The biggest tournament of the year brings the biggest surprises as Dota 2’s The International 12 unfolds. With 20 top teams competing, more than half have been eliminated, leaving only eight to move on to the main stage. Unexpected wild cards have emerged alongside the expected favorites, making this year’s TI12 an unpredictable event.
Group A: Team Spirit Takes the Lead
In Group A, Team Spirit has emerged as the unexpected frontrunner. The Eastern European team has shown great form in the DPC 2023, winning the Riyadh Masters and DreamLeague Season 21. With their strong performance, the TI10 champions are now considered one of the favorites to win it all.
Group B: The “Group of Death”
Group B has lived up to its reputation as the “group of death.” Despite predictions of teams knocking each other out, three teams have made it to the main stage: Team Liquid, BetBoom Team, and Azure Ray. This means that three out of the eight upper bracket spots belong to teams from Group A and Group B, including Team Spirit, Team Liquid, and Azure Ray.
Group C: Surprising Underdogs
Group C has been the most surprising of all, with several underdog teams making their way to the main stage. Half of the main-stage teams come from Group C, with LGD Gaming securing the final spot in the upper bracket. On the other hand, the dominant team throughout the DPC, Gaimin Gladiators, has struggled and finds themselves in the lower bracket.
Group D Disappointment
Unfortunately, none of the teams from Group D have made it to the main stage. Even the reigning TI champions, Tundra Esports, were knocked out by Entity, who were then eliminated by Virtus.Pro. The upsets in this tournament have made it one of the most unpredictable in recent years.
New Champions Await
With Tundra Esports out of the competition, we are guaranteed new champions for TI12. The main stage will take place from October 27 to 29, and the question remains: Who will lift the Aegis of Champions this year? Stay tuned for more updates.
Source: DOTESPORTS
