TI 2023: Legendary Players and Premier Orgs Left on the Sidelines
The Dota 2 community is no stranger to the intense drama and emotions that unfold during The International (TI) qualifiers. Each year, aspiring teams battle it out for a chance to compete on the world stage, and while some emerge victorious, others face the bitter taste of disappointment. TI 2023 was no exception, as the qualifiers brought forth a stark reality – legendary players and premier organizations that had once dominated the scene would not be making the journey to this year’s TI.
Here’s a sobering look at some of the legendary players and organizations that failed to secure their TI 2023 spots:
Secret.Puppey – A New Era Dawns: This year marks the first time since the inception of TI that Clement “Puppey” Ivanov won’t be gracing the tournament with his presence. Puppey, who has been a constant figure in TIs throughout the years, is notably absent, signifying a significant shift in the competitive landscape. Team Secret, the organization he represents, will also not be participating, despite their outstanding second-place finish in last year’s TI.
Nigma.Kuroky – Repeated Heartbreak: Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi, one of the most prominent captains and support players in the history of Dota 2, will miss TI for the second consecutive year. His absence from the tournament is a stark reminder of how competitive the scene has become, with fewer spots available and more hungry teams vying for a chance at glory. Nigma, the organization associated with KuroKy, will also be watching from the sidelines.
Dendi and B8 – A Missed Opportunity: The name Danil “Dendi” Ishutin resonates deeply with Dota 2 fans worldwide. However, despite his legendary status, Dendi’s squad, B8, failed to secure a spot at TI 2023. It’s a missed opportunity for fans to witness the iconic mid player in action on the biggest stage.
OG – Absence of Champions: The esteemed organization OG, known for its historic back-to-back TI wins in 2018 and 2019, will not be gracing TI 2023 with its presence. OG’s absence leaves a void in the tournament, as the team and its charismatic players have always been crowd favorites.
China’s Transition: As a region, China has historically been a dominant force in Dota 2. However, the departure of veteran players and the challenge of producing new talent have taken a toll. China’s presence at TI 2023 reflects this transition, as they have moved from being the majority of participating teams to securing only one slot at the event.
While the absence of these legendary players and premier organizations may leave a void in the hearts of fans, it also signifies the dawn of a new era. The rise of new talents, the emergence of fresh organizations, the growth of regional leagues, and the infusion of new blood into the game all promise an exciting future for Dota 2 esports. As the TI 2023 stage is set, the competition will be fiercer than ever, with new names and stories ready to be written in the annals of Dota 2 history
