Cover-Credits:
Valve
As the culmination of Dota 2's competitive season, the International (TI) brings with it some intense action from the best teams in the world, among other things. The all-star match is an event that has become quite popular at TI over the years. The match, which has seen not only professional players but also casters, analysts, and even AI bots be a part of it, was however, omitted for the first time since 2012. Valve did not announce when the all-star match would be held, but it usually takes place on the final day of the event. However, TI12 saw other events take place on 30th Oct 2023, but the all-star match was not scheduled.
TI12 did not have an all-star match
Valve has largely remained silent on all-star games in the past few years and considering the trajectory, it was expected that it would just happen on the final day.
As per tradition, both the cosplay and short film competitions were held between the lower bracket final and the grand final, attracting both online and offline audiences, but the all-star competition was surprisingly nowhere to be seen.
At TI11, an Ability Draft Bo1 was conducted as part of the show match amongst casters from the event's several official languages. Here is a rundown of all-star games since 2013 which is when they were first held.
There is always a lot of excitement surrounding all-star games because they offer players some light gameplay as well as the chance to watch their favorite players compete together. This event is usually held on the final day of the tournament and helps bring a sense of calm during a stressful time between the lower bracket final and the grand final.
Nigma Galaxy's Amer "Miracle-" Al-Barkawi and former OG captain Johan "N0tail" Sundstein are two of the most frequent attendees at this event. Thanks to their extensive fanbase, they consistently rank among the most voted players when competing TI professionals are involved in all-star games
The all-star has been confined to casters and livestreamers for the previous two years, with players taking a step back. Given the timing, while it is entertaining for viewers, players who have lost may be reluctant to join the stage, whilst the two finalists are focused on their upcoming series
Valve did not explain why the all-star game was skipped at TI12, a first in 11 years.
