Yeah, they're pretty awesome. I have the Top 10 plays bookmarked where it shows them juking EG at the Roshan pit in the very beginning of the match (where Nature's Prophet died on purpose to lure them in). I really loved NTH when they were first formed back in September. When they kicked EE out to make a full Swedish team, though, I felt like that was sort of a douchey backstabbing towards him, especially since he was such a gtreat player on the team. While I now see that EE is a bit of a raging asshole whenever he plays dota (even pubs), I can now see where the issues stemmed from. 

I've been rather disappointed with Na'Vi recently. I feel like they either completely stomp the opposing team or they play terribly; they're extremely inconsistent. 

It's fun to watch pro players play the games you really like. I don't have a fanboyism with Dota 2 teams like a I have with the Chelsea for example. It's kinda like one more "sport" to watch.

Here's a video of last year tournament, the main event starts at the 5 min mark

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqk9C1wVT0U

Well in DOTA  most players have distinct playstyles and roles, naturally (just like in a football game) some people become more popular than others.

This has become especially apparent in MOBA games. Where certain players have roles, like farming, ganking, bushing, supporting etc.

If a certain player is tasked with being carry in DOTA (the guy who needs to kill everybody)...he has a damn good chance of stealing the show at the end of the game. Thats kinda just how it goes in any team game.

Also certain players/teams have personality and the way Valve has gone about The International since the very beginning has been great. They really promote the teams and the players.

Time to update the OP! http://www.dota2.com/international/announcement/

I saw the LGD Int. invite coming a mile away (they're spectacular), but congrats to MUFC for making the cut! (Congrats WinteR!!)

Now we're getting somewhere. I hadn't thought about the separation into different roles. That's interesting.

Thanks! just updated the thread. Only 3 more teams to go!

Never seen a match of LGD Int. going to watch one as soon as I can ;)

The prize pool for the international is over $2MM thanks to the crowdfunding! Did you all buy your compendiums yet?! :P

This is the largest esports prize pool in the history of esports. Stand aside, LoL. ;)

The compendium looks amazing. Haven't bought it yet unfortunately, haven't even played Dota in various days :O

I'm watching the TI 3 westerns qualifiers. QPANDA just beat iCCup, now is QPAD vs mouz. I'm rooting for DD on the qualifiers, although EG is probably going to take it.