TI9 – Dota 2 The International 2019 Results & Highlights
TI9 was the ninth Dota 2 International tournament held in Shanghai, China from August 20 to August 25, 2019.
TI9 was the ninth Dota 2 International tournament held in Shanghai, China from August 20 to August 25, 2019. It brought together the best teams in the world and offered a record-breaking prize pool of more than $34 million.
TI9 Venue and Dates
The International 2019, known as TI9, was hosted at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China. The event ran from August 20 to August 25, 2019. It was the first time this championship was held in China, and it drew a massive global audience.
Prize Pool and Records
TI9 set a new record for the largest prize pool in esports history at that time, with around $34.3 million. The community-funded system through Dota 2’s Battle Pass contributed to this amount. OG, the winning team, received more than $15 million, while Team Liquid, the runners-up, earned over $4 million.
Teams and Qualifications
A total of 18 teams competed in TI9. Twelve teams received direct invitations based on their Dota Pro Circuit standings. These teams were:
- Team Secret
- Virtus.pro
- Vici Gaming
- Evil Geniuses
- PSG.LGD
- Fnatic
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- TNC Predator
- OG
- Team Liquid
- Keen Gaming
- Alliance
Six additional teams joined through regional qualifiers:
- Mineski (Southeast Asia)
- Natus Vincere (CIS)
- Royal Never Give Up (China)
- Infamous (South America)
- Newbee (North America)
- Chaos Esports Club (Europe)
Group Stage Format
The group stage of TI9 ran from August 15 to August 18. The 18 teams were divided into two groups of nine. Each team played in a round-robin format.
- The top four teams from each group advanced to the upper bracket of the main event.
- The next four teams moved to the lower bracket.
- The last-placed team in each group was eliminated.
This format ensured balanced competition and set the stage for the intense main event.
Main Event Matches
The TI9 main event featured a double-elimination format. Upper bracket winners gained an advantage, while lower bracket teams fought to survive. The games were played in best-of-three series, except for the best-of-one opening matches in the lower bracket and the best-of-five grand final.
Some key upper bracket matches included:
- OG defeating Newbee and EG to advance to the upper finals.
- PSG.LGD defeating Virtus.pro and Vici Gaming to reach the upper finals.
Lower bracket action included strong performances from Team Liquid, who made an impressive run to the grand final after early setbacks.
Grand Final Showdown
The grand final of TI9 was a rematch of TI8, with OG facing Team Liquid. OG defeated Liquid with a score of 3-1, making history as the first team ever to win The International twice in a row.
Notable highlights from the grand final:
- OG’s carry player Ana played an exceptional Ember Spirit and Spectre.
- Topson’s aggressive mid-lane plays with heroes like Monkey King and Tiny dominated key fights.
- Ceb’s offlane support and JerAx’s game-changing saves provided OG with strategic control.
OG’s Historic Victory
OG’s victory in TI9 is one of the greatest stories in esports. After winning TI8, many doubted their ability to repeat the success. However, the team showed unmatched synergy and fearless drafting, proving that teamwork and creativity can overcome any challenge.
The final win gave OG the largest single prize in esports history at the time—over $15 million. It also solidified players like Ana, Topson, Ceb, JerAx, and N0tail as Dota 2 legends.
Player Highlights
- Johan “N0tail” Sundstein (OG Captain): Led the team with strategic drafts and steady leadership.
- Anathan “Ana” Pham (OG Carry): Delivered unforgettable late-game plays.
- Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen (OG Mid): Known for his creative and high-pressure plays.
- Sébastien “Ceb” Debs (OG Offlaner): Key to OG’s team fights with timely initiations.
- Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka (OG Support): Made incredible saves and setups that shifted momentum.
Memorable Matches
Several TI9 games remain iconic in Dota 2 history:
- OG vs. Evil Geniuses: OG overcame an early-game deficit with exceptional team fights.
- Team Liquid vs. PSG.LGD: Team Liquid’s comeback run in the lower bracket showcased discipline and late-game strength.
- OG vs. Team Liquid Grand Final: A fast-paced series where OG’s bold picks and fearless style set them apart.
Impact on Dota 2 and Esports
TI9 highlighted how community support fuels esports growth. The record-breaking prize pool showed the strength of fan engagement through the Battle Pass system. The event also raised competitive standards, influencing strategies and hero picks in professional Dota 2.
The tournament’s global reach expanded Dota 2’s audience, with millions watching live streams and highlights worldwide.
Legacy of TI9
TI9 is remembered as a landmark event in competitive gaming. OG’s back-to-back win became a model for teamwork and resilience. Shanghai’s hosting of TI9 showed the growing importance of China in esports.
From record prize pools to unforgettable matches and historic performances, TI9 set a new benchmark for Dota 2 tournaments and the entire esports industry.
