Cover-Credits:
The anticipation is in the air as The International 2023 (TI12), Dota 2's marquee tournament, is just around the corner. With a staggering prize pool exceeding $2,800,000 USD, 20 elite teams are poised to etch their names on the Aegis of the Immortal.
Twelve of these distinguished teams earned their tickets to The International through the final Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) rankings at the end of the competitive season. Meanwhile, the remaining eight contenders fought valiantly in open and closed qualifiers within their respective regions to seize their chance to ascend the grand stage.
The tournament is set to kick off on 12th October and the Grand finale will be held on 26th October, 2023. The hallowed grounds for The International 2023 will be none other than Seattle, Washington. Meanwhile, the playoff weekend is scheduled to take place at the Seattle Convention Center's Summit, with the final weekend set to unfold at the renowned Climate Pledge Arena.
Here's all the teams that qualified for TI12.
TI12: Dota Pro Circuit Direct Invitees
The twelve teams that secured their spots through the DPC points system are as follows:
Team Liquid
Gaimin Gladiators
Evil Geniuses
Shopify Rebellion
Tundra Esports
Talon Esports
9Pandas
Team Spirit
LGD Gaming
beastcoast
Team SoloMid (TSM)
BetBoom Team
Teams that Made It Through the Regional Qualifiers
The remaining eight teams battled through regional qualifiers to secure their berths:
Nouns Esports (North America)
Keyd Stars (South America)
Thunder Awaken (South America)
Entity (Western Europe)
Quest Esports (Western Europe)
Virtus.pro (Eastern Europe)
Azure Ray (China)
Team SMG (Southeast Asia)
Notable teams in this tournament
The upcoming Dota 2 extravaganza, The International 2023, promises to be a monumental event with the presence of esteemed TI-winning teams like Team Liquid, Tundra Esports, Evil Geniuses, and Team Spirit. These titans of the game have previously tasted the glory of lifting the coveted Aegis of the Immortal, and their inclusion in the competition this year only adds to the anticipation surrounding the tournament.
While the established champions will undoubtedly command attention, it's worth keeping an eye on some formidable challengers. Gaimin Gladiators, in particular, has been on a remarkable trajectory this year. Its impressive performance includes clinching victory in three major tournaments and triumphing in two DreamLeagues. This remarkable run underscores its potential to disrupt the established hierarchy and make a significant impact at The International 2023.
On the other hand, LGD Gaming has consistently been a formidable presence in the Dota 2 competitive scene, consistently securing top-five placements in previous TIs. The burning question that hangs in the balance is whether this year will mark the culmination of its aspirations, as it seeks to etch its name on the Aegis of the Immortal.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes in the Dota 2 community will be trained on these exceptional teams, eager to witness the unfolding drama, epic battles, and the pursuit of ultimate glory in Seattle, Washington. The International 2023 is poised to be an unforgettable chapter in the annals of esports history, where legends will be made, and dreams fulfilled.
