In a groundbreaking move for the Dota 2 scene, South America is sending four teams to The International 2023 (TI12) scheduled for October.
This marks a historic moment as it’s the first time South America has ever had such a strong representation at Dota’s premier event.
Alongside Evil Geniuses (EG) and beastcoast, who secured their spots based on DPC points during the regular season, Keyd Stars and Thunder Awaken have also qualified for TI12.
This achievement is particularly notable for Keyd Stars, who re-entered the Dota 2 scene this year after a hiatus since 2016.
The region has been showing consistent growth in competitive Dota over recent years. The decision of EG to form an entirely new roster in South America was an early indicator that 2023 would be a significant year for the region. Despite some challenges, teams like Thunder Awaken have consistently posed strong competition.
Following the qualification of both EG and beastcoast for TI12 after the final major of the regular season, Valve announced that South America would receive two additional regional qualifier spots.
This move underscores the global recognition of the region’s potential and growth.
Despite a lackluster performance during the regular season, Keyd Stars revamped their roster by signing João “4nalog” Giannini and Gustavo “fcr” Ribeiro. This strategic decision paid off as they dominated the SA qualifier bracket, securing their ticket to TI.
After facing a setback against Keyd Stars in the second round, Thunder Awaken showcased their resilience by fighting their way through the lower bracket. This will be their third consecutive appearance at TI, a commendable feat given the entirely new roster compared to the previous season.
This year’s TI will see four South American teams competing, surpassing the previous record set at TI10. The International 2023 promises to be a landmark event for the region, with matches for the group stage kicking off on October 12.
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