Dota 2 – The International 2024 Group Stage: Meta & Surprises

The group stage of The International 2024 has come to a close, and if there’s one thing it made clear — this year’s TI is as unpredictable as ever.

Held in Copenhagen, the early days of the tournament have already delivered upsets, unconventional drafts, and an evolving meta that’s keeping fans and analysts on their toes.

A Meta in Motion

This year’s group stage has featured a surprising shift in hero preferences. While long-standing staples like Invoker, Phoenix, and Dark Willow still see play, a few unexpected picks have surged to the forefront:

• Outworld Destroyer and Bristleback made a notable return, particularly in SEA and SA matches.

• Offlane Snapfire emerged as a favorite among top EEU teams for its laning dominance and teamfight impact.

• A few niche picks — like Arc Warden and Techies — proved situationally devastating.

Interestingly, many teams are opting for faster-paced drafts, with games often ending before the 40-minute mark. Snowballing lineups, mobility-based mid heroes, and early aggression are defining characteristics of this year’s meta so far.

Biggest Surprises of the Stage

• G2.iG exceeded expectations by finishing at the top of their group, taking down multiple direct invite teams in the process.

• Team Liquid, a consistent force all year, struggled to find footing early, barely making it into the playoffs.

• nouns from North America became the unexpected fan favorites, pushing several top teams to three-game series and earning a spot in the upper bracket.

This year’s group format also introduced a more balanced round-robin schedule, which led to tighter standings and high-pressure tiebreaker scenarios.

Eyes on the Playoffs

With the playoff bracket now locked in, the next phase will determine which teams survive the gauntlet. Some favorites stumbled early, while others — including qualifier underdogs — have shown they’re more than capable of upsetting the status quo.

One thing is certain: the group stage has set the tone for an intense and wide-open TI. Expect meta shifts, emotional storylines, and breakout performances as the playoff battle begins.