It’s not just the gobsmacking prize pool - this year totaling over $21 million and counting, that draws so much attention. The entire package of production, narrative and high caliber gameplay puts the event over the edge as the pinnacle of all Dota 2 events, if not all esports events.
Here's our wishlist for what we'd personally like to see at The International 2017, to make it another memorable and enjoyable experience for the spectator.
1. Teach Me Senpai
Lets face it, most of us are not professional players and despite the bulk of Reddit and mid level MMR teammates trying to pass themselves off as being such masters, we all could use a lot more education and assistance in perfecting or improving our gameplay. The warm welcome and large success seen in the Kevin “Purge” Godec and Sean “Day[9]” Plott's weekly coaching session is one kernel of proof that we can improve. Purge is, and always seems to be the token Senpai for newer or aspiring players.
Known for his comprehensive introduction to the game, "Welcome to Dota, you suck", and for the Purge Plays video series which introduces and discusses Dota heroes Purge has always been at the forefront of teaching Dota. It was a no brainer for Valve to reach out to him to become part of the "Newcomer Stream" for The International 4. The stream was designed to explain the basics to first-time viewers as the event had begun to make waves and attract mainstream attention.
For TI6 we were treated to Purge the Weatherman segments, which were mostly in-depth replay analysis presented by Purge who could control the entire video clip from a touch screen to provide insight, education and suggestions. There is no doubting value of everyone having access to such extensive knowledge.
2. Here's a story....
It’s easy to get caught up in the fame or results of a favorite team or player. To see their success or even their fall from grace splattered across the big screen and associate that moment in time with them. But it’s a really good story that keeps us coming back for more, for following them to the end, for connecting to their results and journey. Storylines increase fan involvement and every team and player has a story to tell.
The International player profiles have been one way to highlight those stories. From the favorite player to the unknown, an intimate insight is granted to the viewer. Through the use of mixed media, we are brought into the lives of each player. We meet their closest family members or friends, get an inside peek into their homes and see a side of them we aren't always allowed to.
Kaci Aitchison's team interviews give another perspective. Through her quirky and beloved method she is able to draw players out. Being genuine and sincere helps to put the players at ease to open up and give little gems of insight into their true personalities. We find ourselves enthralled, moved and yearning for more – Even Joakim "Akke" Akterhall couldn’t help but become moved by the nostalgia and intimacy of their time together.
3. They are doing it!
Adrenaline pumping, heart racing and nail biting - the clutch win is what makes it exciting, leaves us craving more and coming back in hopes of finding that rush once again. The last time that The International went to all five games was in TI3 when Alliance knocked out Na’Vi 3:2.
The TI winning play has been credited to Gustav "s4" Magnusson over the years and dubbed as the million dollar coil. The deciding game, with each team tied on two wins a piece was a nail biting as the base race to the finish ensued. Both were playing chicken, waiting, holding out for the other team to make the first move away from the barracks. As Na’vi were making their escape out and away, s4 on Puck blinked in and caught three in his dream coil – cancelling out their teleports back to save base giving Jonathan "Loda" Berg and company more time to do damage. About 10 minutes later once again s4 caught out and canceled the TPs on Clement "Puppey" Ivanov and Danil "Dendi" Ishutin as Alliance were able to do then take down most of the barracks and the win.
4. The Cinderella Story
A feel good moment, an inspiration and a dream that we all share, the underdog story is one that almost everyone can connect with. Starting from the bottom, once can still achieve the impossible. They teach us that we can believe in the anything and that we can accomplish the unimaginable. The minnow comes out of nowhere – barely even a blip on the radar. The underdog, defies all the odds.
We saw it in TI5 when CDEC went from rags to riches over the course of less than two weeks. Without having a single championship title in their career, they became the first team to secure themselves a spot in the Grand Finals of TI5. It was the first time in the history of The International that a Wild Card team had advanced into the grand finals.
We saw it again in TI6 when Wings Gaming rose from the Chinese qualifiers to bringing the Aegis of Champions back to China following a spectacular 3-1 victory over Digital Chaos. Wings went from unknowns to infamous in the course of one year and soared above the rest. Digital Chaos themselves were the rejects that rose to become the Dota 2 ruling class. Several months before TI6, the team was unexpectedly formed under calamitous circumstances and written off as anything other than a real contender.
This year, thanks to the additional regions and a whopping 18 teams - there is a chance that one of several teams can emerge as this years cinderella Story.
5. #hardwork #dedication
If there is one trope that we love as much as seeing the underdog rise up to beat Goliath, it’s that hard work and dedication pay off in the end. It’s a tale as old as mankind, and Dota 2 is no exception. With over 12 million unique players a month trying their hand at Dota 2, only a select few ever get to see their names on the big stage of The International.
This year with 90 players heading to Seattle, four stand out as a true exemplification of commitment through the years. Of the four who have been to all seven iterations of The International Kuro "KuroKy" Salehi Takhasomi and Leong "DDC" Fat-meng have yet to hold the Aegis of champions in their hands. Both have come within inches - KuroKy took up 2nd place with Na'vi at TI3, DDC 3rd place with LGD Gaming at TI2.
For many, seeing one of them finally hold the trophy over their heads would be a testament to their grit, perserverance and hardwork.
Photo courtesy of Wykrhm Reddy
The International 2017
The International 2017 will take place at KeyArena, Seattle Washington. Eighteen teams from around the world will compete starting August 2nd in the group stage. Sixteen teams will advance to the main event scheduled to take place August 7-12th. The regining champions from TI6, Wings Gaming will not be on hand to defend their title, leaving the Aegis of Champions to be claimed by a new team.
Click here for results, VODs and all the other information
