.
Format:
A Tale of Groups and Playoffs
The tournament unfolds in two main phases, commencing with the Group Stage from December 11 to 13, followed by the Playoffs from December 15 to 17. In the Group Stage, the twelve teams are divided into two groups, engaging in a single round-robin featuring best-of-two matches. The top four teams from each group progress to the Playoffs, while the bottom two face elimination.
Group A features Azure Ray, BetBoom Team, Blacklist International, Gaimin Gladiators, Team Secret, and Wawitas Sagazes, while Group B comprises 9Pandas, Invictus Gaming, LGD Gaming, Team Falcons, Team Liquid, and TSM.
The Playoffs, taking place after a one-day break, employ a double-elimination bracket. The Top 2 teams from each group start in the upper bracket, while the third and fourth-placed teams initiate their journey in the lower bracket. Playoff matches are best-of-three, except for the Grand Finals, which adopt a full best-of-five series.
Prize Pool:
Stakes and Glory
ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 boasts a substantial prize pool of US$1 million, offering substantial rewards and the coveted title to the victors. The breakdown includes a grand prize of US$300,000 and additional ESL Pro Tour (EPT) points, influencing invites to ESL tournaments in 2024.
How to Watch:
Dota 2 enthusiasts can witness the thrilling action of ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 live on the official ESL Dota 2 Twitch and YouTube channels. In addition, secondary and tertiary Twitch streams during the Group Stage ensure comprehensive coverage, catering to the higher number of matches each day. The tournament not only unfolds online but also in front of a live audience at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre during the Playoffs, merging the digital and physical realms of esports spectacle.
As the clock ticks down to ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, anticipation and excitement reach a promising and fitting finale to an eventful year in the world of Dota 2.

ESL Pro Tour 2024 Unveiled: A Year Packed with Dota 2
As the dust settles on the grand stage of ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, Dota 2 fans can already set their sights on an action-packed 2024. ESL FACEIT Group, the powerhouse behind ESL Pro Tour, has unveiled an exhilarating schedule for the upcoming year, promising a year-long feast of Dota 2 competitions and groundbreaking moments.
ESL Pro Tour 2024 Calendar: A Mix of Online and Live Spectacles
The ESL Pro Tour 2024 calendar is a testament to the organizers’ commitment to delivering top-tier Dota 2 experiences. The lineup includes three online DreamLeague seasons and two live ESL One tournaments, with an international event, ‘Showdown,’ in July 2023 marking the culmination of Season 2.
A notable addition to Season 2 is the introduction of the EPL Leaderboard. Teams participating in DreamLeague and ESL One events will accumulate EPT Points based on their tournament placements. The teams with the highest EPT points will secure a direct invite to the prestigious ‘Showdown’ event in July.
DreamLeague Season 22: Kicking Off the Year
The Dota 2 esports extravaganza kicks off with DreamLeague Season 22, scheduled to take place online from February 25th to March 10th. This online spectacle boasts a substantial $1 million prize pool, setting the stage for intense competition. The tournament features two group stages and a playoff round.
The top four teams on the EPT Leaderboard will secure direct invites to DreamLeague Season 22, while other contenders will navigate through open and closed qualifiers.
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ESL One Europe: A Live Spectacle in April
April ushers in the live excitement of ESL One Europe, an in-person tournament slated to unfold between April 22nd and April 28th. With a $1 million prize pool and 26,640 EPT Points up for grabs, this LAN event promises riveting clashes. Teams will vie for qualification through open and closed qualifiers on FACEIT from January 22nd to January 30th. The tournament location is yet to be disclosed.
DreamLeague Season 23 and The Showdown in May and July
Following the live event, May brings Dota 2 back online with DreamLeague Season 23, leading up to the highly anticipated ‘Showdown’ international event in July. Details about the July spectacle and its location are pending, but it will showcase the highest-placed teams on the EPT Leaderboard.
Shane Clarke, Director Game Ecosystems – Dota 2 at ESL FACEIT Group, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “With our commitment to pushing the boundaries of esports, we’re confident that 2024 will be a year filled with remarkable moments on the Dota 2 stage that fans won’t want to miss.”
Season 3: A Glimpse into the Future
Post-‘Showdown,’ the third season of ESL Pro Tour unfolds with another DreamLeague season and an ESL One competition. DreamLeague Season 24 is set between October 27th and November 10th, with ESL One Asia capping off the season in December. The remaining tournaments for Season 3 will extend into 2025.
As the Dota 2 community bids farewell to the traditional Dota Pro Circuit, ESL Pro Tour 2024 promises to be a year of innovation, excitement, and memorable esports moments. With eye-watering prize pools and unwavering dedication, ESL FACEIT Group sets the stage for an extraordinary journey in the Dota 2 realm.

TSM Bids Farewell to NA Dota 2: Roster Released, Team Undying Emerges
In a surprising turn of events, Team SoloMid (TSM) has officially exited the competitive Dota 2 scene, marking the end of its nearly two-year journey in the North American Dota 2 landscape. The organization, which ventured into Dota 2 in 2022, revealed its departure through a social media announcement.
With this exit, TSM has chosen to release its entire Dota 2 roster, signaling the conclusion of its run in the NA Dota 2 circuit. Despite its international endeavors falling short of glory, TSM managed to secure a noteworthy position within the region, qualifying for two Internationals and claiming first in three NA DPC Tours.
Amidst the departure announcement, ESL confirmed that the remaining players from TSM would continue to compete at ESL One Kuala Lumpur under the banner of Team Undying. Notably, Team Undying was initially picked up by TSM in 2022. The lineup for ESL One Kuala Lumpur will feature Enzo “Timado” Gianoli, Jonathan “Bryle” Santos, Ilyas “kasane” Gainullin, Matthew “Whitemon” Filemon, and a transition of David “MoonMeander” Tan from a coaching role to an active player, filling the void left by Matthew “Ari” Walker, who joined OG last month.
