Veteran Dota 2 fans who remember the iconic “TI Hub” from 2014 were treated to a wave of nostalgia this week as OG legend Johan “N0tail” Sundstein hosted his own version of the casual coverage stream. Joined by Grubby, Gorgc, and pieliedie, N0tail’s hub stream became the go-to destination for keeping up with the group stage of TI 2023.
The hub stream, broadcasted on Gorgc’s and OG’s Twitch channels, offered a unique way to follow the tournament. With four series happening simultaneously, the stream selected the most entertaining match while providing expert insights.
Despite working remotely as a talent member for TI 2023, Maurice “KheZu” Gutmann also made appearances on this year’s hub broadcast. Fueled by delicious treats from a private chef, including cakes, appetizers, and even a burger critiqued by Grubby, the 2023 TI hub continues to cover the tournament during Phase Two of the Road to The International.
The setup and camaraderie among the participants brought back memories of the legendary 2014 TI Hub, where all English-speaking casters and panelists gathered under one roof to cover the qualifiers. From professional Dota analysis to party games and table tennis during downtime, the hub had it all.
In addition to insightful game analysis, the hub stream entertained viewers with engaging discussions and amusing stories, including some questionable medical “opinions.” Many fans preferred the hub stream over TI 2023’s official broadcast channels, especially during the group stage. At times, the hub stream even surpassed the combined viewership of two to three group-stage channels.
However, as TI 2023 entered the second phase of the group stage, the official channel began streaming only one game at a time, allowing Valve to catch up. Currently, the main Twitch channel for TI has over 80,000 viewers, while the OG hub maintains a strong crowd of 25,000.
The Road to The International will conclude next week with the opening round of the playoff bracket, followed by the final eight teams battling for the Aegis of Champions at the Climate Pledge Arena.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
