The International 2024 returns to its roots: Venue, qualification system revealed

Valve announced The International 2024 (TI13), Dota 2’s most prestigious tournament, will return to Europe in September this year.

The tournament takes place at Copenhagen’s Royal Arena, where 16 of the world’s top Dota 2 teams will compete for the Aegis of Champions.

Valve also revealed the tournament is bringing back its independent direct invitation system to determine which teams will compete in Denmark. 

This is a departure from the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) format, which, since 2017, has determined the teams that directly qualified to The International based on a point system. Valve abolished the DPC after TI12.

Valve’s decision to revert to the direct invitation system reflects a return to the early days of TI, where they selected which teams would compete in the Dota 2 world championship.

How teams will qualify for The International 2024

For TI13, teams will qualify through open qualifiers, regional qualifiers, and direct invitations, reminiscent of the tournament’s early years.

Valve will announce the invited teams in the lead-up to the event, selecting them based on their performance throughout the year.

Teams will have a busy competitive season leading up to TI13, with a calendar full of major tournaments.

Half a dozen major events have already been announced, with more expected, including studio and arena tournaments across Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East.

Valve even hinted at the return of Midas Mode, a new game mode developed by Moonduck known for its heavy economy management gameplay.

Originally announced in February 2017, Midas Mode debuted in November of that year, featuring 8 teams from North America and Europe.

The tournament’s unique format encouraged teams to think creatively while also raising funds for charity through its prize pool.

Visit Valve’s Dota 2 website for more information about TI13.

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