The International Americas Qualifiers

The qualifiers for The International are finally here! The Americas are the first region to battle it out for a spot in Seattle for the main tournament in July. The qualifiers are filled with big name players that have been on this stage before.

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The favorites are probably North American Rejects and Team Liquid. NAR consists of players that were formerly on Team Dignitas, Team Liquid, and LGD Int. The new Team Liquid lineup is incredibly strong with the addition of scene veteran DeMoN to the 4 position. TL also added Wayto and qojqva since the last International. Unfortunately, the shakiness of their roster over the last few months costed them a direct invite even though they finished 7th/8th in TI3. If you miss the old TL lineup with FLUFF and ixmike, don't worry because they are in the qualifiers playing with Sneaky Nyx Assassins. You won't see ixmike on support with SNA since he moved to the 3 position and playing in the off-lane. In GrandGranT's article for LiquidDota, he touted the carry of the Nyx Assassins, USH, as one of the most talented players in the qualifiers right alongside Korok (that was a good article, I suggest checking it out). So with veterans like ixmike and FLUFF, along with one of the most talented players in the qualifiers, I expect to see SNA put up a strong performance and possibly land a spot in Seattle.

Team eHug is coming into the qualifiers in a slump after losing their last 6 series through multiple competitions. In fact, if the recent The Summit America Qualifier is any indicator, don't expect eHug, Revenge, CNB, or No Earthspirit to compete with the three front-runners. The other teams (Top5, Union, Shadows of the Past, and Isurus) will be hard pressed to compete with the other teams in the qualifier.

With all that said, every team is well capable of pulling upsets which will make for an exciting three days of play!

Check out JoinDota's Casters and Streams guide to understand the streaming setup for the NA and EU casting hubs. After you check out JoinDota's guide, here is the schedule for the next four days of competition including which stream you will be able to find each match.

I know I'm excited for the next couple weeks of qualifiers! Are you excited? Who do you think will be the teams from the Americas Qualifier punching a ticket for Seattle? Do you think a team other than Team Liquid, North American Rejects, or Sneaky Nyx Assassins can win the qualifier?

This is clearly the weakest qualifier out of the 4.
My guess is north american rejects and sneaky nyx assasins unless liquid stops being terrible, then they have a shot at it.

I'm rooting for SNA and TOP5 here mostly - who are you guys cheering for?

Like Tim said, it is the weakest qualifier as the american scene isn't the strongest scene at the moment. Only Liquid has a formidable name (and that's just the name - they're performing badly as of late) but there's no doubt we'll be seeing great dota and maybe some 322s here.

Starting in a few hours, I'm really excited!

Schedule is literally from the other side of the world though. Muh sleeping schedule.

I'm cheering for TL and SNA

The first games were pretty much all stomps. I mainly watched SNA vs Shadows and it looked like Shadows weren't awake.

Btw, if you guys want a multi-twitch, here you go:

http://www.multitwitch.tv/beyondthesummit/beyondthesummit2/beyondthesummit3/highgroundtv

Agreed. Also, my predictions are Sneaky Nyx Assassins and North American Rejects, too: I've seen them playing three or four times only, so I'm not that sure, but nonetheless I think they have more chance than the others (especially because of the Team Liquid issue).

The Rejects just totally outclassed Shadows. Korok was a beast on Brew!

Pff, he threw that game! Should have tried to beat his 12 Kill record, rather than settling for a measly 9-0.

It's not just Shadows, but Isirius lost 15-0...then again, no Stun strat...

Liquid looks pretty good so far

I'm putting my money on SNA, they've been looking pretty decent. Been at work all day so I haven't had a chance to watch any of todays qualifier matches

USH from Sneaky Nyx continues to baffle me with his consistent play! The kid is just so good!