In a year filled with surprises, Dota 2’s The International 12 (TI12) has surpassed every expectation, serving as a testament to the dynamic nature of competitive esports. With underdogs leaving their mark and seasoned champions finding the going tough, TI 2023 is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable in its illustrious history.
The Rise of Wild Cards
The path to the main stage of TI12 was an unpredictable journey, beginning with 20 world-class teams. Half of them faced elimination before the main stage, with the remaining eight teams holding strong, demonstrating their mettle. Among these, while a few were expected to shine, many emerged as unexpected contenders, stealing the spotlight.
The Final Eight qualifying teams for The International are now set. The fight for the Aegis of Champions continues this Friday at Climate Pledge Arena!#dota2 #ti12 pic.twitter.com/8BiJt8GqRD
— The International (@dota2ti) October 23, 2023
Group A’s Unforeseen Dominance
Contrary to predictions, Group A saw Team Spirit rise as a dominant force. Their impressive performances in the latter half of the DPC 2023, notably clinching the Riyadh Masters and DreamLeague Season 21 titles, were indicators of their formidable presence. As TI10 champions, Team Spirit is now in the spotlight, being among the frontrunners for the TI12 crown.
The Survival of the Fittest in Group B
Labelled the “group of death,” Group B’s fierce competition was evident. Despite fan predictions of mutual knockouts, Team Liquid, BetBoom Team, and Azure Ray proved their worth by securing their places on the main stage. Consequently, three top contenders for the upper bracket hail from Groups A and B: Team Spirit, Team Liquid, and Azure Ray.
Underdogs of Group C Steal the Show
Group C was a revelation, with underdog teams showcasing exceptional gameplay to secure main-stage spots. LGD Gaming’s ascent to the upper bracket was the standout performance of this group. In contrast, Gaimin Gladiators, despite their dominant DPC run, found themselves grappling in the lower bracket.
Nouns, the North American sensation, defied odds to emerge as one of the stalwarts, eclipsing established teams like Shopify Rebellion and TSM. Furthermore, Virtus.Pro, often overlooked in fan speculations, secured their deserving place in the coveted top eight.
Group D’s Disheartening Exit
The heartbreak story of the tournament belongs to Group D. Not a single team from this group made it to the main stage. Tundra Esports, the reigning TI champions, faced a shocking exit at the hands of Entity. However, Entity’s journey was cut short by Virtus.Pro, adding another twist to the tale.
Betting Predictions:
When it comes to betting, if you’re looking to place money on a team and are undecided, we’re here to guide you. The top contender is undoubtedly Team Spirit. The team has confidently reached this stage, giving up only one map throughout the entire tournament and remaining the team to beat.
On the other hand, LGD Gaming trails closely behind them, posing as Spirit’s primary competitor. Both are expected to make it to the final stages. In the lower brackets, Gladiators are anticipated to overcome Nouns and move forward. However, Team Nouns might spring a surprise here. BetBoom would be the third team to consider.
In any case, it’s advisable to bet on Team Spirit. Without a doubt, they are the safest bet and the ones likely to clinch the tournament. You can do your bet in the 22Bet oficial site!
Do your Bet!
As the main stage is set to unfold from October 27 to 29, the elimination of Tundra Esports ensures that TI12 will witness the crowning of new champions. The question on everyone’s mind is: Who will seize the Aegis of Champions this year? With an event as unpredictable as TI 2023, fans worldwide await with bated breath.