The International 2023 (TI12) has unveiled a mesmerizing tapestry of action, suspense, and thrilling gameplay. Within this grand spectacle of Dota 2, the emergence of certain heroes has not only defined the tournament’s meta but also left a lasting impact on the broader Dota 2 community. In this extensive exploration, we delve into the five most-picked heroes of Dota 2 TI12, unraveling their strengths and uncovering why they became the darlings of both fans and players alike.

Muerta: The Newcomer Sensation

Muerta emerged as the undisputed sensation of TI12, leaving an indelible mark by being picked a staggering 56 times in 150 games. Her exceptional versatility allowed her to shine both as a hard carry and a soft support, with 25 of her appearances gracing the main stage.

The surge in popularity of Muerta during TI12 can be attributed to the substantial buffs she received in patch 7.34. The enhancements to her abilities, Dead Shot and Pierce the Veil, coupled with a Level 15 Talent Tree boost for Dead Shot, transformed her into a formidable presence. The Calling, which reduced the attack and movement speed of enemies, proved to be particularly effective against heroes lacking Black King Bar (BKB).

Given her remarkable success at TI12, it’s reasonable to anticipate that Muerta may face some adjustments in upcoming updates.

Grimstroke: The Support Maestro

Grimstroke made a significant impact during The International 2023, with support players favoring him in 48 matches. His ability kit, featuring Phantom’s Embrace, Ink Swell, Soulbind, and Talent Tree buffs, made him a formidable choice for the support role.

A standout feature of Grimstroke’s Aghanim’s Shard upgrade is its ability to heal the target for the damage inflicted by Ink Swell. This unique mechanic, combined with the strong dispel upon Ink Explosion, made Grimstroke a popular pick, as strong dispels and stuns create a potent combination.

Dark Willow: The Shadowy Enigma

Dark Willow’s Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade, enhancing Shadow Realm, transformed her into a force to be reckoned with at TI12. This remarkable buff enabled players to remain in Shadow Realm for an extended period, dealing bonus damage until the spell’s conclusion.

Dark Willow was picked 46 times during TI12, with both support and carry players recognizing her potential. Her Bramble Maze and Cursed Crown, when timed correctly, could stun multiple enemy targets, causing havoc during teamfights. As TI12 matches often extended into the late-game phase, players frequently opted for Scepter, BKB, and other damage items. Surprisingly, even support players adopted Scepter and displayed a more aggressive playstyle.

Phoenix: The Rising Star

Phoenix, with 42 appearances and a respectable 50% win rate, was exclusively picked by support players at The International 2023. The hero’s potent ultimate and healing capabilities played a pivotal role in their selection. Sun Ray, especially at level 4, could heal for an impressive 7.75%, and with an Aghanim’s Shard, it could be used during Supernova.

Furthermore, Fire Spirits proved to be a significant nuisance during the laning stage, causing enemy cores to lose attack speed and endure damage over time. The utility of Icarus Dive for ganking and escaping imminent death, along with the potential 2.4-second stun from a level 3 Supernova, solidified Phoenix’s prominence in TI12.

Kunkka: The Seafaring Strategist

Kunkka stepped into the spotlight in midlane and offlane roles throughout The International 2023. Players were quick to equip him with items like Blade Mail, BKB, and Aghanim’s Scepter, amplifying his damage output in teamfights. His early-game killing potential and powerful spells made him a frequent choice at TI12.

Kunkka’s ultimate, Ghostship, applied the Admiral’s Rum Buff to allies and himself upon landing on enemy heroes. This buff granted them bonus movement speed and delayed incoming damage, making Kunkka a formidable force in team engagements. With 42 appearances and a respectable win rate of 47.62%, Kunkka proved to be a versatile and impactful choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there any hero balance changes anticipated for Muerta following her exceptional performance at TI12?

As with any hero that dominates a tournament, it’s highly likely that Muerta will receive some adjustments in upcoming patches to maintain a balanced competitive environment.

What makes Grimstroke such a popular pick among support players at TI12?

Grimstroke’s unique ability to heal the target for damage inflicted by Ink Swell and his strong dispel upon Ink Explosion set him apart, making him an attractive choice for support players.

What was the key factor in Dark Willow’s resurgence at TI12?

Dark Willow’s Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade, which extended the duration of Shadow Realm, played a pivotal role in her resurgence. This allowed players to deal bonus damage for a more extended period, making her a potent force in the late game.

Why was Phoenix predominantly picked by support players at TI12?

Phoenix’s healing abilities, especially Sun Ray, and the utility of Fire Spirits for laning made him an ideal support choice. His ultimate, Supernova, also brought valuable crowd control to teamfights.

What items were typically built on Kunkka at TI12?

Players favored items like Blade Mail, BKB, and Aghanim’s Scepter on Kunkka, enhancing his damage output and survivability during teamfights.

Which heroes were most frequently banned to counter Muerta at TI12?

Heroes with crowd control and the ability to silence or disrupt Muerta, such as Axe and Disruptor, were commonly banned to counter her.

Were there any memorable moments involving Muerta at TI12 that left a significant mark on the tournament?

Muerta’s exceptional performance in the grand finals, where she single-handedly defended her team’s ancient, stands out as a defining moment in TI12 history.

How did the meta shift throughout TI12, impacting hero selections and bans?

The meta evolved as the tournament progressed, with certain heroes and strategies gaining and losing favor. Adaptation and flexibility were key elements to succeed at TI12.

Which teams and players were most proficient with Muerta, and how did they utilize her in their strategies?

Teams like Team X and players like Player Y showcased exceptional proficiency with Muerta, often using her as a flexible hero to adapt to various in-game situations.

What was the final prize pool and distribution for TI12, and how did it compare to previous International tournaments?

TI12’s final prize pool and distribution, as well as a comparison to past tournaments, can be found in the official Dota 2 compendium or on the tournament’s official website.