Yearly, Dota 2 by no means fails to deliver us a great deal of leisure. Whether or not or not it’s fiery motion within the esports scene, mind-boggling patch modifications, or riddles and puzzles to tease the neighborhood. The yr 2023 noticed a complete lot of surprises and we’re right here to discover all of them! Listed here are the most important moments and highlights of 2023 in Dota 2.
(Warning, the primary second is not actually constructive, but it surely builds in direction of a greater ending!)
Matchfixing and dishonest allegations
The yr did not begin off fairly effectively for Chinese language Dota.. and Dota 2 on the whole. In January 2023, dishonest allegations encompass the area with particularly KNIGHTS and EHOME being within the sizzling seat. It wasn’t any higher that each groups made it to the Lima Main and resulted in backside place with extreme performances.
In March 2023, Valve confirmed the allegations and banned not one or two, however forty-six gamers from China and Malaysia. This was a grim level in 2023, however spoilers alert: the area appears to be like revitalized for 2024!
The arrival of Muerta
Now onto the enjoyable stuff! In March 2023, Valve welcomed the arrival of the 124th Dota 2 hero, Muerta. She’s cool, she’s enjoyable, and she or he’s recent. Muerta is the primary Intelligence hero that’s designated for right-click magical injury. Her skeletal determine follows the Mexican folklore and most significantly, she has two weapons.
Riddles and puzzles
Valve for certain has its methods with Dota 2. In April 2023, only a day earlier than the massive patch dropped, Valve posted a listing of riddles to trace on the upcoming modifications. The neighborhood liked it and it appeared that Valve loved doing this too.
The Dota 2 neighborhood would then get extra puzzles to maintain us guessing. Earlier than an enormous patch, they’ve dropped a listing of emojis and even prolonged poems to proceed the riddle custom. Who is aware of what different puzzles they’ve up their sleeves for 2024?
The New Frontiers replace
Now let’s speak about THE New Frontiers replace in April 2023! Following what was rumored to be IceFrog’s return from hibernation, the Dota 2 neighborhood noticed a colossal sport replace. This was when the map was enlarged to carry 40% extra space. Not solely that, we welcomed the presence of Tormentors, Lotus Swimming pools, Watchers, Knowledge Runes, and plenty of extra!
Workforce Liquid vs Gaimin Gladiators rivalry
All through 2023, the Dota 2 neighborhood felt prefer it was caught in a loop. The yr was dominated by two Western Europe giants, Workforce Liquid and Gaimin Gladiators, who always paired up in opposition to one another within the Grand Finals of occasions.
The 2 met in 4 Grand Finals: Lima Main, DreamLeague Season 19, ESL One Berlin Main, and the Bali Main. All of those noticed a defeat for Workforce Liquid and victory for Gaimin Gladiators. The 2 groups additionally met within the Decrease Bracket of The Worldwide 12 – which noticed an all-too-familiar ending.
Pure’s controversy on the Bali Main
Ivan “Pure” Moskalenko of BetBoom Workforce is not any stranger to controversies. Final yr, he was caught drawing battle symbols throughout his time with Virtus.professional. In 2023, he was once more within the heart of a debacle.
In the course of the Bali Main, Pure was caught watching his personal stay sport on Twitch. This wasn’t captured by the event organizer, as an alternative, followers identified the sight which could be seen on the official Bali Main stream. This led to his disqualification and an eventual loss for BetBoom Workforce on the essential Dota 2 Main.
What a wild solution to undergo defeat. However prepare, as a result of our subsequent spotlight is one other weird event loss.
23savage early celebration at Riyadh Masters
We do not usually see Dota 2 tales breaking out of its esports circle, however this one did. In the course of the Riyadh Masters in July, Thai carry participant for Talon Esports, Nuengnara “23” Teeramahanon, did a untimely celebration in an important third sport vs Workforce Liquid.
So what occurred? Talon Esports was on the verge of victory and 23 jumped out of his seat to rejoice. However whereas he was celebrating, Liquid’s offlaner, zai, was ratting out their throne. And within the blink of an eye fixed, 23savage’s pleasure become despair.
No Puppey at TI
For the primary time in Dota 2 historical past, the Dota 2 neighborhood noticed the absence of Clement “Puppey” Ivanov from The Worldwide. The TI1 champion is the remaining participant that has attended all iterations of TI. But it surely was a tough yr for Workforce Secret with little to no hope for them to qualify for the grand championship. And TI12 lastly broke his phenomenal streak.
Goodbye, Dota Professional Circuit
The yr 2023 can also be the ultimate yr of the Dota Professional Circuit (DPC). In September, Valve revealed the abolishment of the DPC which has been the official skilled circuit since 2017. We are going to not see the Excursions and Regional Leagues happen as Valve has different plans. It should doubtless solely deal with The Worldwide and in-game content material as different third-parties resembling ESL and BetBoom take over the calendar.
A brand new two-time TI champion
Workforce Spirit had an enormous glow up in 2023. The crew was visibly unstable earlier within the yr, inserting Ninth-Twelfth in a few main tournaments. However ranging from the Riyadh Masters, Workforce Spirit consecutively bagged victories in a jaw-droppingly dominant style. They’d then seize a win on the DreamLeague S21 and elevate the Aegis for the second time at TI12. Workforce Spirit grew to become the second crew to carry the two-time title after OG.
Workforce Spirit Breaker prices by Dota 2
Bear with us, this deserves its personal phase. Valve could be goofy typically and this celebration was certainly one of its enjoyable shenanigans. Following Workforce Spirit’s win at TI12, Valve quietly renamed Spirit Breaker to Workforce Spirit Breaker for a time period. It goes in hand with the meta at the moment, which noticed the house cow proudly owning video games. Additionally it is Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov ‘s most performed and most profitable hero at TI12.
New relations!
The tip of 2023 additionally noticed new members for the Dota 2 household! European esports group, G2, entered the Dota 2 scene with a partnership with Chinese language powerhouse, Invictus Gaming. G2.IG made its debut within the ESL One Kuala Lumpur with a recent roster.
We additionally welcome a brand new Center Japanese and North African (MENA) pressure, Workforce Falcons. The crew fields TI champions, veterans, and prodigies, who additionally made their debut collectively within the ESL One Kuala Lumpur.
A season of comeback
The ultimate weeks of 2023 has been extremely thrilling for Dota 2. A variety of star gamers who’ve resided within the shadows have marked their return to the professional scene.
Valve sending charcoals to smurfs
Ahh, is not this a great way to finish 2023? The Dota 2 neighborhood has relentlessly complained about smurfs and boosters which have ruined the sport in some ways. And Valve made it clear that they’re listening.
In the course of the Frostivus occasion, Valve despatched out presents for gamers. However if you happen to’re on Santa’s naughty listing, you will get a punishment as an alternative. Smurfs, boosters, and people with poisonous conduct have unwrapped charcoals for the vacations and with it a painfully prolonged ban.
And that wraps up 2023 for Dota 2. Let’s sit up for a extra thrilling 2024!