Fans of Dota 2 AKA best game ever invented, will know that the most exciting time of the year is just around the corner. The International 7, baby!
There will be some noticeable changes to the format of The International, this year and some of these changes may sound like complicated mumbo jumbo. But no fear, I will break everything down in layman terms.
18 teams will be heading to Seattle for TI-7
For the longest time, 16 teams battled it out at The International. However, there will be an additional two slots this year. More teams, more fun!
Say goodbye to the wildcard matches
Since 18 teams will be heading to Seattle, the organisers of The International have decided to do away with the wildcard matches. The wildcard matches were originally created so that the runner ups of the qualifiers can battle each other for a spot in The International.
But this year?
There will only be SIX direct invites
Direct invites are reserved for teams that are considered too damn swag for qualifiers. Heck, these teams are so badass, they would most likely (though, not definitely) obliterate everyone’s as*ses even IF they had to go through the qualifying stages. It is a privilege given to the TOP teams in the world.
The number of teams getting direct invites has been reducing as the years go by. Back in 2013, 13 teams received direct invites. This number has continuously dropped since then. In 2016, only SIX teams received direct invites. The same applies to 2017.
The six direct invites are:
- OG
- Virtus.Pro
- Evil Geniuses
- Team Liquid
- Invictus Gaming
- Newbee
The main event of TI-7 will be held from 7 August – 12 August 2017
