How to Bet on Dota 2 The International
Dota 2, the highly acclaimed multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) developed by Valve, has captivated gaming enthusiasts worldwide since its launch in 2013.
Known for its complexity and strategic depth, Dota 2 has emerged as a dominant force in the esports landscape. At the heart of this competitive phenomenon lies The International (TI), an event of unparalleled magnitude that beckons both players and spectators from across the globe. In the astonishing year of 2022, TI shattered records by amassing an astonishing prize pool exceeding $18 million, cementing its legacy as the largest single-event prize pool in the history of esports.
Dota 2's intricate gameplay necessitates teamwork, tactical acumen, and mechanical finesse from its participants. The central objective is to annihilate the adversary's Ancient, rendering it a fiercely strategic and intense experience. Dota 2's competitive ecosystem thrives with vitality, with The International serving as its zenith.
The International symbolizes the culmination of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) season, attracting the crème de la crème of Dota 2 teams. It transcends being merely a tournament; it metamorphoses into a global cultural phenomenon, where fans from every corner of the world unite to support their cherished teams. Endowed with a colossal prize pool and a massive viewership, The International stands as the ideal launchpad for Dota 2 betting enthusiasts.
This article will take you on a journey of Dota 2 betting, focusing particularly on The International. We will navigate through the origins and evolutionary path of this prestigious tournament, dissect the intricate process of team selection, unveil the schedule for TI 2023, and shine a spotlight on the hosting city for this year's epic showdown in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Moreover, we will introduce you to the formidable teams competing in TI 2023 and offer an in-depth analysis of the popular betting markets, equipping you with the knowledge to make astute wagers on this monumental esports extravaganza.
Join us on this exhilarating journey into the realm of Dota 2 betting!
The Origins of The International
The International had humble beginnings in 2011, when Valve decided to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Dota 2 with a tournament. The inaugural TI featured a groundbreaking prize pool of $1.6 million, a substantial portion of which came from crowdfunding by the passionate Dota 2 community.
The success of the first TI laid the foundation for what would become the most prestigious tournament in Dota 2. It has been held annually since then, with each edition featuring a more substantial prize pool than the last. In 2022, TI's prize pool reached an astonishing $18 million, setting a new standard for esports.
The format of The International has evolved over the years while retaining its core essence. The tournament typically begins with a group stage, where teams are divided into groups and play round-robin matches. The top-performing teams from each group advance to the playoffs, which feature a single-elimination bracket.
In the early years of TI, the group stage employed a best-of-one format, adding an element of unpredictability. However, this format shifted to best-of-two in 2014, offering teams more opportunities to display their skills. The playoffs have consistently featured a best-of-three format, with the grand finals adopting a best-of-five format for added intensity.
One of the significant format changes occurred in 2017 with the introduction of the Wild Card stage. The Wild Card stage is a single-elimination bracket featuring the bottom two teams from each group in the group stage. The victor of the Wild Card stage secures a spot in the playoffs, injecting an exciting twist into the competition.
Throughout these format changes, The International has remained the apex Dota 2 tournament, attracting the world's best teams and offering an unprecedented prize pool.
The International Format
The International features a lineup of 20 teams from various regions worldwide. Twelve teams earn their slots based on their performance in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) rankings, with the remaining eight securing their positions through Regional Qualifiers. These qualifiers are conducted in six Dota Pro Circuit regions: North America, South America, Southeast Asia, China, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe.
The tournament unfolds in three distinct stages:
Group Stage - The initial phase sees the 20 teams divided into four groups of five each. A round-robin format is employed, with every team playing against each other once. The top two teams from each group advance to the upper bracket of the playoffs, while the bottom two find themselves in the lower bracket.
Playoffs - The playoffs feature a double-elimination bracket, ensuring that even teams facing early setbacks have a chance to mount a comeback. The first round of the lower bracket employs a single-elimination format, leading to teams being eliminated from the tournament. The remaining lower bracket teams continue in a double-elimination format until only one remains.
Finals Weekend - The lower bracket victor confronts the upper bracket runner-up, with the winner earning the coveted second spot in the grand finals. The climactic showdown transpires in the grand finals to determine The International champion.
All playoff matches are contested in a best-of-three format, with the grand finals intensifying the competition with a best-of-five format.
Team selection for The International is a multifaceted process that ensures fairness and competitiveness. Twelve teams secure their TI berths through their performance in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). The DPC season encompasses three tours, with the top four teams from each tour directly qualifying for TI. This system rewards consistency and excellence throughout the competitive season.
The remaining eight teams embark on their journey through Regional Qualifiers, held in the six Dota Pro Circuit regions. The top two teams from each Regional Qualifier claim coveted spots at The International. These qualifiers are highly competitive, as teams that couldn't secure a direct invite through the DPC rankings battle fiercely for their TI dream.
