The Top 3 Favorites for The International 2023

Find out who are the Top 3 Favorites for The International 2023 and learn about their strengths, players and strategies

As the Dota 2 competitive scene moves towards its big event, The International 2023 (TI12), the community and experts are full of predictions and speculations. Who has the best chance to take home the prestigious Aegis? While several teams have showcased top-tier Dota, three squads have risen above the rest. Let’s delve into the top three Favorites for The International 2023.

Gaimin Gladiators

Riding on the momentum from their stellar performances at the recent major events in 2023, Gaimin Gladiators has emerged as the Favorites for The International 2023.

Gaimin Gladiators Players

• Anton “dyrachyo” Shkredov – Position 1
• Quinn “Quinn” Callahan – Position 2
• Marcus “Ace” Hoelgaard – Position 3
• Erik “tOfu” Engel – Position 4
• Melchior “Seleri” Hillenkamp – Position 5 (Captain)

Playstyle and Strategies

With Captain Seleri leading the charge, the Gladiators have displayed a knack for adapting to changing metas swiftly. Their understanding of the game’s mechanics, combined with a fearless approach, has seen them overcome some of the most formidable opponents with ease. Gaimin Gladiators was easily the best team according to performances leading to The International (TI).

The Gaimin Gladiators are not just a testament to teamwork but also showcase individual brilliance, with each player bringing a unique strength to the squad. dyrachyo, as Position 1 makes calculated aggression. His reputation for impeccable farming and a knack for securing critical kills, even under pressure, positions him as the Gladiators’ linchpin in the late game. In the mid lane, Quinn often emerges as the team’s playmaker. He is surely one of the best mid players right now and performs regularly for his team.

Ace the offlaner, brings a harmonious blend of aggression and defense. With a versatile Hero pool, he’s an instrumental player during the drafting phase, often giving his team the edge by disrupting opposing strategies. Ace also farms very fast and keeps up in networth with the other cores without disrupting his carrys farm. He performs well in almost every game and is easily one of the best players in his role.

The backbone of the early game is undoubtedly the support duo tOfu and Seleri. Tofu with his impeccable sense of timing and rotations, ensures the team’s dominance in vision while Seleri provides the much-needed direction. His leadership, coupled with an amazing game sense, has steered the Gladiators through many challenging terrains, resulting in several triumphant victories.

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Historical Significance

While relatively new to the Dota 2 TI scene, their recent major victories cannot be overlooked. Their gameplay, characterized by aggressive laning and immaculate team coordination, stands as a testament to their claim as favorites for The International 2023. With the run they had before this TI, they are ready to dominate the event.

Team Liquid

Drawing inspiration from their triumphant runs at previous major events, Team Liquid stands tall as a prime contender among the Favorites for The International 2023. Even though they didn’t win many trophies this year, Team Liquid is a team to look out for!

Team Liquid Players

• Michael “miCKe” Vu – Position 1
• Michał “Nisha” Jankowski – Position 2
• Ludwig “zai” Wåhlberg – Position 3
• Samuel “Boxi” Svahn – Position 4
• Aydin “iNSaNiA” Sarkohi – Position 5 (Captain)

From RL to Dota the Ws keep coming 🙌🏆

Our boys have secured first place in their group at the Lima Major #LetsGoLiquid pic.twitter.com/tVKfZzUY2B

— Team Liquid (@TeamLiquid) February 26, 2023

Playstyle and Strategies

Anchored by their captain iNSaNiA, Team Liquid is known for its rapid adaptability to evolving metas. The team’s profound understanding of in-game intricacies, meshed with a relentless drive, allows the players to prevail against the most daunting enemies. Team Liquid secured 2nd place in the last few majors, losing to the most favorite team Gaimin Gladiators. Even though they lost in the finals, their performance recently makes them one of the prime contenders for TI 2023.

The ensemble of Team Liquid is a fusion of cohesive teamwork and individual prowess. miCKe as the carry, is synonymous with controlled aggression. His consistent ability to optimize farm, coupled with securing pivotal kills, anchors Liquid’s endgame. Meanwhile, Nisha, the mid lane maestro, consistently orchestrates plays that redefine the course of battles. He is a beast of a midlaner and is performing regularly for the team. Nisha is regarded by many as the best Dota 2 player right now.

Offlaner zai masterfully oscillates between offense and defense. His varied Hero choices frequently provide Team Liquid with a drafting edge, unsettling opponents. The foundation of their early-to-mid game rests on the shoulders of Boxi and captain iNSaNiA. Boxi’s impeccable rotations establish early dominance, whereas iNSaNiA’s leadership guides the team. His astute game knowledge has been a compass leading Liquid through many a storm to victory.

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Historical Significance

Being no strangers to the Dota 2 TI platform, Team Liquid’s legacy is fortified with numerous titles and commendable finishes. Their aggressive lanes and unparalleled team synergy further strengthen their position as Favorites for TI 2023.

9Pandas

Emerging from the shadows and surprising many with their commendable feats in recent tournaments, 9Pandas is now being regarded as one of the Favorites for The International 2023.

9Pandas Players

• Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev – Position 1
• Gleb “kiyotaka” Zyryanov – Position 2
• Matvey “MieRo`” Vasyunin – Position 3
• Vladislav “Antares” Kertman – Position 4
• Alexey “Solo” Berezin – Position 5 (Captain)

Now official: 9Pandas Esports Signs World-Class Dota 2 Rosterhttps://t.co/vx9k08i20A pic.twitter.com/PaRR3kvBBk

— 9Pandas Esports (@9pandasgg) April 17, 2023

Playstyle and Strategies

Led strongly by Solo the captain, 9Pandas has showcased an impressive aptitude for staying ahead of the meta curve. Their intricate knowledge of game dynamics, fused with a fearless mode of play, has often seen them destroy very strong teams. They surely have the potential to win The International 2023.

The strength of 9Pandas lies in the collective brilliance of individual players. RAMZES666, in the Position 1 role, embodies the essence of tactical aggression. His farming excellence and ability to clutch pivotal moments make him the cornerstone of the team’s endgame strategy. Ramzes also brings a huge amount of experience to the team. kiyotaka’s prowess in the mid-lane keeps opponents on their toes, thanks to his dynamic plays. He is regarded as one of the best young mid laners right now!

Offlaner MieRo` strikes a strategic balance, ensuring the team’s cores are protected while causing chaos for the opposition. He has been a good surprise for the team, performing well in almost all the recent tournaments. The synergy of support players Antares and Solo is commendable. Antares, with his keen sense of timing, complements Solo’s leadership. Solo’s vast experience and tactical acumen have been instrumental in propelling 9Pandas to impressive victories.

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Historical Significance

Though some of the players are fresher faces at TI compared to other legendary teams, the team has enough experience in RAMZES666 and Solo. 9Pandas’ meteoric rise, highlighted by their unique playstyle and team chemistry, has made them a team to watch and a favorite for The International 2023 championship.

Conclusion

While these 3 teams are the Favorites for The International 2023 according to us, the true beauty of Dota 2 lies in its uncertainty. As we gear up for the most significant event of the year, may the best team lift the Aegis! Check out for more news, articles, and guides related to Dota 2.