The journey to The International is quickly ending for some teams and for others is already over. Here's where teams stand right now.
The road to The International is always the most critical journey of the year for Dota 2 teams —and it's never easy.
After five months on the road, the final destination is coming into focus. For some, it's a clear-cut path to Seattle, for others it's riddled with potholes, uphill, and for others, it feels almost out of reach.
Only 18 teams will earn a highly coveted ticket to Seattle, to compete in the pinnacle of all Dota 2 events of the year.
With the third and final Major just around the corner, here's where teams stand and what some will need to do to punch that ticket.
The International bound teams
These teams have already locked in their spot at The International. They have already secured enough DPC points for the direct invite via regional league play and Majors.
Team Liquid 1600 DPC points*
Gaimin Gladiators 1540 DPC points*
Evil Geniuses 1470 DPC points*
Shopify Rebellion 1170 DPC points*
Tundra Esports 1160 DPC points*
*potential to increase based on results at Bali Major
Gaimin Gladiators continued their rampaging streak in premier tournaments as they defeated Team Liquid 3-1 in the grand final of the ESL One Berlin Major to make it three tournament wins in a row – the Lima Major, DreamLeague Season 19, and the Berlin Major. I
In all three tournaments, the team having to settle for second place has been Team Liquid.
The International Invite Hopefuls
Bali Major is set to be the last pit stop before The International 2023. The Major will welcome 18 qualified teams. It has a $500,000 total prize pool to offer and 3,500 DPC points which will be split between the top 8 placed teams. The event will run from June 29 to July 9.
These teams have a high likelihood that they will be able to earn a direct invite to The International. They are placed high enough in the rankings or are attending Bali Major with the chance to move up enough in the rankings if they secure a top 8 finish and points.
The points distribution for the Bali Major will be split between the top eight finishers as follows:
1st place: 600 DPC points
2nd place: 550 DPC points
3rd place: 500 DPC points
4th place: 450 DPC points
5th/6th place: 400 DPC points
7th/8th place: 300 DPC points
Talon Esports 1120 DPC points
- Talon is in 6th place of the DPC, however, they are NOT going to Bali Major. Their direct invite is in the hands of how the other teams at the Major place - how many points teams below them earn and how many will pass them.
9Pandas 1096 DPC points
Team Spirit 1020 DPC points
beastcoast 1000 DPC points
- 9Pandas are in 7th place of the DPC, followed closely by Team Spirit and beastcoast — and are all heading to Bali. A top 8 finish will award them even more points and keep them in the top 12 entitled to the invite. If they don't secure the top 8 there is a chance other teams could pass, pushing them out of reach for the invite.
TSM 900 DPC points
- TSM is in a similar position to Talon. They are currently sitting in the invite threshold but are not heading to the Major. The big difference here though is that they are already on the cusp of losing that invite, so their chances of it slipping through their fingers during Bali are much higher.
PSG.LGD 884 DPC points
BetBoom Team 760 DPC points
- These two teams round out the top 12 teams currently and are both heading to the Major. Like TSM they are on the cusp of losing the invite, but unlike their NA peers, their fate is in their own hands. Performing well at the event can bring them up higher in the rankings and secure their invite. At the least, a top 8 finish could potentially save their skins.
Execration 740 DPC points
Team Aster 608 DPC points
nouns 580 DPC points
Bleed Esports 500 DPC points
Invictus Gaming 460 DPC points
Blacklist International 380 DPC points
Quest Esports 232 DPC points
- These seven teams are still in contention for receiving an invite to The International based on their performance and results at Bali Major. They are all currently outside the top 12 ranks but for at least five of them, a 7-8th place finish could potentially (albeit not as likely) secure them their spot (assuming PSG.LGD and Betboom tank). Blacklist will need at least the top 5 (assuming the same) and Quest will need at least a top 1-2 places in the same scenario.
- Read SumaiL on loan to Team Aster through at least TI12
The International Regional Qualifier Teams
Along with any teams after Bali that miss the mark, these teams only shot at going to The International will be via the regional qualifiers.
Only six teams will qualify through the Regional Qualifiers; one team each from North America, South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, and Southeast Asia.
These notable teams will definitely appear in the regional qualifiers — some with adjusted rosters.
Xtreme Gaming (China)
OG (WEU)
Thunder Awaken (SA)
Entity (WEU)
Virtus.pro (EEU)
Team SMG (SEA)
Azure Ray (China)
D1 Hustlers (WEU)
Monaspa (WEU)
Team Secret (WEU)
Nigma Galaxy (WEU)
- Read OG Reshuffle alert; Chu back to assistant coach, Ceb to stand in
- Read Team Secret bids farewell to BOOM
- Read Somnus, Chalice and fy reunite for Tour 3 of DPC 2022-23 Season
The International 2023
The International returns to the US after four editions held around the world. TI7 was the last edition hosted by the Key Arena in Seattle, where Team Liquid lifted the Aegis of Champions. From there on, each year TI went to different parts of the globe. Key Arena, which now is Climate Pledge arena from Seattle will be the home for The International 2023. The event will run October 14 - 29 with the best 18 teams fighting for the trophy.
