Fast internet connection? Check.
A big TV screen? Check.
Snacks and drinks? Check.
You’ve gone through your The International 2021 (TI10) list already, now all that’s left is for the actual show to start.
Before we get down to all the TI10 action, let us relive all the best moments and highlights from previous Dota 2 tournaments. From Danil “Dendi” Ishutin’s iconic Pudge fountain hook to Sébastien “Ceb” Debs’ “call of his lifetime,” here are the best Dota 2 documentaries to watch while you’re waiting for TI10 to start.
The 3 best Dota 2 documentaries to watch before TI10 starts
3. Reminisce the first TI (2011) with “Free to Play”
Year released: 2014
Running time: 1h 15m
Available on: Netflix, Valve YouTube channel
It all started in Cologne, Germany, with the forerunners of Dota 2 esports.
Valve’s documentary “Free to Play” showcases the story of the very first The International tournament back in 2011, following the journey of Dota 2 legends Benedict “hyhy” Lim, Clinton “Fear” Loomis, and Dendi.
The documentary also dives into the early days of esports, way before Dota 2 became a multi-million dollar tourney.
If you’re looking for a time machine that would bring you back to the good ‘ol days of Dota 2 esports, “Free to Play” is it.
2. Fans always look forward to the annual release of the “True Sight” Dota 2 documentaries
Years released: 2016 — 2019
Available on: Valve YouTube channel
When it comes to Dota 2 documentaries, nothing comes close to the “True Sight” series‘ popularity.
“True Sight” is a documentary series produced by Valve. It takes in all the narratives of participating teams and players in Dota 2 tournaments.
“True Sight” ultimately weaves beautiful storylines for all Dota 2 fans to watch — the team’s hardships, some bananas, a stack of papers — you name it, it’s all here.
“True Sight” Dota 2 documentaries
There are a total of four “True Sight” Dota 2 documentaries that are available to the public so far. Here are all the series’ episodes:
| YEAR RELEASED | DOTA 2 DOCUMENTARIES | TEAMS FEATURED |
| 2017 | True Sight: The Kiev Major Grand Finals | OG Esports, Virtus.pro |
| 2017 | True Sight: The International 2017 | Newbee, Team Liquid |
| 2018 | True Sight: The International 2018 | OG Esports, PSG.LGD |
| 2019 | True Sight: The International 2019 | OG Esports, Team Liquid |
OG Esports’ Johan “N0tail” Sundstein and Ceb are the real stars of the show, appearing in three episodes of the documentary series.
Will we see OG Esports in the fifth episode of True Sight?
Additionally, if you are a member of the #DreamOG squad, you can watch OG Esports’ very own “Against All Odds” documentary starring the team’s miraculous player roster N0tail, Ceb, Topias Miikka “Topson” Taavitsainen, Anathan “ana” Pham, and Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka.
- How the Dota 2 community is reacting to TI10 ticket cancellations
- Dota 2: How the prize pools for The International became the biggest in esports
1. “Heroes of the Game” takes you back to the first Dota 2 Major since COVID-19 struck
Year released: 2021
Available on: ONE Esports YouTube channel
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly took a toll on several markets and institutions, and the esports industry is no exception.
Take a peek at the state of esports amidst an ongoing pandemic with “Heroes of the Game”. The two-part documentary brings fans back to the ONE Esports Singapore Major, which was held earlier this year.
The “Heroes of the Game” Dota 2 documentary is the perfect picture to watch before TI10 starts. It recaps how the Dota 2 esports scene started the year after going into a long hiatus.
From the story of OB.Neon’s last-minute savior Yang “Deth” Wu Heng down to the tale behind Invictus Gaming Zhou “Emo” Yi’s epic question mark, “Heroes of the Game” will keep you on the edge of your seats.
Hungry for more Invictus Gaming action? Watch the team in the Heroes of the Game documentary
READ MORE: Noxville’s official TI10 Teams Tier List
