Chasing Legacy at TI12: Dota 2's Two-Time and Three-Time TI Hopefuls

In the world of Dota 2 esports, few accolades are as revered as The International (TI) championship. To be able to claim the title of a ‘multiple champion’ is a mark of great pride.

This time, The International has landed in Seattle, Washington where the best teams and pros will look to overcome challenges to be named the Dota 2 champion of the year. As we gear up for The International 2023 (TI12), a roster of seasoned and accomplished players is ready to battle once more on the grandest stage. With numerous TI titles between them, many of these players are determined to solidify their legacy as the best in the game, by becoming a multiple TI champion.

Here are some of the two-time and three-time hopefuls in The International’s history.

Topson's Epic Quest for a THIRD TI Win: Can He Make Dota 2 History in Seattle?

Leading the pack of hopeful champions is none other than Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen from Tundra Esports. His journey to stardom began with OG, where he secured back-to-back TI championships in 2018 (TI8) and 2019 (TI9). Now, with Tundra Esports, Topson aims to become a three-time TI champion and further etch his name in Dota 2 history. Topson and Tundra Esports will have to overcome tough competition in Quest Esports, Talon Esports, Team SoloMid (TSM), and Vivo Keyd Stars, for a shot at the Aegis.

Double Trouble: Meet the Players Looking to Claim Their Second Aegis at TI12!

Accompanying Topson are a group of players who have each tasted victory at The International at least once before.

Notably, Oliver "skiter" Lepko, Neta "33" Shapira, Leon "Nine" Kirilin, and Jingjun "Sneyking" Wu, all from Tundra Esports, were part of the winning squad at TI11. They are currently defending the Aegis of the Immortal and seek to join an elite group of players who have won multiple TI titles.

Zhang "y`" Yiping is another two-time hopeful. He secured victory at TI6 with Wings Gaming and is currently playing for LGD Gaming at TI12. LGD Gaming has been known to finish in the upper echelons of the tournament in the past years.

Ivan "MinD_ContRoL" Ivanov, found himself in a unique position during the TI12 qualifiers. Having previously tasted glory as part of Team Liquid at TI7, he was determined to make his mark again. However, things took an unexpected turn when his team, Nigma Galaxy, failed to secure a qualifying spot for TI12. However, his TI journey did not end there. In a surprising twist, he was called up as a stand-in player for Team SMG after Natthaphon “Masaros” Ouanphakdee could not get his visa for the tournament.

The four horsemen from Team Spirit - Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk , Yaroslav "Miposhka" Naidenov, Myroslav "Mira" Kolpakov, and Magomed "Collapse" Khalilov- who were the victors of TI10, are now aiming to claim the Aegis again at TI12. They have not backed down from a challenge and have been repeatedly proving themselves on the international stage. Notably, Team Spirit won the Riyadh Masters 2023 a few months earlier.

Meanwhile, Alexander "TORONTOTOKYO" Khertek, who is playing for BetBoom Team, is also looking to repeat the success he had at TI10 with Team Spirit.

These players have shown time and time again that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level of Dota 2 esports. Their combined experience and expertise are expected to make The International 2023 (TI12) an electrifying event.

A seasoned veteran and the winner of TI1 in 2011 with Natus Vincere, Clement "Puppey" Ivanov, will be missing out on the chance to become a two-time TI champion this year.

The Dota 2 community was left in shock when legendary player and Puppey saw his remarkable TI streak come to an abrupt end. Puppey, the only player to have attended every single edition of The International, had his impressive streak broken during the TI12 Western Europe (WEU) qualifier, after Team Secret failed to make it to TI12.

As fans around the world gear up for the tournament, the question on everyone's mind is whether these TI winners can add to their already impressive legacy. With past victories under their belts, they have a unique opportunity to further establish themselves as some of the best Dota 2 players of all time.