For the upcoming TI11, only 12 teams earn direct invites to the event and it depends on Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) points. Throughout 3 seasons, from Tour 1 until the end of Tour 3, teams across all regions were collecting DPC points by placing high during the Regional Leagues, Regional Finals, and Dota 2 Majors. After a phase of crucial series, triumphant victories, and heartbreaking losses at the ongoing Arlington Major, the direct invites of TI11 are finalized.
Here are the 12 teams that have secured direct invites to TI11:
During the Lower Bracket Playoffs of the Arlington Major, most games weren’t just another elimination series. Teams had their TI11 invites on the line and it was do-or-die. With the company of statsman, Ben “Noxville” Steenhuisen’s tweets who was constantly alerting players and fans of possible outcomes, the games grew tenser.
At that time, BOOM Esports and Team Liquid were directly clashing for TI11 qualification. beastcoast were fighting for Evil Geniuses’ and Outsider’s slot. With many TI11 fates interlinking with each other, the Lower Bracket Round 1 of the Arlington Major was a wild phase.
The series between BOOM Esports and Team Liquid in the Lower Bracket was one painful qualifying match. Whoever wins the series, earns the direct invite. BOOM looked very convincing in the opening match, securing the first win. But Liquid bounced back to deliver a fast 26 minutes victory in the second game. Fans for each team were holding their breaths, but BOOM showed another level of discipline that is foreign to SEA teams. They were very composed and patient, and it finally rewarded them with a direct invite to TI11. BOOM became the first Indonesian organization to ever qualify for The International.
Meanwhile, Team Liquid now falls to the nightmare grounds of TI qualifiers. It was heartbreaking to see Team Liquid grieving their loss after the series against BOOM, but it is not over. The team will have to clash against many eager WEU teams including a reformed Nigma Galaxy and Team Secret for a slot at TI11.
There is no other wholesome moment that can compare to when beastcoast helped EG make it to TI11. The North American team was knocked out of the Major after losing to Entity and their TI11 slot was at risk. The only way they can secure the direct invite is if beastcoast eliminates Fnatic from the Major.
Beastcoast understood the stakes. They fought for EG’ lives and with an incredible reverse sweep, beastcoast pushed Fnatic out of contention. With that victory, K1 all-chatted “For arteezy” as Fnatic’s throne exploded. The members of EG thanked players of beastcoast, but Andreas “Cr1t-” Nielsen clarified that it wasn’t the best way to qualify.
With another side celebrating victories, we also have the painful side of the story. Fnatic didn’t attend the most important Major in full power, as 3 of its players were unable to secure their VISAs. However, the team looked convincing enough with 3 TSM players standing-in. Fnatic managed to dodge elimination during the Group Stage, but their run was cut short after losing to beastcoast.
The most aching fact of this loss is that Fnatic missed the top 12 of DPC ranking by a mere 0.05 points. The team stood behind Outsiders, which scored 1020.05 and Fnatic scored 1020. It is possibly the most painful for the 3 players, Marc “Raven” Fausto, Armel “Armel” Tabios and Jaunuel “Jaunuel” Arcilla, who had to watch this unfold from the sidelines.
While the 12 invited teams can now take a breather, the journey isn’t over for the rest. Teams that are in the DPC (from Division I and II) are still in contention for TI11. There will be Last Chance Qualifiers from October 8 – 12 and each region will field another representative for TI11. Mark the dates because it will be one huge roller-coaster ride.
Check out our PGL Arlington Major coverage on the site! Stay tuned to Esports.gg for more Dota 2 news and updates.
