Every year, the global spotlight shines on The International, Dota 2`s premier esports tournament. Millions tune in to witness the pinnacle of competitive gaming, where legends are forged and dreams are shattered. But what separates a mere championship from a legend etched forever in the annals of esports history? A recent fan poll sought to answer just that, and the verdict was emphatic: The International 2018 stands tall as the fans` all-time favorite.
The Unlikely Heroes: OG`s Epic Grand Slam at TI 2018
At the heart of TI 2018`s enduring appeal lies a story so improbable, a script no Hollywood writer would dare pen for fear of it being deemed too unrealistic. We are, of course, talking about OG. This team, a patchwork of veteran talent and new blood, began their journey not with an invitation, but with a grueling climb through the open qualifiers. In the hyper-competitive world of Dota 2, this is akin to a high school team battling their way to the Super Bowl.
Their ascent was fraught with challenges, doubters aplenty, and moments where their run seemed destined to end. Yet, with each victory, their resolve hardened, and their unconventional strategies blossomed into a devastating force. The grand final against the formidable PSG.LGD was a five-game marathon, a titanic clash of wills that pushed both teams to their absolute limits. In a nail-biting Game 5, OG completed their fairytale, winning 3:2 and clinching the Aegis of Champions. It wasn`t just a victory; it was a defiant roar against all expectations, securing 33% of the fan vote and cementing its place as the greatest TI narrative.
The Titans and Their Triumphs: Other Fan Favorites
While TI 2018 captured the hearts of the majority, other tournaments also left an indelible mark, demonstrating the rich tapestry of The International`s history.
The Record Breaker: The International 10 (2021)
Coming in a strong second place was The International 10 (2021). This tournament held the record for the largest prize pool in esports history, a staggering sum that dwarfed all predecessors. Its champion, Team Spirit, delivered another quintessential underdog narrative, beginning their journey through regional qualifiers and evolving into a dominant force. Their grand final victory, also a 3:2 thriller against PSG.LGD, was a testament to their resilience and strategic prowess. What made TI10 unique, however, was its setting: held without a live audience due to global circumstances, the grand stage, usually pulsating with human energy, was eerily silent, yet the drama was deafening.
Legends from Yesteryear: TI 2013 and TI 2017
Sharing third place with 11% of the votes each were two foundational tournaments that shaped the early and mid-eras of Dota 2 esports:
- The International 2013: Remembered for the legendary grand final between European rivals Alliance and Natus Vincere. This “El Clásico” of Dota 2 saw Alliance emerge victorious in a series filled with iconic plays and strategic masterclasses, defining an era of competitive excellence.
- The International 2017: This edition saw Team Liquid make a remarkable lower bracket run to eventually claim the Aegis. Their dominant performance in the grand finals was a masterclass in execution, showcasing the strategic depth and mechanical skill required to triumph at the highest level.
The Shifting Sands of Spectacle: What Makes a TI Memorable?
Interestingly, The International 2022, despite crowning a deserving champion in Tundra Esports with a dominant 3:0 grand final victory over Team Secret, garnered the fewest votes in the poll. This highlights an often-overlooked aspect of what truly resonates with fans: it’s not just about who wins, or even how much money is involved. It’s about the narrative, the struggle, the improbable journey, and the emotional investment. Even a clean 3-0 sweep, a display of undeniable dominance, sometimes struggles to captivate hearts in the same visceral way as a hard-fought underdog story.
The fan poll unequivocally demonstrates that while skill and prize money are paramount, the enduring legacy of The International is built on compelling narratives. From OG`s improbable ascent to Team Spirit`s quiet storm, these tournaments transcend mere competition, becoming sagas of human endeavor, resilience, and the sheer unpredictability of high-stakes esports. As Dota 2 continues to evolve, the challenge for future Internationals will be not just to crown a champion, but to craft a story that can rival the legends already etched into history.
Gilbert Pendleton