Dmitry "Korb3n" Belov, manager of Team Spirit's Dota 2 roster, discussed the team's preparation ahead of The International 2024. He shared his thoughts on the club's YouTube channel before the start of the group stage matches.
He mentioned that the team's form during practice sessions was above average, though not exceptional. He noted that the intensity of practice can wane as the anticipation for official games builds up, which might affect focus. Belov reflected on the 2023 International, pointing out that the team performed poorly in practice leading up to the tournament, despite having a successful run during the event. He stressed that the difference between official matches and practice can be significant, especially when the stakes are high and the tournament is long.
Belov assured that the team's preparation had been thorough, and he felt confident going into the first day of the tournament. He expected the initial matches to provide a clear indication of their performance and was optimistic about their readiness, having completed all necessary preparations.
The International 2024 takes place from September 4 to 15 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The current prize pool stands at $2.4 million, with increases coming from compendium sales and related transactions.