Our Predictions for The International 2023 Upper Bracket
The teams for The International 2023 upper bracket have been finalized with the conclusion of the seeding decider matches. These matches were intense and full of upsets, much like the group-stage matches.
The most unexpected outcome was the defeat of Tundra Esports at the hands of Nouns. Nouns took the clean 2-0, and as a result, the defending champions had to enter the main stage from the lower bracket with no safety net.
Additionally, Gaimin Gladiators failed to avenge their Riyadh Masters 2023 defeat against Talon Esports.
As the upper bracket matches will begin on October 20th, we have some predictions for you. However, please note these are just our predictions, which are made based on each team’s recent performances.
Team Spirit Vs Virtus Pro
Team Spirit The Riyadh Masters 2023 ChampionsCredits: Twitter/@Gamers8
Team Spirit dominated their region throughout the season but failed to make a deep run at LANs. However, before The International 2023, they secured back-to-back LAN titles, which indicates they have found their momentum. With renewed confidence, the team came to The International 2023 and did not drop a single match in the group stage.
They also dominated their seeding decider series against Shopify Rebellion. Team Spirit’s new-found footing is making waves in the community, with some even considering them the favourites for The International.
Virtus Pro at The International 2023.Credits: Twitter/ @VirtusPro
Virtus Pro maintained a consistent performance in their region throughout the DPC Season. However, they failed to make it to a single DPC Major throughout the season and were one of the early exits at the Riyadh Masters 2023.
They secured their TI ticket through the qualifiers. During the group stages, the team barely survived by earning the minimum points required.
This inter-regional series favours Team Spirit, as they have dominated Virtus Pro in every encounter. There is an unlikely chance of an upset in this series.
Strafe Esports Prediction: Team Spirit takes the series 2-0.
Team Liquid Vs Talon Esports
Team Liquid At The International 2023.Credits: Twitter.@teamliquiddota
Team Liquid displayed impressive performance throughout the 2023 DPC Season, resulting in numerous top-three finishes at various LAN events. They carried this momentum into the International 2023 and dominated their groups. They also won a clean seeding decider series victory against Evil Geniuses.
Talon Esports At The International 2023.Credits: Twitter. @TALON_ESPORTS
Talon Esports had mixed results for the season. However, they did make a couple of top-three finishes at LANs. The team showed promising results as they stood their ground against some of the titans from Western Europe at LANs. Talon had a tough start in the initial group stages of the tournament, but they found their rhythm and eventually secured the third spot in their group. Their performance improved even further in the seeding decider match, where they defeated their rivals, Gaimin Gladiators, in a riveting series.
With the Western European scene dominating the meta for the 2023 DPC Season, Team Liquid is a favourite for this series. However, they have to be diligent of the opponents, or else they could be the ones going into the lower brackets.
Strafe Esports Prediction: Team Liquid takes the series 2-1
LGD Gaming Vs 9 Pandas
LGD Gaming The International 2023.Credits: Twitter.@LGDgaming
LGD Gaming is a powerhouse in the China region. Despite revamping their roster for the 2023 DPC roster, the team continued to dominate their region. The team only made a single deep run at The Bali Major in LANs throughout the entire season. However, in their groups, they took the top seed against the likes of Gaimin Gladiators. They also took a clean seeding decider series against Keyd Stars.
9 Pandas at The International 2023.Credits: Twitter. @GosuGamers
Likewise, their opponents for the series, 9 Pandas, had several top-three finishes in the Eastern European region. However, unlike them, 9 Pandas made deep runs in LANs in the later stages of the DPC season. Moreover, the team had veteran players like Alexey "Solo" Berezin and Roman "RAMZES666" Kushnarev. Although they placed third in the group stages, the team took a crucial win against their inter-regional rivals, BetBoom Team, in the seeding decider series.
LGD Gaming lacks experience compared to their opponents. With a majority of the team being fresh faces for the stage, LGD Gaming could crumble under the pressure of playing in front of a live crowd.
Strafe Esports Prediction: 9 Pandas take the series 2-1.
Nouns Vs Azure Ray
The series is the one everyone should consider watching, and here’s the reason why.
Nouns at The International 2023.Credits: Twitter. @nounsesports
Nouns had been making waves in the NA region throughout the season. At the Summer Tour, they finally brought down one of the titans from their region, TSM, and went to their first LAN. Although they were greeted with an early exit from the tournament, the LAN experience ignited a spark within the team.
The team made a roster shuffle before the TI qualifiers. This bold decision yielded tremendous results as the team punched their way to Seattle. At TI12, the team secured third place in their groups. However, at the seeding decider series, Nouns showed their true potential and knocked down the current TI champions.
Azure Ray at The International 2023.Credits: Twitter.@TheEveileb
Their opponents, Azure Ray, consist of several veterans from the China region. Despite being a relatively new team, the veterans' experience has helped them secure a spot in the most prestigious Dota 2 tournament. In the group stages, the team placed third, tying with Team Liquid and Shopify Rebellion. They took a clean seeding decider series against Entity Esports.
Even though Azure Ray is a tough opponent, Nouns already had turned heads in their series against Tundra Esports. Azure Ray needs to be on their toes and not give Nouns any opening to win this series.
Strafe Esports Predicition: Azure Ray wins the series 2-1.
These are our predictions for The International 2023 upper bracket series. If you disagree with our picks, let us know in the comments below. We would love to know your opinions on The International 2023 upper bracket.
Read More at Strafe Esports: Analysing the Competition: Our TI12 Lower Bracket Predictions
Featured Image Source: Valve