4 interesting facts about this year’s TI9 participants

The International 2019 is right around the corner and the 18 participants are in training right now, preparing for the biggest event of their careers. Even though many of them have been at The International before, the tournament itself has never been this big. The biggest prize pool to date was $25,5 million, in 2018. This year, the TI9 prizepool is substantially better: $31,5 million and there are still some two weeks to go. Eventually, it will surpass $32 million and possibly even 33.

In this article, I will take a brief look at the 18 participants of The International 2019. As well, do not forget to take a look at our TI9 predictions!

TI 9 Participants

As I’m sure you know, TI 9 brings together the best teams in the world. The competitors come from all of the six main regions and have been carefully selected through a thorough process of points gathering and qualifications. The Dota Pro Circuit had five Minors and five Majors this season. Every one of these events required every single participant to qualify. In the end, the best twelve teams of the competitive year received direct invitations to The International 2019. Six more spots were reserved to six more participants, one from each region.

When the smoke cleared, these 18 teams made it to the big event.

Europe : Team Secret, Team Liquid, Ninjas in Pyjamas, OG, Alliance, Chaos Esports Club

: Team Secret, Team Liquid, Ninjas in Pyjamas, OG, Alliance, Chaos Esports Club China : Vici Gaming, PSG.LGD, Keen Gaming, Royal Never Give Up, Newbee

: Vici Gaming, PSG.LGD, Keen Gaming, Royal Never Give Up, Newbee CIS : Natus Vincere, Virtus.pro

: Natus Vincere, Virtus.pro Southeast Asia : TNC Predator, Fnatic, Mineski

: TNC Predator, Fnatic, Mineski South America : Infamous

: Infamous North America: Evil Geniuses

Interesting facts about the teams

The reason why we only have one team from North America this season is because the second one, Forward Gaming, had to release their roster due to financial problems and the group got acquired by the Chinese giant Newbee. The organization was lacking a TI 9 team this year and since the event takes place on their home soil for the first time since its inception, the management probably regarded the opportunity to sign Forward Gaming’s roster as being worthwhile.

Natus Vincere and Alliance have both returned to The International, a tournament they once won, after a two year absence. Perhaps with a little bit of luck, we may even see them compete against each other at the event. Should that happen, Alliance will almost certainly win the dispute, being much stronger than Na’Vi at this point.

Chaos Esports Club, a team that’s carried by the former carry player of Team Liquid, is present at the event and probably longs for revenge. The roster’s captain is MISERY, who is known for his fantastic TI performances. In 2016, he and his team of rejects and rebels managed to qualify for the Grand Final of the event.

And finally, one last piece of information that’s worth mentioning at this point is that Heen, the former coach of Team Liquid, will be present with his new team, TNC Predator, at The International 2019. Having seen them compete, I think they’ll get a top six result at the competition.

Stay up to date on TI9 with our news, predictions and tips. Would you like to make TI9 more exciting? Bet on your favorite teams: learn all there is to know about Dota 2 betting with our guide!



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