As The International 13 (TI13) approaches, the Dota 2 landscape has dramatically evolved, introducing a new generation of players and teams that are poised to make their mark. While the legends of old have mostly phased out, new contenders are ready to continue the legacy. Here are some standout teams and players to keep an eye on at this year’s tournament.
A New Era of Dota 2
The last few years have seen significant changes in Dota 2, both in gameplay and the competitive scene. If a player from TI5 were to see today’s game, they would find it almost unrecognizable.
Concepts like the aggressive tri-lane or the Side Shop are relics of the past, replaced by new strategies and meta shifts. The old guard has mostly stepped aside, making room for fresh talent and innovative playstyles. This year’s TI will showcase these new stars, with few returning veterans.
Teams and Players to Watch
Team Spirit: The Fan Favorites
Team Spirit stands out as one of the premier teams in the world. They have achieved the rare feat of winning two Internationals, a testament to their skill and synergy. The team blends the seasoned leadership of Miposhka with the youthful prowess of players like Collapse and Yatoro.
Collapse is known for his uncounterable offlane picks, while Yatoro’s extensive hero pool makes him a formidable opponent. Since their triumph at The International 2021, Team Spirit has maintained their momentum and shows no signs of slowing down.
Team Falcons: The ATF & Malr1ne Show
Emerging as a dominant force, Team Falcons has quickly risen to prominence. Despite being a relatively new team, they have shown exceptional prowess, often going undefeated in their matches.
Key players to watch are Amar “ATF” Al-Assaf, an offlaner known for his aggressive play and banter, and Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak, a midlaner who consistently outperforms his opponents. Their combination of skill and confidence makes Team Falcons a formidable contender.
Talon Esports: New Stars from SEA
Representing Southeast Asia, Talon Esports fought their way through the closed qualifiers to secure their spot at TI13. Under the guidance of coach Pieliedie, Talon has shown significant growth.
The team features experienced players like Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman and Tri “Jhocam” Kuncoro, alongside emerging talent. Talon’s dominant performance in the qualifiers, dropping only one game to Execration, positions them as a team to watch.
1Win: The “Sweedenstrong Stack”
From the CIS region, 1Win, formerly known as the “sweedenstrong stack,” has made a name for themselves. Despite forming earlier this year, they have already achieved significant success, winning the Closed Eastern European Qualifier against teams like Navi, 9Pandas, and Virtus Pro.
Georgii “swedenstrong” Zainalabidov leads the team, bringing a fresh and dynamic playstyle to the competitive scene.
The Rising Stars
While these teams and players are highlighted, the roster of talent at TI13 is extensive. Each team has earned their spot through hard-fought battles and strategic excellence, making the tournament a showcase of the best Dota 2 has to offer.
Team Spirit Triumphs Over Gaimin Gladiators to Win 1win Series Dota 2 Summer Championship