One of the highest honors for Dota 2 players is to compete at The International (TI). This year, 22 new players will make their debut on Dota 2’s grandest stage. From breakout stars to underdog teams, these debutants are ready to make their mark at The International 2024.
Here’s a closer look at the new faces and teams stepping into the spotlight for the first time.
Eastern Europe Debutants
Team 1Win has had a rollercoaster journey since forming at the end of 2023. Signed by 1Win in February 2024, this young lineup secured their TI debut after a stunning upper bracket run in the Eastern European qualifiers. Despite early setbacks, including a visa mishap that cost them a LAN tournament slot, they emerged victorious to claim the single ticket from their region.
- 1Win Debutants:
- Nikita “Munkushi~” Chepurnykh
- CHIRA_JUNIOR
- Alexander “cloud” Zakharov
- Georgii “swedenstrong” Zainalabidov
- RESPECT
Southeast Asia Debutants
Talon Esports turned heads with their unexpected qualification. Despite not appearing at any Tier 1 LANs this year, Talon secured their spot at TI13 after a dominant 2:0 sweep over Aurora in the SEA qualifiers. With only one veteran on the roster, the rest of Talon’s lineup will be making their TI debut, including the youngest member, Ws, who is just 19 years old.
- Talon Esports Debutants:
- Eljohn “Akashi” Andales
- Chung “Ws`” Wei Shen
- Tri “Jhocam” Kuncoro
- Pang Sze “ponyo” Xuan
Aurora also battled their way to TI13, with most of their roster being TI veterans. However, their newest member, Artem “lorenof” Melnick, will be making his TI debut. Despite being a Ukrainian player on a Southeast Asian team, Lorenof has quickly become a standout player to watch.
- Aurora Debutant:
- Artem “Lorenof” Melnick
China Debutants
Team Zero shocked many by becoming the first Chinese team to qualify for TI13 through the qualifiers. This young team, formed as Xtreme Gaming’s second Dota 2 team, has only played in qualifiers and one Tier 3 event this season. Their journey to TI13 is a testament to their skill and determination.
- Team Zero Debutants:
- Heming “7e” Huang
- Beyond
- Remus “ponlo” Goh Zhi Xian
- Zzq
South America Debutants
Beastcoast revealed a roster full of young, hungry talent, led by veterans Joel “MoOz” Ozambela and Pablo “Vitaly” Angulo. This year, Yheremi Kerry “payk” Paucar Arroyo, Luis Villarreal “Lumpy” Yausin, and Yelstin “elmisho” Verde will make their TI debut, showcasing the bright future of South American Dota.
- Beastcoast Debutants:
- Yheremi Kerry “payk” Paucar Arroyo
- Luis Villarreal “Lumpy” Yausin
- Yelstin “elmisho” Verde
Heroic, a Norwegian organization best known for its CS achievements, made a splash in Dota 2 by signing a South American roster. For Cedric “Davai Lama” Deckmyn, this will be his first TI appearance, despite being a well-known figure in the competitive scene.
- Heroic Debutant:
- Cedric “Davai Lama” Deckmyn
Western Europe Debutants
Team Falcons have been soaring high this season, with multiple championship titles to their name. Among their roster of veterans, Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak will be making his TI debut, bringing fresh energy to the team.
- Team Falcons Debutant:
- Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak
Tundra Esports, after a challenging year following their TI11 victory, secured the final ticket to TI13. Edgar “9Class” Naltakyan, a relatively new player with just two years of experience, will be stepping onto the TI stage for the first time.
- Tundra Esports Debutant:
- Edgar “9Class” Naltakyan
North America Debutants
With only one slot for North America at TI13, nouns emerged victorious in the regional qualifiers. Their new addition, Philipp “Copy” Bühler, will be making his TI debut, adding another layer of excitement to their journey.
- nouns Debutant:
- Philipp “Copy” Bühler
The International 2024 – A Stage for New Legends
The International 2024 will see 22 debutants across nine teams, adding fresh blood and new storylines to this prestigious event. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, this year’s tournament promises unforgettable moments as these players strive to etch their names in Dota 2 history.
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