The carry for Cloud9, Alimzhan "Watson" Islambekov, commented on the significance of The International 2024 for him, despite the reduced prize pool and waning interest in the tournament. In a statement to Metaratings.ru, he also discussed his team's early exit from FISSURE Universe: Episode 3.
Islambekov explained that their participation in the tournament was primarily for training against strong teams and preparing for the main event of the year. The team had been practising at home and planned to move to a bootcamp to further intensify their preparations and increase their gameplay.
He emphasised that winning The International has always been his primary motivation for competing in Dota 2. Islambekov expressed great enthusiasm for The International 2024, stating that his ultimate goal in Dota 2 is to lift the Aegis.
The International 2024 will take place from 4 to 15 September in Copenhagen. Sixteen teams will compete, with Cloud9 securing their spot by finishing first in the Western European qualifiers. For Watson, this will be his second TI, having previously placed 9th-12th with Entity.