The International 2023 initially faced criticism from Dota 2 fans due to a lackluster compendium and a low prize pool. However, the event managed to prove itself with decent viewership and top-notch production quality.
In terms of viewership, TI12 reached a peak of 1,442,274 viewers, surpassing TI8 to secure the fourth spot on the list of most-watched Dota 2 tournaments. The event’s success can be attributed to regional rivalries, high-quality production, and intense gameplay.
One of the standout moments was the EEU derby between Team Spirit and Virtus Pro on the first day of TI 2023, which attracted close to one million viewers for a regular group-stage match. This record was later broken during the fifth day when Liquid faced Gaimin Gladiators, the highly anticipated WEU grudge match of 2023.
Throughout the tournament, Dota 2 fans were pleased to witness a smooth and flawless event, unlike many other majors in the year that were plagued with production errors. Valve’s decision to bring back soundproof booths added to the integrity of gameplay and also evoked nostalgia among the fans.
Despite the lower prize pool compared to previous years, the level of gameplay and competition at TI 2023 remained exceptionally high. However, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Dota 2 scene and decreasing tournament payouts led some organizations, like Beastcoast, to make roster changes after the event.
The post-TI 2023 roster shuffle is set to take place in November, with teams looking to experiment with new combinations and complete their rosters. This period promises exciting changes and opportunities for teams who may have underperformed at TI 2023.
| Time | Match | Score |
|---|---|---|
| First day | Team Spirit vs. Virtus Pro | Close to one million viewers |
| Fifth day | Liquid vs. Gaimin Gladiators | Record-breaking viewership |
Source: DOTESPORTS
