After a whole season of back to back tournaments in the DOTA 2 Pro Circuit, it’s now come to the true test of the best defenders - The International 2019.
Set for the first time in the tech hub of Asia that is China, we’re bound to witness the greatest spectacle in all of esports. And now that we’re just moments away from seeing the battle unfold, let’s rally the TI9 favourites to win along with some sleepers who have the highest chance to rise to the occasion when the judgment day comes.
Favorites to Win DOTA 2 The International 2019
Team Secret - Europe
Team Secret has always been a consistent favorite in all editions of the TI, proving over the years that they deserve to be an elite group in the DOTA 2 tournament landscape.
As champions of the Chongqing Major, they made sure that their entry to the TI9 is marked with a strong urge to fight to the finish. While being consistent is viewed by many fans as Secret’s weak spot because they do have a tendency to fall short in key stages, they still have the most solid roster and play style.
Virtus.Pro - CIS
Winning Kuala Lumpur Major, the very first leg of the Pro Circuit, was a clear statement. Virtus.Pro is definitely making their presence felt early on in the series. No wonder they’re head-to-head with Secret as one of this year’s TI9 favorites to win even if they lost to the former in the second leg. The team has made it to the final of every Major in this whole competition, which truly speaks consistency and longevity.
The International 2019 Sleepers
Vici Gaming - China
Vici Gaming has the home court advantage, so they instantly get some attention. But other than that, what truly gravitates fans to Vici Gaming is that even as the most qualified underdogs, they still manage to solidify their place in the game.
Having won both Minor and Major shows, that’s a huge deal. They’re proving that they’ve got an excellent lineup that is not to be underestimated. If they manage to pull off the same trick, they may as well be the TI9 sleepers that’ll catch everyone off-guard.
Evil Geniuses - North America
The Evil Geniuses have been consistent all throughout. But they’re not among the best either. They’ve won a couple Minor shows, the most notable of them being GESC in 2018, but the rest have been a bit underwhelming. Many can attest that their records hover just within the middle. However, their abilities can still push them way beyond the horizon. Having faced a vigorous Keen Gaming and veteran Virtus Pro and still managing to do well is something we should all take into account.
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