The excitement among Dota 2 fans is soaring as the road to The International 2023 kicks into gear. With the anticipation of epic showdowns abound, the regional qualifiers, scheduled from August 17 to 31, offer a final opportunity for teams that missed the cut during the regular season of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). These qualifiers will determine the ultimate eight teams that will grace Dota’s grand stage in Seattle this October.
Format Tweaks for The International 2023
In sync with The International’s novel format known as “The Road to The International,” Valve has introduced subtle changes to the regional qualifiers. This year’s tournament features the group stage and playoffs, where only the top eight teams will advance to The International itself.
Each region has its unique bracket, housing teams from Division I and II of their corresponding DPC regional league seasons. This presents an opportunity for teams that couldn’t clinch spots in previous The Internationals. Notably, Western Europe and South America enjoy multiple qualifying spots, while other regions only have their supreme performer in The International 2023 (TI12).
Additionally, a unique departure from previous years, TI12 will not feature a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). Instead, Valve has put two potential LCQ spots in the regional qualifiers. Thus, gifting Western Europe and South America an extra qualifying opportunity. This move focuses on the significance of regional qualifiers, mixing each match with further intensity.
And with that out of the way, let us go ahead and take a look at the official Regional Qualifiers Schedule.
The International 2023 Regional Qualifiers Schedule:
The schedule for the regional qualifiers unfolds as follows:
| Date | Regional Qualifiers |
| August 17 to 21 | North America and China |
| August 22 to 26 | South America and Eastern Europe |
| August 27 to 31 | Western Europe and Southeast Asia |
Spectator Anticipation and Prospects
For the viewers, an excellent experience awaits, replete with live top standings and real time results tracking throughout the regional qualifiers. The Dota 2 community eagerly awaits how these professionals navigate the new patch. Also, the fierce contest in Southeast Asia for the sole qualifying position. With stakes soaring and battles promising exhilaration, the stage is set for nothing less than great battles.
Conclusion
The journey towards The International 2023 culminates in the regional qualifiers, where Dota 2 teams vie for their coveted berth in the prestigious tournament. Valve’s changes in the format infuse fresh excitement into the qualifiers. Similarly, as teams from diverse regions lock horns, Dota 2 fans brace themselves for the birth of new rivalries. Also, the introduction of more deserving contenders. The path to The International has commenced, promising an odyssey marked by intense competition and indelible moments.
