Dota 2 Veterans Talk About What It Takes To Be a TI Champion

On 30th October, right before The International 2023 (TI12) grand finale showdown between Team Spirit and Gaimin Gladiators, Dota 2 host Natalie "NatTea" Mahoney was joined by the likes of Dota 2 Legends and TI champions Jesse "JerAx" Vainikka, Clinton "Fear" Loomis, Kurtis "Aui_2000" Ling and Danil "Dendi" Ishutin.

The panel talked about a variety of topics including Team Spirit’s potential to be two-time TI champions and also answered questions from the audience. One interesting question posed by an audience member was about what it takes to be a TI champion. Every Dota 2 veteran on the analyst table had a different take on the question: Some hilarious and some extremely helpful.

TI Champions’ Advice On Becoming a TI Champion

An audience member named Sahil asked, “For all our Archon, Herald, and Crusaders out here. What does it take to be a TI champion?”

The panelists, seasoned veterans of the game, shared their thoughts on what it takes to be a TI champion. 

Jerax, renowned for his exceptional support play, humorously remarked, "A lot of emotional damage in your public matchmaking," emphasizing the grueling journey that many aspiring players must endure to climb the ranks.

Fear, a highly respected name in Dota 2 history, weighed in with a piece of practical advice. He said, "I don't think you can make the step from being Archon, Herald to TI champion. It can be your dream and aspiration, but I think the only advice I can give is just [to] play a lot of Dota. Just keep playing, and eventually, you'll play with better players, then pros, and from there, it's a slow process, but it will happen."

Fear's words of wisdom provided a roadmap for those aiming to ascend the ranks. He was honest about the process, hinting that one cannot make it to the pro scene by just having a high Dota 2 rank.

Aui_2000, another prominent figure, acknowledged the role of luck in achieving greatness in Dota 2. He stated, "I think it's a lot of luck, honestly, but I think it's also about putting yourself in a position to get lucky. As Fear said, if you keep grinding at it, that's going to open the opportunities for you." 

Aui_2000's comments highlighted the importance of both hard work and seizing opportunities in the journey to becoming a TI champion.

The last one to answer the question was Dota 2 legend Dendi. He emphasized the importance of passion and resilience. Dendi seconded Aui_2000’s and said, "I completely agree with that. You need to love the game and try not to get frustrated in your pub games, which is not a simple thing." 

Through this candid conversation, it became evident that not only skill and determination but also the love for the game and the ability to persevere through the trials of public matchmaking are essential ingredients on the path to becoming a TI champion.