With The International 2023 (TI12) heating up, fans are waiting to see which one of the sixteen playoffs teams will prevail and make it to the end. In a recent interview posted by a YouTube channel called Our Game (Russian: Наша Игра), Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov revealed the two teams he expects to meet in the grand finale of The International 2023 (TI12).
In a short, rapid-fire interview, MinD_ContRoL answered many questions, with most related to the ongoing TI12 tournament. One of the questions that prompted an interesting answer from the Dota 2 pro was about the two teams who are likely to make it to the grand finals of TI12.
MinD_ContRoL’s Prediction for TI12 Finals
MinD_ContRoL found himself on the sidelines of this year’s The International as Nigma Galaxy failed to qualify. But he was offered another shot at the title with Team SMG. Mind_ContRoL played as a stand-in for Natthaphon “Masaros” Ouanphakdee. Sadly, Team SMG was eliminated during the group stage and he found himself watching TI unfold from the audience once again.
MinD_ContRoL, known as one of the best offlaners in modern Dota 2 esports, confidently declared that LGD Gaming and Team Spirit would be the two teams to reach the finals of the tournament, making it a clash of the titans.
LGD Gaming, despite suffering a single loss against Virtus.pro, still stands tall as a formidable contender, boasting a roster brimming with talent and experience.
However, the real eye-opener in MinD_ContRoL’s prediction is Team Spirit, a team that has turned heads with its astonishing performance during the group stages. Notably, Team Spirit emerged from the group stage without a single loss, an extraordinary feat that underscores its dominance in the early stages of The International 2023.
While the group stage performance is remarkable, it’s essential to bear in mind that the road to the grand finals is paved with the challenging playoff matches that start on 20th October.
Notably, while asked to choose between Team SMG’s Yeik “MidOne” Nai Zheng and Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko, MinD_ContRoL chose No[o]ne-. In the rapid-fire round, the interviewer asked him how it feels to play at TI. To this, MinD_ContRoL said, “Amazing!” Also, according to the pro player, currently, the best hero is Spirit Breaker, with the worst being Spectre.
In the short interview with Our Game, MinD_ContRoL also offered a glimpse into his life beyond the game, revealing his fondness for the critically acclaimed TV series “Breaking Bad.”
MinD_ContRoL also disclosed his best friend in Dota 2 to be Kuro “Kuroky” Salehi Takhasomi. Notably, the duo’s history dates back to their remarkable triumph at The International 2017 as part of Team Liquid, and their partnership has endured since. Presently, they are both a part of Nigma Galaxy.
It will be interesting to see how accurate MinD_ContRoL’s foresight is and how the unpredictable nature of Dota 2 can impact the course of the competition in the coming days. With thrilling matches ahead, the Dota 2 community is in for an exhilarating ride throughout The International 2023.
