A thorough analysis of the South American teams that have qualified as representatives for the SA region for The International 2023
The South American Dota 2 scene, historically viewed as an underdog in The International (TI) tournaments, has left an indelible mark on the global stage through its passion, resilience, and unexpected upsets. The region’s journey began in earnest with teams such as Unknown.xiu, who surprised fans by becoming the first South American team to compete in The International 5 (TI5).
Region Analysis – South America
However, it wasn’t until the subsequent years that the region truly began to shine, especially with the rise of teams like SG e-sports, who, at the 2017 Kiev Major, delivered one of the most memorable upsets by defeating the tournament’s top seed, Team Secret. This victory not only cemented their place in the annals of esports but also revealed the unrealized potential of the South American scene. Another pioneering team, Infamous, cemented this legacy by placing in the top eight at The International 9 (TI9), sending the message that South America was not to be taken lightly.
South America’s influence on The International will continue to grow as a result of the fiery spirit of the region’s players and its passionate, heart-on-sleeve fanbase. South America will continue to be a force to be reckoned with as Dota 2 esports evolve, producing legendary moments and challenging the established narratives of Dota’s biggest tournament.
Qualified South American Teams for TI 12
Let’s take a concise look at the South American Dota 2 teams participating in The International 2023 (TI 12). We’ll delve into their strategies, achievements, and aspirations as they vie for victory on the world stage. The South American lineup for TI 12 includes Evil Geniuses, Beastcoast, Kyed Stars and Thunder Awaken.
Evil Geniuses:
The South American titan is a standout in the region, demonstrating remarkable performances in the South American DPC Leagues and notable Majors, sealing their spot for The International 2023. However, the iconic Evil Geniuses lineup underwent significant changes.
Cr1t-, post-announcement, reflected, “While part of me remains loyal to the blue, it’s a new dawn for North American Dota.” Despite regional successes, EG faced challenges internationally this year, not ranking high in global tournaments. Yet they’re pivoting, setting sights on South America. Evil Geniuses’ CEO, Nicole LaPointe Jameson, expressed excitement about crafting a formidable team in the South American sphere, acknowledging the region’s potential and determination.
This new EG rooster integrates top South American talents, especially as teams like Beastcoast and Thunder Awaken undergo roster adjustments, leaving some star players up for grabs. As the new squad looks promising with new talents, EG might have some cards up their sleeves that might take everyone by surprise on the battlefield of The International 2023.
Current Roster:
- Crhistian “Pakazs” Savina
- Jean Pierre “Chris Luck” Salazar
- Adrián “Wisper” Dobles
- Farith “Matthew” Puente
- Jose “Panda” Padilla
- Juan David “Vintage” Angulo Nicho (Coach)
Player to Watch:
- Crhistian “Pakazs” Savina
Beastcoast:
Beastcoast and Evil Geniuses stand as the premier teams from the South America (SA) region in the Dota 2 landscape. Despite a stellar reputation, Beastcoast made a startling revelation before the Bali Major 2023, announcing the departure of their key player, Héctor “K1” Rodríguez.
This decision came after K1’s mental health challenges during Dreamleague Season 20, leading to his temporary replacement by David “Parker” Nicho Flores. The official statement suggests a mutual parting with K1, affecting the team’s Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) points. Previously holding 1000 DPC points, Beastcoast now faces a 20% deduction to 800 points due to this roster change.
As they head into The International 2023, the pressure is on Parker to step up and ensure the team’s performance in The International 12 is up to par. The shift poses challenges for Beastcoast, but with Parker onboard, the team is set to solidify its foothold in the SA region and take the aegis of the immortal as the dark horse of the tournament.
Current Roster:
- David “Parker” Nicho Flores
- Gonzalo “DarkMago” Herrera
- Rafael “Sacred” Yonatan
- Elvis “Scofield” Peña
- Steven “StingeR” Vargas
- Eduardo “Raykill” Nuñez (Coach)
Player to Watch:
- David “Parker” Nicho Flores
Keyd Stars:
Keyd Stars, a legacy organization that recently re-entered the Dota 2 scene after a prolonged break, managed a remarkable turnaround this season. Initially struggling with performances, they revamped their lineup by incorporating regional veterans and signing former Hokori standout Joo “4nalog” Giannini, along with rising talent Gustavo “fcr” Ribeiro.
This reshuffle proved pivotal as they clinched first place in Division II’s Summer Tour and dominated the South American qualifier, securing their spot for The International. Along their journey, Keyd triumphed over the regional favorite, Thunder Awaken, in the second round. Thunder Awaken, however, showed resilience, navigating perilous matches in the lower bracket to stay in contention.
This fresh rooster with determined players that are willing to go head to head with top contenders might be the special recipe for yet another TI fairytale that the fans globally might witness. The whole community would definitely love to see underdogs tearing through the brackets as The International 2023 goes live this October.
Current Roster:
- Guilherme “Costabile” Costábile
- João “4nalog” Giannini
- Gustavo “fcr” Ribeiro
- Danylo “Kingrd” Nascimento
- Matheus “KJ” Diniz
- Bruno “DFlash” de Souza Oliveira (Coach)
Player to Watch:
- João “4nalog” Giannini
Thunder Awaken:
Thunder Awaken demonstrated their prowess throughout the season, and after finishing in the top six at The International 2022, a number of their roster members joined Evil Geniuses and Beastcoast. They introduced a new roster for the 2023 Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) campaign. Beginning with “Smiling Knight” and “ILICH-,” they made strategic roster changes, especially after finishing fifth in the South American Winter Tour.
Despite consistently placing third in subsequent regional leagues, they remained the favorite for The International 2023 South American qualifier. They began the competition with a decisive 2-0 victory over the Balrogs but faced an upset against Vivo Keyd Stars. However, by defeating AcatSuki in the lower bracket finals, they secured their TI 12 spot. SLATEM$ was especially impressive in this series, as evidenced by his outstanding performance in both games.
Thunder Awaken thus became the fifth team to qualify for The International 2023 through regional qualifiers, joining teams like South Korea’s Vivo Keyd Stars. Along with Vivo Keyd Stars, Evil Geniuses, and Beastcoast, they are one of four South American teams to qualify.
Current Roster:
- Aliaksei “Smiling Knight” Svirydau
- Jordan “SLATEM$” Vega
- Mario “LittleBoy” Valdivia
- Rodrigo “n1ght” Cruz
- Romel “Mjz” Quinteros
- Eduardo “NaoG” Sánchez (Coach)
Player to Watch:
- Jordan “SLATEM$” Vega
Battling For The International 2023 Title
As South American teams prepare for The International 12, the hopes of their region weigh heavily on them. The heritage of Dota 2 in South America, combined with the determination and skill of these teams, positions them as potential champions.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the epic battles and unforgettable moments that The International promises. As the games progress, the Dota 2 community hopes that South America will raise the Aegis of Champions, a symbol of their victory.
