Top 6 Players You Must Watch At TI12

The battle for Dota 2 supremacy at The Internationals 2023 is heating up, and so we have brought to you the top 6 players you must watch at TI12 work their magic

As The International 2023 (TI12) kicks off, the Dota 2 community eagerly awaits the action. With teams worldwide vying for the Aegis of Champions, the focus shifts to key players who can shape their team's fate. This article introduces the top 6 Dota 2 talents to watch at TI12, a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, each armed with the skills and determination to leave a mark on the tournament.

Top 6 Players You Must Watch

Here is our list of the top 6 players you must watch work their magic in The Internationals 2023.

1. Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk (Carry – Team Spirit)

Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk, born on March 12, 2003, is a Ukrainian Dota 2 prodigy playing as a carry for Team Spirit. He's reached remarkable heights in his short career, most notably achieving 11,000 MMR on April 19, 2021, followed by an impressive 12,000 MMR on November 7, 2021. However, Yatoro's crowning achievement came at The International 10, where he played an astounding 14 different heroes across 20 games, ultimately securing victory for Team Spirit.

Strengths and Playstyle

Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk, the Ukrainian carry-player, is a standout in Dota 2. Renowned for his mechanical prowess and adaptability, he excels with various heroes and gameplay scenarios, providing a dynamic and strategic edge to Team Spirit. Watch him closely in TI12 matches, especially when he wields heroes like Morphling, Spectre, and Gyrocopter.

Yatoro's adaptability and intuition for game-changing moments are key to Team Spirit's success. His exceptional TI12 statistics and a unique narrative, including a ban from the Ukrainian Esports Federation, add intrigue to his international performance, solidifying Yatoro's position in the Dota 2 arena.

2. Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahanon (Carry – Talon Esports)

Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahanon, born on March 27, 2002, from Thailand, is a renowned professional Dota 2 player whose career began in 2019. He initially competed with various mixes and semi-pro teams but gained recognition during the open qualifiers for The International 2019 when his squad reached the finals of the closed qualifiers. His remarkable performance earned him an invitation to join Fnatic, where he thrived as the team's first position carry player.

Strengths and Playstyle

23savage's Dota 2 dominance is rooted in exceptional mechanics and profound game insight. His carry role versatility allows effortless transitions between heroes and strategies, excelling in diverse scenarios. Known for a dynamic playstyle, he seizes opportunities and secures victories when they matter most.

At The International 2023, 23savage's performance with Talon Esports is highly anticipated. As an ESL One Summer 2021 champion and one of the first to hit 12,000 MMR, his potential shines. Keep an eye on his hero choices that complement his unique playstyle. With a history of top-tier play and his journey with Talon Esports, 23savage stands out at The International 2023.

3. Michał “Nisha” Jankowski (Mid – Team Liquid)

Michał “Nisha” Jankowski, born on September 28, 2000, is an accomplished Dota 2 player from Poland, currently excelling as Team Liquid's versatile mid laner. He started his journey as a support player with the team “Lets Do It,” then joined Team Secret in 2018 as their mid laner, winning major tournaments like The Chongqing Major and ESL One Katowice 2019. Despite facing challenges, Nisha secured a spot in the ONE Esports Singapore Major 2021.

Strength and Playstyle

Nisha's mid lane prowess stems from adaptability and versatility in Dota 2. His deep game understanding allows seamless adjustments to various strategies and heroes. With remarkable mechanical skills and a knack for seizing pivotal moments, Nisha consistently shines. As a cornerstone of Team Liquid, his matches, particularly at The International 2023, are in the spotlight.

His legacy as a top-tier mid laner, including being the first Polish player at The International in 2019, underscores his impact. Watch Nisha's mid lane clashes and hero picks that complement his adaptable style. His journey from Team Secret to Team Liquid adds depth to his career, making him a standout player at The International 2023.

4. Gleb “Kiyotaka” Zyryanov (Mid – 9Pandas)

Gleb “Kiyotaka” Zyryanov, the emerging Russian Dota 2 talent, has swiftly risen to prominence at just 19 years old, set to become the youngest player at TI12. Initially recognized as a pub star using the moniker “depressed kid,” Kiyotaka ventured through various CIS teams, including Team Unique and Team Empire, before making a pivotal move to HellRaisers, now rebranded as 9Pandas. His remarkable feats encompass achieving the prestigious 12,000 MMR milestone and consistently topping the charts for average kills per game in significant tournaments like the Lima Major 2023 and the 2023 DPC EEU Upper Division Tour 2.

Strengths and Playstyle

Kiyotaka, the mid laner for 9Pandas, stands out with his vast hero pool, underscoring his versatility in the mid lane. His knack for adapting to a wide range of heroes is a defining trait, and his youth leaves room for growth, potentially establishing him as one of the most outstanding mid laners in Dota 2 history.

When it comes to TI12, all eyes will be on Kiyotaka, as his exceptional skill and versatile hero pool make his performance a subject of keen observation. His journey from a young pub star to a prominent figure at The International 2023 is a narrative worth tracking, and he carries the potential to make a substantial impact on the tournament.

5. Denis “Larl” Sigitov (Mid – Team Spirit)

Denis “Larl” Sigitov, born on January 22, 2002, is a Russian Dota 2 prodigy currently representing Team Spirit. Known for his exceptional mid lane skills, Larl has recently emerged as a dominant force in the professional scene. Larl's journey to stardom includes winning two consecutive tournaments, showcasing his impressive consistency and impact. His performances have earned praise from fellow players, with Somnus Yao recognizing Larl as a formidable competitor and aiming to reach and surpass his level.

Strengths and Playstyle

Larl, Team Spirit's formidable mid laner, shines through his unwavering in-game presence and undeniable impact. His remarkable ability to influence matches, irrespective of the circumstances, showcases his true gaming prowess. Larl's playstyle, often featuring aggressive heroes like Kunkka and Puck, seamlessly blends aggression with precision.

As Team Spirit steps into TI12 as a top contender, all eyes will be on Larl to uphold his outstanding form. His knack for seizing pivotal moments, epitomized by a memorable rampage against Shopify Rebellion, solidifies his status as a player to closely monitor at The International 2023.

6. Vladislav “Antares” Kertman (Support – 9Pandas)

Vladislav “Antares” Kertman, a notable Russian Dota 2 support player recognized for his remarkable Techies skills, entered the competitive scene with X3 in late 2021. He then joined Rune Eaters Esports in early 2022, made a brief stint with Team Empire, and regained recognition with CYXARIKI and gubina13. Notably, in December 2022, he became a key player for HellRaisers, securing a remarkable third-place finish in the DPC EEU 2023 Tour 1: Division I and a significant milestone by qualifying for The Lima Major 2023, marking a turning point in his career.

Strengths and Playstyle

Antares, renowned for his expertise in Techies, stands out as a versatile support player. His unique ability to adapt to various team compositions and create chaotic scenarios for opponents using Techies sets him apart. His role revolves around disruption, zoning, and mastering map control.

In the forthcoming matches of 9Pandas, Antares is poised to be a pivotal force, especially in high-stakes tournaments, where his innovative strategies and Techies proficiency can disrupt well-established adversaries. Be sure to closely follow his games for game-changing plays and unexpected surprises, as his unorthodox playstyle makes him a wildcard in the competitive Dota 2 scene.

Conclusion

As The International 2023 unfolds, these six players are poised to captivate the Dota 2 world with their exceptional skills and extraordinary journeys, making this tournament one for the ages.