TSM’s influence in esports has witnessed a significant decline over the last 18 months. Following a failed deal with cryptocurrency exchange FTX, valued at over $200 million, TSM had to make substantial cutbacks. In September 2023, TSM departed the LCS after being a part of it since the league’s inception. Now, with its departure from NA Dota 2, TSM continues to retain teams in other esports titles such as Apex Legends, Fortnite, VALORANT, and CS:GO.
Speculation arises about TSM’s potential move into South American Dota, mirroring the path taken by fellow NA esports organization Evil Geniuses (EG). Such a strategic move would align with considerations of overheads and brand recognition, leveraging the enduring reputation of the TSM name in the Americas. As the organization bids farewell to NA Dota 2, the esports community awaits the next chapter in TSM’s competitive journey.
Dota 2 Casters SUNSfan and Jenkins Announce New Game 'Relic Arena'
Renowned Dota 2 casters Shannon “SUNSfan” Scotten and Andrew “Jenkins” Jenkins, creators of the popular custom game Ability Arena, have unveiled their latest project – Relic Arena. Serving as the spiritual sequel to Ability Arena, this standalone game is set to break free from the confines of Dota 2, providing a unique gaming experience for both PC and mobile users.
The inception of Relic Arena arose from Valve’s implementation of new monetization rules that impacted the development of Ability Arena within Dota 2. Undeterred by this obstacle, SUNSfan and Jenkins channeled their creativity into crafting a game with a fresh theme. Relic Arena takes players on a historical journey as iconic leaders, including Alan Turing, Abraham Lincoln, Cleopatra, and Mahatma Gandhi, clash for supremacy. More historical figures are set to be revealed as the game progresses in its development.
While maintaining the classic auto-battler style reminiscent of Ability Arena, Relic Arena introduces a twist by replacing the selection of spells with relics. Each relic comes with unique systems, allowing players to strategize and customize their approach. The game offers multiple paths and bonuses, providing a deeper level of customization and strategic depth. The upgrade feature, a key element of Ability Arena, remains integral to Relic Arena’s gameplay.
One of the distinctive features of Relic Arena is its historical authenticity. All relics and characters in the game are inspired by real historical figures and artifacts, enabling players to engage in fantasy battles between leaders from different time periods.
A significant goal for SUNSfan and Jenkins is to make Relic Arena more accessible to newcomers compared to Ability Arena, which demanded Dota knowledge. The removal of this requirement aims to open the game to a broader audience while retaining the deep gameplay that challenges and enthralls players.
With Relic Arena, SUNSfan and Jenkins aspire to create an engaging gaming experience that seamlessly combines history, strategy, and the beloved auto-battler genre. As development progresses, players can anticipate more revelations about the game’s features, characters, and the fascinating world of Relic Arena.
Gaimin Gladiators' Dyrachyo Reflects on TI12 Loss and Team's Resolve
Anton “dyrachyo” Shkredov, carry for Gaimin Gladiators [GG], recently shared his heartfelt reflections on the team’s loss to Team Spirit in The International 2023 (TI12) grand final. Despite the 0:3 defeat,
Dyrachyo, while expressing a degree of disappointment, credited Team Spirit for their exceptional skill and acknowledged their well-deserved victory, avoiding succumbing to tears. Gaimin Gladiators, after an impressive year with victories in multiple events, including three DPC Majors, two DreamLeague tournaments, and the inaugural BetBoom Dacha, reached the grand final of TI12.
However, Team Spirit secured a clean sweep, claiming the Aegis and becoming the second team to lift it twice. Following the finals, Dyrachyo, who fell ill during the tournament, disclosed the emotional intensity of the experience, revealing a moment where he almost shed tears while discussing the team’s journey with his teammates and coach. Despite the challenges and illness, Gaimin Gladiators opted to maintain their roster, showcasing confidence in their players’ potential.
Looking ahead, the team is set to compete in ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, aiming to rebound and prove their resilience against BetBoom Team and Team Secret on the first day of the tournament. Gaimin Gladiators’ commitment underscores their belief in overcoming setbacks and emerging stronger in the competitive Dota 2 scene.
Valve Teases Festive Delights with Dota 2 Frostivus 2023 Event
As The International 2023 concludes, the Dota 2 community is in for another treat with the imminent arrival of the much-anticipated Frostivus event in December. Valve, in a recent news post on the Dota 2 website, has promised a celebration that will loom large on the December calendar. The company is working diligently to polish every aspect of the event, ensuring a multi-week extravaganza filled with new features, cosmetics, and surprises.
The focus has shifted entirely to Frostivus after the culmination of The International 2023, promising a winter-themed spectacle that captivates the Dota 2 player base. The event has historically brought a festive atmosphere to the game, and this year seems no different, with Valve hinting at a sack full of content to spread holiday cheer.
Amidst the delay of the Arcanas, Valve tantalizingly teases a host of other updates planned for Dota 2, beyond the realms of both Frostivus and Arcanas. The promise of future content updates adds an air of excitement and anticipation, giving players ample reasons to stay engaged with the game during the holiday season.
While Frostivus takes center stage with its festive offerings, the Dota 2 community can expect a winter wonderland of announcements, events, and updates. Valve’s commitment to delivering a memorable gaming experience remains unwavering, and as the holiday season approaches, players can look forward to the magic of Frostivus and the promise of exciting content on the horizon. Stay tuned for more details and revel in the festivities as Dota 2 ushers into the winter spirit.
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