Puppey on two venues for TI11 playoffs: “It’s a different vibe. I still haven’t seen Gabe come up and say ‘Welcome to the International!’ That’s kind of losing the vibe. Bring it back.”

TI11 is the first International in Dota 2 history where the playoffs will take place across two venues. The first part of the playoffs took place at the Suntec Arena. The final four matches including the Grand Finals wil take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. There is a big difference between the two arenas. Team Secret spoke with the media today with the players sharing their thoughts on the two-part TI11 playoff system and the tournament vibes.

The International: The goal for Dota players

Team Secret qualified for TI11 via the Last Chance qualifiers. In Photo: Crystallis, Puppey, Zayac, Resolution. Image Credit: Dota2 TI.

Every Dota 2 player that tries to go competitive in the game has one goal – to play in the International. Entering the TI arena with thousands of live fans at the arena and many more viewing the event live is a dream come true for many.

But this year, with the two-venue system, the majority of the pro players will not compete at the TI arena. Sixteen teams qualified to the TI playoffs, but only four will play at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in front of a huge audience.

I think it would be better if it started right away from the big stadium so every team got to play there because it’s a really big experience for all the players and everyone (woudld have) got a chance to be there. It’s kind of bad that only four teams are going to be able to play in that big stadium.

Roman “Resolut1on” Fomynok

Team Secret’s players shared their thoughts on the two-venue system with the media. While Puppey and Resolution shared their opinions, the answers resonated with the desires of the vast majority of the Dota 2 community.

The winner of the first ever International, Puppey is a legend in Dota 2 esports. He has participated in each and every TI till date. While he could never replicate the same placement from TI1, his teams (more recently Team Secret) have been dominant in the Dota 2 esports scene.

Welcome to the International

Thinking of every TI you literally walk into the arena every time and it feels like big and magical. I haven’t felt that this TI whatsoever because of this small venue.

Clement “Puppey” Ivanov

And then there’s Gabe Newell. The American billionaire welcomed fans with his characteristic ‘Welcome to the International’ in the first TI. It has become a Dota 2 tradition ever since. But his absence at the TI11 playoffs has not gone unnoticed.

“Thinking of every TI you literally walk into the arena every time and it feels like big and magical,” reminisced Puppey. “I haven’t felt that this TI whatsoever because of this small venue. (looks at Zayac) You know the feeling, it’s crazy.

It’s a different vibe. I still haven’t seen Gabe come up and say “Whoa!! Welcome to the International!” That’s kind of losing the vibe. Bring it back.”

While there’s been some issues with this year’s TI, the quality of games has been some of the best ever. From mega creep comebacks to 1HP survivals, the International has delivered on all fronts.