Are you excited? You should be, because The International returns! Esports events thrive on their energy, and this one is no different. Few tournaments match the electrifying intensity of witnessing the best Dota 2 teams in the world clashing heads for eternal glory and Aegis of Champions.
If you’re looking for heart-stopping esports matches, your search ends right here. This guide will be your front-row seat to all of the action. Learn everything about The International 2023, including the schedule, tournament format, teams, and how you can stream it.
Here at Thunderpick we’re also very excited as The International 2023 will see the extension of our Evil Geniuses partnership to also include their Dota 2 roster.
When is The International 2023?
The International 2023 runs off from Oct. 12 to 29. This year, Valve has innovated the format for enhanced fan experience. Activities span three weekends, with Group Stage (Phases 1 and 2) matches set for Oct. 12-15, Playoffs on Oct. 20-22, and The Finals from Oct. 27-29.
The Road to The International
The Group Stage sees four groups of five teams competing over two days, focusing on four crucial matches instead of the nine like last year’s event in Singapore. Phase 1 (Oct. 12-13) will be played in a single, best-of-two round-robin format, with the top sixteen teams advancing to the next phase.
The bottom team of each group is eliminated. Phase 2 (Oct. 14-15) will see these teams clash in best-of-three matches. The top eight teams in Phase 2 of the Group Stage will seed into the Upper Bracket of the Playoffs (Oct. 20), and the eight bottom squads will seed into the Lower Bracket (Oct. 21-22).
The International
All Playoffs matches will be intense best-of-three clashes, culminating in the ultimate showdown: The International 2023 (“The Finals”) between Oct. 27-29. The top eight teams will face off in a double-elimination bracket, with the finale being a thrilling best-of-five Grand Finals.
Where is The International Being Held in 2023?
The International 2023 will return to Seattle, Washington. The Group Stage and Playoffs will be held at the Seattle Convention Center’s Summit, while The Finals will go down at the iconic Climate Pledge Arena. With its cutting-edge facilities, the venue promises an unmatched viewing experience.
Its selection reaffirms Seattle’s place at the heart of the Dota 2 universe, and it’s a city that has previously felt the pulse and fervor of past TIs. The return to Seattle also signifies The International 2023’s homecoming, welcoming the largest audience in TI’s illustrious history.
Every beat, every clash, every victory will reverberate louder in a place that celebrates the essence of Dota. It’s a powerful nod to where it all began, an ode to our legacy.
Which Teams are Competing in The International 2023?
The International 2023 will witness fierce competition as 20 of the top Dota 2 teams in the world battle for the prestigious Aegis of Champions. As of now, 12 teams have secured their spots, showcasing their unparalleled prowess in the game.
Direct Invited Teams
The following squads have proven their skills in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), earning direct invitations.
- Team Liquid
- Gaimin Gladiators
- Tundra Esports
- Evil Geniuses
- 9Pandas
- PSG.LGD
- Shopify Rebellion
- Talon Esports
- Beastcoast
- Team Spirit
- TSM
- BetBoom Team
Regional Qualifier Teams
Eight additional slots are up for grabs via six Regional Qualifiers. These span North America, China, South America, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Western Europe, ensuring a diverse and electrifying mix of talent.
- Nouns – North America
- Keyd Stars – South America
- Thunder Awaken – South America
- Entity – Western Europe
- Quest Esports – Western Europe
- Virtus.pro – Eastern Europe
- Azure Ray – China
- Team SMG – SouthEast Asia
How Do Teams Qualify?
The International 2023 is the crowning event of the Dota Pro Circuit Season. Earning a spot in Valve’s flagship Dota 2 tournament is no easy feat.
The top 12 teams from the DPC standings receive direct invitations. But there’s more room! Another eight slots are up for grabs through Regional Qualifiers. Here’s the twist: six regions will compete for these spots, with each regional qualifier differing in the number of slots they provide.
For instance, North America and China get one slot each, South America bags two, while Eastern Europe gets one. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia and Western Europe receive one and two places, respectively.
What is the Prize for the Winner?
The International 2023 sees teams fiercely battling not just for the coveted Aegis of Champions but also for a staggering prize pool. Historically, the tournament has boasted prize pools exceeding $20 million, making it one of the esports realm’s grandest spectacles.
For 2023, however, Valve has introduced a notable change. Instead of the traditional crowdfunding through Battle Pass, Valve will directly fund the prize pool, kickstarting it at a base amount of $3 million.
Additional crowdfunding methods are anticipated, albeit not via Battle Pass, which promises an even heftier prize. The exact breakdown for each placement, from the champions down to the final spot, has yet to be disclosed.
Once revealed, it will offer clarity on how the riches will be distributed amongst the competing titans. But this will be the first time The International 2023 prize pool is not linked to the Battle Pass.
How Can I Watch The International 2023?
Not able to catch the games live in Seattle? Don’t sweat it. You can watch the official Dota 2 TI Twitch channel for real-time action. More of a YouTube fan? Don’t fret! Simulcast your excitement or watch replays of all the matches at The International 2023 over at the Dota 2 YouTube channel.
But here’s the cherry on top for the dedicated Dota 2 aficionados: You can boot up your game and catch the epic battles unfold right in the in-game client, under the “Watch” section. With matches spanning from Oct. 12 to 29, a wealth of heart-stopping moments await.
Where Can I Buy Tickets?
You can buy tickets for both event stages of The International 2023 online. For “The Road To The International’s Playoff Stage,” they’ll be available at The Seattle Convention Center’s Summit. For the main event, “The International,” tickets are for the Climate Pledge Arena.
Both sets of tickets will go on sale later this month (August 2023). Specific details will be released closer to the sale date. Make sure you’re ready to secure your spot when tickets go live to avoid disappointment; the tickets for the 2022 event sold out within minutes!
Looking Ahead to The International 2023
As The International 2023 reaches its climax, the world’s eyes turn towards Dota’s future TI champions. But while the games unfold, why not take your passion to the next level? Dive into the exhilarating realm of esports betting with Thunderpick!
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Ready to level up your TI 2023 experience? Discover more on Thunderpick, where esports and betting unite.
