In the pantheon of esports, few tournaments command the reverence and anticipation of The International (TI) for Dota 2. It is not merely a competition; it is an annual pilgrimage for fans, a crucible where legends are forged and dreams are shattered. Recently, a significant fan poll aimed to settle the perennial debate: Which TI stands as the absolute best in history? The results offer a fascinating glimpse into the collective memory of the Dota 2 community, unequivocally crowning The International 2018 as its champion.
The Unlikely Heroes of TI 2018: OG`s Cinderella Story
With a resounding 33% of the votes, The International 2018 emerged as the clear favorite. And for good reason. This particular event wasn`t just a tournament; it was a saga, a narrative so compelling that a Hollywood screenwriter might dismiss it for being too fantastical. It was the year OG, a team that had seen its core roster fractured just months prior, embarked on a journey that defied all expectations.
Having been forced to navigate the grueling open qualifiers after key players departed, OG entered TI8 as profound underdogs. Their path through the main event was fraught with challenges, yet they persevered, fueled by an almost improbable blend of skill, synergy, and sheer willpower. The grand finals pitted them against the formidable PSG.LGD, a team many considered the favorites. What followed was a nail-biting, five-game thriller that saw OG claw back from the brink to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory. The sheer emotional intensity of that series, culminating in an underdog triumph against seemingly insurmountable odds, etched itself permanently into the hearts of fans worldwide. It was a testament to the idea that in Dota 2, sometimes, belief can indeed move mountains – or at least, win Aegises.
The Runners-Up: Echoes of Underdog Glory and Unprecedented Prize Pools
Following closely, with a significant share of admiration, was The International 10 (2021). This tournament, held amidst the unique challenges of a global pandemic and thus largely devoid of a live audience, paradoxically boasted the largest prize pool in esports history. Its winner, Team Spirit, mirrored OG`s 2018 narrative in uncanny ways. Starting their journey from regional qualifiers and entering the main event as dark horses, Team Spirit defied prognostications to conquer the behemoth PSG.LGD in another electrifying 3-2 grand final.
The parallels are striking: two TIs, two unlikely champions rising from the shadows, two grand finals against the same formidable opponent, both culminating in a decisive 3-2 victory. It suggests that while prize pools and production values are appreciated, it is the compelling narrative of the underdog, the unexpected hero, that truly resonates with the fanbase. The absence of a live crowd at TI10 might have dampened the immediate spectacle, but it did not diminish the indelible mark left by Team Spirit`s monumental achievement.
Other Memorable Chapters: Alliance, Team Liquid, and the Power of Dominance
The third spot in the fan poll was shared, with 11% of votes each, by two other iconic tournaments: The International 2013 and The International 2017. TI3 saw the legendary European squad Alliance claim victory, largely remembered for their masterful “rat Dota” strategy and an unforgettable grand final against Natus Vincere. Their dominant playstyle and incredible individual skill left an enduring legacy.
Similarly, TI7 belonged to Team Liquid, who delivered a dominant performance, especially in the lower bracket, to ultimately lift the Aegis. While both tournaments featured exceptional gameplay and crowned worthy champions, their appeal, though strong, perhaps lacked the raw, improbable emotional crescendo that characterized the top two choices. Sometimes, a clean sweep, while technically impressive, doesn`t quite match the dramatic tension of a heart-stopping tug-of-war.
The Least Preferred: The Enigma of TI 2022
Interestingly, the tournament that garnered the fewest votes was The International 2022. This event concluded with Tundra Esports securing the championship with a decisive 3-0 victory over Team Secret in the grand finals. While Tundra`s performance was undeniably clinical and masterful, the results of the poll suggest that perhaps a dominant, less contested grand final might not leave as lasting an emotional imprint on fans as a series that goes the full distance, filled with comebacks and unpredictable twists. In the realm of entertainment, even in esports, spectacle sometimes trumps sheer, efficient execution in the hearts of the audience.
The Enduring Legacy of The International
The fan poll serves as a powerful reminder of what makes The International truly special. Beyond the staggering prize pools and the pinnacle of competitive play, it is the stories that unfold, the narratives of triumph and heartbreak, and the sheer unpredictability of human endeavor that captivate millions. The best TIs are not merely tournaments; they are living, breathing sagas where underdogs rise, legends are cemented, and the spirit of competition burns brightest. As Dota 2 continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the community`s insatiable desire for an unforgettable story, perhaps with a touch of irony, proving that truth is often stranger – and more exciting – than fiction.
Jasper Hawthorne