DOTA 2 TI8 is Here

DOTA 2 The International (TI8) has just begun. Players and their respective teams are prepping and probably trying a new meta on their battle to claim the Aegis Shield Trophy in Pub Games or a practice match against another competitive professional team that is also a part of the much awaited Big Tournament. Especially, Team Liquid who won the TI7 last year in Seattle and currently the title holders of the Aegis Shield. Eight Invited teams that received enough points in the previous Major Battles have been all worth it as they wait for the result of the Regional Qualifiers team that will represent.

Ten other teams fought each other in the Regional Qualifiers and made their way in the Qualified team. These 8 direct invite teams: Team Liquid, Mineski, PSG.LGD, Team Secret, Virtus PRO, Vici Gaming, Newbee, and VGJ.Thunder have proven their worth to be in the Invited Teams, especially Team Liquid that never failed to surprise their fans with their new heroes and lineups every match. Their two hindrance teams Virtus Pro who always spammed the “LAKAD MATATAG! NORMALIN NORMALIN!’ Chat Wheel and Newbee who was the 2nd runner-up in last year’s TI7 that wants revenge in Liquid’s triumphs that made SCCC practiced and yearning to win and to prove once again that they deserve to claim the Aegis Trophy.

The Other Ten Teams are ready to show off their perseverance, skills, and maybe a new meta will be unveiled that other Pub players will try it, especially in the SEA Server.

OG

OG, where Ana rejoins it along with Topson and 7ckngmad that made their way through Regional Qualifiers made OG once again in the Top Tier teams.

EG

Evil Genius, that was the TI5 champions also has now Fly the previous Captain of OG and S4 that will still play the role of Offlane. Looks like RTZ and Sumail are confident when these two guys came in and Sumail became the mid laner again.

Winstrike Team

Where new and familiar faces the came from different teams are now on their way to win this year’s big event.

Team Serenity

A new set of Chinese team that was just known last 2017 and now to prove that even they are still starting, they can measure up with the other professional teams and players scattered around the world.

Invictus Gaming

Some of the teams that made its way to TI8 have a history to tell. IG has a new roster but its team won the DOTA 2 TI2 (2012). The legendary players in the team had embarked to a different path. Although Burning, known as its signature Hero Anti-Mage back in DOTA 1 and also participated in last year’s TI8 has become a coach in the team.

FNATIC

One of Southeast Asia’s Qualifier. FNATIC has been in the DOTA 2 professional scene for a while and lots of known players have been in this team and still kicking their way in the finals to also win. Abed, a Filipino Mid laner, along with a fellowman DJ made a promising combo together with their other teammates. Of course, EternalEnvy the carry of the team full of surprises and trying new metas every day has somehow been effective on their recent matches.

TNC Predator

The Filipino Pride. They are known as the underdogs and defeated OG back in TI6 where Miracle is still on Team OG at that time. They eliminated OG and secured at Top 6. Kuku, who was the Position 1, became the support and Armel taking his place as the Mid laner of the team.

VGJ Storm

Another Branch of the VGJ Team from North America along with the famous Resolution that was once part of OG. He was known together with W33haa back in their Digital Chaos Days but parted ways after TI6.

Optic Gaming

All good things must come to an end and so does the professional teams also. PPD gathered and met other players the came from prestigious teams: Zai, CC&C, 33, and Pajkatt. He left EG at that time due to some reasons and later joined a team. His role in the team are support and captain of Optic Gaming.

Pain Gaming

The team that really gives Pain. A Group of Brazilian plus a superstar that came from various teams. They are the table turner giving an upset to oppositions leading to a comeback win. w33haa, the mid player of the team, gives hope to its teammates venturing into the wild battle for the Aegis trophy in TI8.

Predictions

These teams are also prepped up and hype up for it’s just a few days before the Big Event. We will also see the appearance of Lord Gaben, DOTA 2 Short Film entries, new heroes (probably), musical performances, and of course the main event. Who will win this year’s TI? Will Team Liquid Defend their title and consider as the two-time champion? Or will some underdogs and teams that have a good chemistry and skills?

Who do you think will win?
Let us know in the comments below!