The International, the most important competition for Dota 2 players, celebrates its 12th edition in Seattle, United States, this 2023. However, this very important event could be overshadowed by the visa application of many players. Even now, visa applications are already causing repercussions for some teams participating in the 21st season of the DreamLeague.
Players’ visa problems could cast a shadow over TI12
According to the information, some Dota 2 players might be absent from the first part of TI12 due to problems with visa applications. Among the players who may miss the tournament’s first phase are Aybek “TA2000” Tokayev, a member of Quest Esports, and Kim “Gabbi” Santos, a member of Entity.
This means both teams would be forced to start this important tournament with their substitute players. In the case of Quest Esports, the player who would replace TA2000 would be Indji “Shad” Lub. While in the case of Entity, the substitute player would be Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf.
You thought we wouldn’t have any drama this tournament, well, think again ðŸ˜. Due to US VISA delays, we regret to inform you that TA2000 won’t be able to play some matches in the current Dreamleague. @Shad_Dota will be standing in for the current tournament. Things just got a… pic.twitter.com/U0hdiVlwd0
— Quest Esports (@questesports_) September 18, 2023
Visa procedures for TI12
Recently, TA2000, in an interview, revealed that since September 14, he has traveled to Indonesia to apply for his U.S. visa. The player said he had to travel early to get his visa before the start of TI12. However, the endless visa procedures have forced TA2000 to stay in Southeast Asia. As a result, the opportunity to compete in the DreamLeague Season 21 was lost.
However, it is expected that both TA2000 and Shad will return to training camps with their respective teams once their visa procedures are completed. However, given this situation, it is difficult to predict whether the two players will get their visas in time to make it to the start of TI12, which takes place in October.
But remember that this is not the first time something similar has happened in Dota2 competitions. Throughout the year, some teams were affected by visa problems. So they were forced to use their substitute players, particularly in Berlin, Germany.
On the other hand, considering that getting a U.S. visa can be complicated for players outside of Europe, Valve would have to step in to avoid leaving any player out. If players get their U.S. visa application rejected, TI12 would not only be less fun in general, but it would also affect players indirectly because they could not participate in DreamLeague Season 21. It is important to note that this tournament has a prize pool of $1 million, so players who were left out lose the chance to keep a part of the prize pool. But that’s not all. They also lose the opportunity to compete with the best teams before TI12.
Undoubtedly, teams that have visa problems with some of their players should act quickly to be prepared and have backup players.