The road to DotA 2 – The International is full of hard work, passion, emotions and conviction. The International 7 is approaching close to reality and we’re making it easier for the DotA 2 enthusiasts to keep up with the tournament progress.
The journey to The International 7 is at length for a few from open qualifiers as they make their way to the main event, as for some it is short as they receive direct invites to the Main event. The International 7 open qualifiers are scheduled to start on June 22 and regional qualifiers are scheduled to start immediately afterward on 26th.
The announcements for direct invites will approximately start in 6 weeks time. There are no defined criteria for the direct invites and there is there is a lot of curiosity among fans on which team will receive the direct invites. The number of Direct invites is not fixed.
Only six teams received invites to TI6 last year. Three from Europe (OG, Team Liquid, and Na’Vi), two from China (Newbee and LGD Gaming) and one from Southeast Asia (MVP.Phoenix). We’ve compiled a list of the tournaments to mark on your calendar, keeping an eye on as the Road to TI7 unfolds.
Road to The International 7
StarLadder iLeague Invitational 2
- Date: May 18-21st
- Location: China
Prize-pool: $100,000 - Teams: 8 teams total; 6 Direct Invites (Newbee, ViCI Gaming +4), 1 Chinese qualified team (Invictus Gaming), 1 European qualified team (Vega Squadron)
- Defending Champion: ViCi Gaming
Manila Masters
- Date: May 26-28th
- Location: Philippines
- Prize-pool: $250,000
- Teams: 8 teams total; 5 Direct Invites (OG, EG, Team Secret, Newbee, NP), 1 Chinese qualified team (Invictus Gaming), 1 SEA qualified team (Team Faceless), 1 Filipino qualified team (TBD)
Zotac Cup
- Date: May 30- June 3
- Location: Taiwan
- Prize-pool: $100,000
- Teams: 8 teams total; 2 Direct Invites (TBA), 1 Chinese qualified team (Invictus Gaming), 2 SEA qualified team (Fnatic, TBD), 1 EU qualified teams (Cloud 9, TBD), 1 NA team (Stan)
EPICENTER
- Date: June 4-11
- Location: Russia
Prize-pool: $500,000 - Teams: 10 teams total; 6 Direct Invites (OG, EG, Virtus.Pro + 3 TBD), 1 Chinese qualified team (TBD), 1 SEA qualified team (TBD), 1 EU qualified team (TBD), 1 NA qualified team (TBD)
- Defending Champion: Team Liquid
Summit 7
- Date: June 14-18
- Location: United States
- Prize-pool: $100,000
- Teams: 8 teams total; 4 Direct Invites (Virtus.Pro, VGJ, + 2 TBD), 1 Chinese qualified team (TBD), 1 SEA qualified team (Clutch Gamers), 1 EU Qualified team (TBD), 1 NA qualified team (TBD)
- Defending Champion: Virtus.Pro
The last years defending champions Wings Gaming will not be present at The International to defend their title. With their team disbanding, the slot will be allotted to another team. OG and VP are top contenders for the direct invite. The upcoming season of LAN events is expected to have a very large impact on the Direct invites as teams begin their battle.
And considering the inflation of the crowdfunded prize pool. It won’t be a shocker if The International 7 becomes the highest grossing esports event ever. Experience The International 6 directly from the autobiography of our correspondent Zerah. Should you wish to attend the festival live, book your tickets now!