Last-chance qualifiers offer a final opportunity for teams that fell short in both the DPC rankings and the Regional Qualifiers. The top two teams from these last-chance qualifiers clinch the remaining TI slots, ensuring that every region has representation at the tournament.
This comprehensive team selection process reflects the commitment to equity and competition that defines The International.
Dota 2 The International Teams
Team Liquid
Team Liquid is a Dutch esports organization founded in 2000. The team has a strong Dota 2 division, which has won multiple major tournaments including The International 2017. Team Liquid is known for its aggressive playstyle and its ability to adapt to different metas.
Team Spirit
Team Spirit is a Russian esports organization founded in 2015. The team won The International 2021 in a Cinderella story run, becoming the first Eastern European team to win the tournament. Team Spirit is known for its strong team fighting and its ability to draft creative strategies.
TSM
TSM is an American esports organization founded in 2009. The team has a long and storied history in Dota 2, but it has not won any major tournaments in recent years. TSM is known for its young and talented roster, led by veteran player Matthew "Ceb" Debaise.
Talon Esports
Talon Esports is a Hong Kong esports organization founded in 2017. The team has quickly become one of the top Dota 2 teams in Southeast Asia. Talon Esports is known for its aggressive playstyle and its ability to execute on complex strategies.
Popular Dota 2 The International Betting Markets
The following are some of the most popular Dota 2 The International betting markets:
Match Winner - This is the simplest and most popular betting market. You bet on odds, which team will win the match.
Map Handicap - This betting market allows you to bet on which team will win a certain number of maps. For example, you could bet on Team A to win (-1.5) maps, which means that they must win the match 2-0 or 2-1.
Total Maps - This betting market allows you to bet on the total number of maps that will be played in a match. For example, you could bet on the total maps to be over 2.5, which means that the match must go to at least three maps.
First Blood - This betting market allows you to bet on which team will draw first blood, which is the first kill of the game.
First Roshan - This betting market allows you to bet on which team will kill Roshan first. Roshan is a powerful neutral creep that can provide a significant advantage to the team that kills it.
First Tower - This betting market allows you to bet on which team will destroy the first tower. Towers are defensive structures that protect your bases.
Correct Score - This betting market allows you to bet on the exact score of the match. For example, you could bet on Team A to win 2-0.
In addition to these popular traditional sports betting and markets, there are also a number of other more niche betting markets available, such as:
Team to Kill X Hero First - This betting market allows you to bet on esports odds of which team will kill a certain hero first.
Total Kills - This betting market allows you to bet on the total number of kills that will be scored in a match.
Total Towers Destroyed - This betting market allows you to bet on the total number of towers that will be destroyed in a match.
Total Roshan Kills - This betting market allows you to bet on the total number of Roshan kills that will be scored in a match.
The availability of betting markets will vary depending on the bookmaker that you choose. However, most online bookmakers will offer a wide range of betting markets for The International matches.
Live Betting on The International at LeoVegas
LeoVegas, a leading online sportsbook and casino platform, offers an exhilarating live betting experience for Dota 2 The International. Live betting, often referred to as in-play betting, enables users to place wagers in real-time as the matches unfold.
This dynamic feature adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement for esports betting enthusiasts. With live betting, you can react to the evolving dynamics of a match, adjusting your bets based on the in-game action. Whether it's a sudden team fight, a game-changing kill, or a critical Roshan takedown, live betting allows you to capitalize on shifting odds and make informed decisions on the fly.
LeoVegas provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of live betting options for The International matches. It's an ideal platform for those who relish the thrill of both esports games and betting and want to be at the forefront of the action as it transpires on the virtual battlegrounds.
Dota 2 The International FAQ
Where is Dota 2 International 2023?
The International 2023 (TI12) is scheduled to take place at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, USA.
How do you qualify for the International Dota?
Twelve teams secure their spots in TI through the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) rankings, while the remaining eight teams earn their positions via Regional Qualifiers.
What is the prize pool for TI 2023?
While the prize pool for TI 2023 has yet to be officially announced, it is anticipated to surpass $20 million, potentially breaking new esports records.
Who is qualified for TI 2023?
TI 2023 boasts a roster of formidable teams, including Team Spirit, OG, PSG.LGD, Team Liquid, TSM, Nigma Galaxy, beastcoast, Evil Geniuses, Tundra Esports, Hokori, Shopify Rebellion, and BOOM Esports.
Who is the youngest player to win TI?
The youngest TI champion is Miracle-, who attained victory with Team Liquid in 2017 at the tender age of 17.
Read more about esports betting in our guides: