The International 2024: Everything you need to know

The 13th edition of The International for Dota 2 kicks off today, September 4, 2024, in Copenhagen. Despite the tournament’s significance, this year’s event has been relatively low-key. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from TI13.

Dates and Format The tournament runs from September 4 to 15. The group stage will be held on September 4 and 5, featuring 16 teams divided into 4 groups. Each group will play a round-robin format with bo2 matches. The top teams from each group will advance to the upper bracket, while the others will move to the lower bracket. The top two teams from each group will select their opponents for the playoffs. The playoff matches will be played in a bo3 format. The final three days of the tournament will be held on the main stage with an audience: the group stage from September 8 to 10, and the finals from September 13 to 15.

Compendium and Prize Pool The TI13 Compendium was released on August 23, less than two weeks before the tournament. Valve has maintained its policy of not including cosmetic items, focusing instead on fantasy leagues, Oracle Challenges, and bingo. The prize pool has seen slower growth compared to previous years, with a total of just over $2.36 million as of September 3. If the prize pool remains at this level, the 13-16th place teams will receive around $35,000 each, while the winner will earn approximately $1.2 million.

Favorites and Eastern European Teams As TI13 begins, three teams are considered top contenders: Gaimin Gladiators, Team Spirit, and Falcons. Gaimin Gladiators recently won the Riyadh Masters, while Team Spirit, despite a mediocre performance in the same event, has had a strong showing this year with victories in PGL Wallachia and a second-place finish at FISSURE Universe: Episode 3. Falcons, having won most tournaments this season, are also strong contenders. Betting odds from BetBoom place Team Spirit and Gaimin Gladiators at 3.4, with Falcons slightly behind at 3.8. Xtreme Gaming, Tundra, Team Liquid, and BetBoom Team are also in contention.

Eastern European teams include Team Spirit, BetBoom Team, and 1win, which won the regional qualifier. However, 1win lacks experience at the world championship level, with only swedenstrong having participated in a major tournament previously.