The International 2025 is around the corner, so we at Blix.gg decided it is time to analyze all Dota 2 regions before it. Dota 2’s most prestigious tournament will bring together the best from all parts of the world, and North America is among them. Even though it is one of the most underrated regions, NA has much to offer, so let’s dive in and learn more about it.
Contents
The Format and North America’s Role in It
TI 2025 will take place from September 4 to September 14 in Hamburg, Germany. The event will include some of the best Dota 2 teams in the world, but the situation in North America looks grim.
The present reality is stark for a region with a storied past (it had champions like Evil Geniuses in 2015). Once one of the big favorites, nowadays, North America will only have one representative at The International 2025 in the face of Wildcard.
People who haven’t followed the Dota 2 scene may assume that Wildcard received a direct invitation. However, this is not the case because none of the 8 directly invited teams are from the region.
North America’s representative ended up after winning the regional closed qualifier, which took place between June 9 and 12. The quals had a standard double-elimination bracket of 8 teams, and most people expected Shopify Rebellion to reach TI. However, after an epic Grand Final, Wildcard defeated their opponents and secured the only TI slot.
The NA Closed Qualifiers & Wildcard’s Success
People who’ve followed the North American closed qualifiers may remember that the region included the following favorites and underdogs:
- Shopify Rebellion – This is North America’s powerhouse and was the big favorite for TI. Led by veteran players, the team had high hopes of qualifying for the tournament, but it did not happen.
- Wildcard Gaming – A squad that offers a blend of experience and youthful energy. In the end, WG surprised everyone and secured the only NA slot.
- 4 Anchor + Dota Sama – An ambitious lineup that had a mix of semi-pro players.
- Yoru Ryodan – Newcomers to the NA Dota 2 scene.
- CDUB Esports
- BSJ & Friends
- TT Geam
- Team Slayers
Shopify Rebellion and Wildcard Game entered the qualifiers as the two favorites. Unsurprisingly, the two met in the Grand Final. Once the dust settled, the latter stood tall and secured the only North American Dota 2 slot for The International 2025.
Those who followed the qualifiers have noticed that all of WG’s players deserve admiration. The team had precise drafting, resilient late-game decisions, and the necessary determination to win.
What Lies Ahead
There is no arguing that Wildcard Gaming will face an uphill battle at The International 2025. Since the tournament will have a Swiss-style format, WG must play against some of the big favorites from other regions. To succeed, the team must bring its qualifier form to the global stage. While a deep run seems unlikely, if the team secures a big victory, it could give them the needed motivation to succeed.
No one can deny that North America strives to match the depth of Europe, China, and many other regions. Many consider it the weakest Dota 2 region right now, so it is up to Wildcard Gaming to prove them wrong.
It has been a while since North America was a force to be reckoned with. Considering that the region only has one TI 2025 slot, it only has one chance to prove that it still belongs in the conversation.
