TI 12: What we Know so Far

The International (TI) is the most prestigious annual Dota 2 world championship tournament, boasting the largest prize pool in esports history. With TI 12 scheduled for October 2023, the anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most thrilling tournaments yet.

The Tournament Format

TI 12 will feature 18 teams competing in a double-elimination bracket. The top 12 teams from the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) will receive invitations, while the remaining 6 teams will earn their spots through regional qualifiers.

The action will kick off with the Group Stage, where the 18 teams will be divided into 3 groups of 6. Each team will play against the others in their group once, with the top 4 from each group advancing to the Main Event.

The Main Event will then see the top 12 teams from the Group Stage compete in a single-elimination bracket until a champion is crowned. This format ensures every team gets a fair chance to showcase their skills and gives viewers an exciting journey through the tournament.

Dates & Venue

The group stage will start on October 14th, paving the way for an intense clash of the world’s top Dota 2 teams. After that, the main event will take place from October 27th to 29th, showcasing the peak of competitive Dota 2 action.

Just recently, Valve disclosed the location of the tournament. It is set to unfold in Seattle, Washington, USA, at the iconic Climate Pledge Arena.

The decision to return to Seattle is exciting for the fans, as it brings a wave of nostalgia and fond memories. The city has been the proud host of every edition of The International from 2012 to 2017, creating an indelible bond between the event and its passionate supporters.

As the clock ticks closer to October, the Dota 2 community eagerly awaits this grand gathering of talent and fierce competition, making preparations to witness history unfold once again on the hallowed grounds of The International 2023.

The Prize Pool

Although the exact prize pool for TI 12 has not been disclosed, it is expected to surpass the staggering $40 million of TI 11. Valve plans to use a new crowdfunding model, allowing fans to contribute to the prize pool through in-game purchases. 

The Battle Pass, an annual event leading up to TI, has been the primary means for fans to support the tournament and obtain exclusive in-game items. However, for TI 12, Valve is introducing a change – there will be no traditional Battle Pass. Instead, a “TI-themed update” will be rolled out, focusing on the event, players, and games. This update will still contribute to the TI prize pool, but it won’t introduce new cosmetic items.

Valve’s decision aims to deliver more diverse content throughout the year, rather than concentrating everything during the BP and TI season. The TI-themed update is expected to be released in September 2023, building excitement for the approaching championship.

The Contenders

Currently, there are 12 invited teams from Dota Pro Circuit. The top 12 teams that made the cut are: 

• Team Liquid
• Gaimin Gladiators
• Tundra Esports
• 9Pandas
• Evil Geniuses
• PSG.LGD
• Shopify Rebellion
• Talon Esports
• beastcoast
• Team Spirit
• TSM
• BetBOOM Team

In addition to those 12 teams, another 8 teams have a chance to qualify via regional qualifiers. Those 8 teams will feature one team from North America, two teams from South America, two teams from Western Europe, one team from Eastern Europe, one from China, and one from Southeast Asia. 

All the regional qualifiers will be played in August. If you think that you can predict which teams will qualify, you can place a Dota 2 bet on every match during the qualifiers while waiting for the main event.   

Conclusion

In conclusion, TI 12 is on the horizon, and the excitement among Dota 2 enthusiasts is palpable. As the most prestigious annual championship in the esports world, it promises to deliver unparalleled action and drama. The tournament format, featuring 18 skilled teams in a double-elimination bracket, ensures every team gets a fair shot at glory. From the exhilarating Group Stage to the high-stakes Main Event, viewers can expect an adrenaline-fueled journey through the world of competitive Dota 2.

Marking a return to the beloved city of Seattle, the Climate Pledge Arena will once again serve as the battleground for the pinnacle of esports competition. The venue holds deep sentimental value for fans, having hosted every edition of The International from 2012 to 2017. This reunion sparks nostalgia and creates a powerful connection between the event and its devoted supporters.