Former professional player Vladimir "PGG" Anosov shared his impressions of the first day of The International 2024 exclusively for Telecomasia.net, highlighting the main favorites of the tournament.
Anosov pointed out some of the most interesting teams after the first day of play:
Team Zero surprised everyone; they play in a style that their opponents are not ready for. It may be easier to prepare against them in the later stages of the tournament. Other than that, things are proceeding as expected. Tundra Esports are adjusting to the game with a substitute, and they seem to have the hardest time at The International 2024.
PGG assessed the new group format of The International 2024:
On one hand, it’s complete nonsense. On the other hand, it gives teams time to warm up and find their rhythm in the tournament atmosphere/meta. These games are fun to watch. I like the patch; teams are surprising each other and the audience. I believe that most teams have strategies prepared for more important matches.
He also identified the favorites for The International 2024:
Favorites include: Team Spirit, Xtreme Gaming, followed by Team Falcons, Gaimin Gladiators, and Team Liquid. My top three are Team Spirit, Xtreme Gaming, and Team Liquid. Team Spirit players aim to set an unbeatable record, in my opinion. Xtreme Gaming has been together for a long time, and they are hungry for victories and disciplined. Team Liquid seems to be the "dark horse" with a strong roster. I just have a feeling they're above Team Falcons, Gaimin Gladiators, and Tundra Esports.
On September 5, the leaders of the group stage for The International 2024 were determined. The strongest teams of the opening phase were Team Spirit, Team Falcons, Xtreme Gaming, and Cloud9, while Gaimin Gladiators, Team Zero, and Team Liquid followed in second place.
The International 2024 (13) is held from September 4 to 15 in a LAN format in Copenhagen, Denmark. The final stage of the event will take place at the Royal Arena. At the time of writing, 16 teams are battling it out in the group stage of the championship.
