Why TI14 Could Be a Historic Moment in Dota

The International has always been the peak of competitive Dota 2, but this year’s edition in Hamburg could be something very special. More than just another championship, TI14 is stacked with storylines and “what-ifs” that can redefine the history books. Let’s see why this year’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the most important in the TI’s long history. 

The First Three-Time Champions? 

No one in Dota 2 and The International history has ever won three Internationals. Back then, it was Topson who was the only three-time hopeful who was actively competing, but now, we have multiple candidates.

There are two realistic paths to that milestone. The first is Team Spirit, already two-time champions and still among the strongest teams in the world. There’s still a possibility that they’ll have to play with a stand in if Larl doesn’t recover in time but they proved at FISSURE Universe that they’re still tough to take down. If they pull it off, either Yatoro or Collapse could legitimately cement themselves as the greatest Dota players of all time. 

On the other hand, we have the sole 33 from Tundra Esports, who won TI with Tundra Esports and later lifted the Aegis with Team Liquid – both with different lineups. He’s returning with yet another completely different lineup, except for his partner in crime, Saksa, with whom he won TI11. 

If 33 wins with his third lineup, then he becomes the undisputed GOAT. The only player to win three iterations, proof that his impact transcends any roster he plays with. 

Liquid’s Shot at Back-to-Back Glory

Two-time TI winners? We have a handful of them now. But back-to-back winners? Only OG, who famously won TI8 and TI9, have accomplished such a feat. This year, Team Liquid has the chance to join them. 

Fresh off their victory last year, Liquid remains one of the most consistent rosters in the scene, even after swapping out 33 for SabeRLighT. If Liquid manages to take Hamburg by storm, they’ll become just the second team in Dota 2’s long history to claim consecutive Aegises, and their chances this year don’t look too shabby. 

The Rise of a New Generation

In any esports game, especially in Dota 2, veterans fade and new stars rise. This year could mark the moment when a new generation takes over. If PARIVISION, BetBoom Team, or Aurora were to win TI, we’ll witness the future stars of Dota 2. 

Satanic winning TI as a teenager would echo moments like SumaiL winning TI15 at 16, or Team Spirit’s young core shocking the world at TI10. On the other hand, Pure, gpk~, Nightfall, or kiyotaka could become star players for years to come. 

Every TI has some sort of “passing the torch” story, and one of these three teams might just be the one to carry Dota into its next era. 

One of the Most Competitive Seasons Ever

Part of what makes TI14 so unpredictable is just how competitive this season has been. Unlike years where one or two teams dominated the circuit, this time we’ve seen multiple champions across the Dota 2 calendar. 

The top nine teams in the world are clear as day:

• Team Liquid
• PARIVISION
• BetBoom Team
• Gaimin Gladiators
• Team Spirit
• Team Falcons
• Tundra Esports
• Aurora
• Team Tidebound

All these teams have a realistic shot at winning TI, and with this much parity, the tournament is looking to be one of the most wide-open in years. 

Could China Return to the Top?

China has one of the richest histories in Dota 2, but its last Aegis dates back all the way to Wings Gaming’s TI6 victory in 2016 – almost an entire decade ago. Since then, the region has struggled to keep up with Europe’s dominance.

But all eyes are on Team Tidebound, who recently looked sharp after winning Clavision Snow Ruyi. They also have two members of the Wings Gaming roster who won TI6. They’re far from favorites, but if they make a deep run, it could at least mark the long-awaited resurgence of Chinese Dota 2.

There’s also Xtreme Gaming, but I have doubts about how they’re going to perform. Either way, if one of these teams makes a big break, it could inspire a regeneration of talent in the scene.