What makes TI so great are the stories that emerge from the tournament. Stories about people filled with hopes and dreams, disappointments and triumphs. What allows these stories to emerge above all else is the environment – the game of Dota 2 and its amazing complexity.

In order to fully appreciate the stories and to glimpse at the ingenuity and creativity of the people involved, it helps to understand the environment as best as possible.

That’s why we decided to make a meta recap series that will attempt to clear-up the meta developments of the day. Without further ado, here’s our take from the TI9 meta at Day 1 of the group stage: