Dota 2 The International 2023 Review, Ratings, Key Points, Analysis And Impression

The recent culmination of Dota 2’s crown jewel, The International 2023, stands as a testament to the sport’s grandeur. This spectacular event, hosted at the Seattle Convention Centre’s Summit and Climate Pledge Arena, brought together the world’s most skilled gamers, comprising 20 formidable teams competing for a colossal prize pool of $3,181,424 and the prestigious title of The International champion.

The Champion Emerges: Team Spirit’s Triumph

After two and a half weeks of intense clashes and strategic gameplay, Team Spirit emerged victorious as the two-time champion of The International. Their journey echoed the legendary success of OG, securing a place in esports history as only the second organization to achieve this remarkable feat.

The Russian powerhouse, led by Yatoro, demonstrated nearly flawless performance. They triumphed in the group stage, securing a dominant position with four victories. Their relentless pursuit continued in the playoffs, eliminating formidable opponents such as Virtus.pro and Team Liquid, culminating in a convincing three-map victory over Gaimin Gladiators in the grand finals. This victory secured them a substantial portion of the prize pool, claiming the top prize of $1,436,792.

South America’s Struggle and China’s Resurgence

The tournament shed light on the challenges faced by South American teams. Despite high expectations, their journey was marred by group stage setbacks, with no victories in the BO2 series. While Evil Geniuses and beastcoast secured positions based on DPC points, both failed to sustain their momentum. Keyd Stars and Thunder Awaken, through regional qualifications, also faced early exits, marking one of the region’s weakest showings in recent history.

On the other hand, the event witnessed a resurgence from the Chinese Dota 2 scene. Despite a challenging year, only two teams, LGD Gaming and Azure Ray, represented China at The International 2023. Both teams displayed resilience in the group stage, with LGD Gaming clinching the top spot in Group C. Their journey to the playoffs was commendable, securing a third-place finish after a compelling performance against Azure Ray.

Eastern Europe’s Ascendance and the Impact on Dota 2 Scene

Eastern Europe’s notable presence in the professional Dota 2 scene was a defining theme at The International 2023. Four representatives—Virtus.pro, BetBoom Team, Team Spirit, and 9Pandas—secured places in the final stage of the tournament, marking a significant shift in the landscape.

Although Team Spirit clinched the championship, their regional counterparts, 9Pandas and Virtus.pro, faced challenges in the playoffs, securing positions in the 9th-12th and 7th-8th places, respectively. However, their presence and competitive performances highlighted the potential and growing strength of Eastern Europe within the Dota 2 competitive sphere.

Gaimin Gladiators: A Season of Resilience and Success

Gaimin Gladiators entered The International 2023 with an impressive track record, having clinched victories in three Major tournaments and showcased consistently high rankings in regional leagues. However, a 7th-8th place finish in DreamLeague Season 21 slightly dimmed their shine, setting moderate expectations for the main event.

During the group stage of The International, Gaimin Gladiators displayed slightly less dominance but secured a place in the upper bracket. Their journey through the playoffs saw remarkable victories against renowned teams like Evil Geniuses, 9Pandas, Team Liquid, and LGD Gaming. The grand finals against Team Spirit showcased their resilience but culminated in a defeat. Despite this, Gaimin Gladiators secured a noteworthy second-place finish and a substantial prize of $383,088.

A New Era for Dota 2 Esports

The conclusion of The International 2023 marks a turning point for professional Dota 2. With the cancellation of the DPC system, the upcoming season raises questions about the qualifying methods and the roadmap for future international championships.

These changes are anticipated to reshape the competitive landscape, offering some teams more opportunities to participate in major tournaments while limiting paths to international championships for others. The uncertainty surrounding these modifications provokes curiosity about their impact on the quality and competitiveness of Dota 2 in the global esports arena.

Impressions and Analysis

The International 2023 showcased spectacular matches, stunning displays of skill, and the rise of new competitive powers in the world of Dota 2. Team Spirit’s triumph marked a historic moment, solidifying their place among the elite. The resurgence of the Chinese Dota 2 scene, the emergence of Eastern Europe, and Gaimin Gladiators’ consistent performance throughout the year were notable highlights.

The competitive landscape has evolved, with this year’s tournament indicating a potential shift in power dynamics. The impacts of these changes, as well as Valve’s plans for the future of Dota 2 esports, remain to be seen. The competitive hiatus as a result of the DPC system’s cancellation holds both promise and uncertainty for teams striving to make their mark in the upcoming season.

The International 2023 stands as a testament to the continuous evolution and excitement that Dota 2 brings to the world of esports. The era ahead promises both challenges and opportunities, setting the stage for a new chapter in the storied history of professional gaming.