The International 12: 5 Pro Who Are Likely to Miss The Tournament

7 months ago By AI Smith

As the Dota 2 community eagerly anticipates The International 12, the world’s most prestigious Dota 2 tournament, some notable pro players find themselves in the unfortunate position of potentially missing the event. With the competition set to commence on October 12, 2023, in Seattle, we take a closer look at five pro players who may not secure a spot at TI12.

Clement “Puppey” Ivanov

Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, a known name in the Dota 2 scene, is facing the possibility of missing his first-ever The International tournament. Puppey has a rich history in the game and has attended every TI since its inception. However, the TI12 Western European slots proved elusive for him and his team, Team Secret.

Puppey’s storied career includes winning the inaugural The International in 2011 as part of Na’Vi. Despite coming close to capturing a second title, fans will have to wait another year to witness his talents on the grand stage.

Martin “Saksa” Sazdov

Health issues have cast doubt on the participation of Martin “Saksa” Sazdov in TI12. The Tundra Esports player faced mental health challenges during the 2023 Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) season, leading to his early exit from four tournaments, including the Bali Major and Riyadh Masters 2023. This challenging season culminated in Saksa’s absence from TI12.

Saksa’s health-related setback serves as a reminder of the grueling nature of the competitive Dota 2 scene and the importance of prioritizing players’ well-being.

Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi

Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi, one of the world’s most renowned Dota 2 core players, might not grace TI12 with his presence. Miracle- boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, including a TI victory in 2017. However, in late 2022, he took a break from competitive play and currently resides on Nigma Galaxy’s inactive roster, leaving fans eager for his return.

Considering Nigma Galaxy’s recent performances, a Miracle- comeback in 2023 could be a game-changer for the team’s prospects, rekindling hopes of further success.

Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi

Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi, the captain of Nigma Galaxy, is another Dota 2 veteran who faces the prospect of missing TI12. KuroKy, at the age of 30, has had an illustrious career, frequently being among the favorites to win The International. However, 2023 has proven to be an unfortunate year for KuroKy as his team failed to secure a spot at the tournament.

KuroKy’s crowning achievement came in 2017 when he led Team Liquid to victory at The International. Following this triumph, he and his teammates founded Nigma Galaxy. Despite their efforts, the team has struggled to replicate Team Liquid’s success.

Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan

Pakistani-American Dota 2 superstar Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan’s hopes of competing in TI12 were dashed when Team Aster failed to secure a spot in the Chinese regional qualifiers. SumaiL, who won The International at the age of 16 in 2015, was considered a strong contender in the qualifiers, thanks to his exceptional midlane skills.

Despite his commendable performance, SumaiL expressed disappointment at missing Dota 2’s world championship tournament for the second consecutive year.

While these five pro players may face the disappointment of missing The International 12, the Dota 2 community remains excited about the tournament’s impending battles and the emergence of new talents. TI12 promises to deliver intense competition, captivating storylines, and the crowning of a new champion, with or without the presence of these seasoned veterans.

Also Read: DOTA 2: Hydra Esports Delivers A Heartfelt Disbandment Message After Missing TI 2023