Best Heroes of The International 2024

The annual The International tournament in Dota 2 is always accompanied by a special atmosphere of tension and anticipation. Thousands of devoted fans from all over the world closely follow the performances of their favorite teams and players, hoping to witness epic battles that will go down in esports history.

However, in recent years, the popularity and scale of The International have somewhat declined. The prize pools no longer reach the impressive volumes they once did, which has affected the intensity and level of competition. Nevertheless, teams fought for the championship title with incredible dedication, showcasing truly masterful skills with their favorite heroes.

That brings us to today’s topic: the Dota 2 heroes whose presence was essential for their teams’ victories. Let’s discover which heroes made it to the top of Dota 2 at The International 2024 due to their thrilling gameplay, useful abilities, and unforgettable moments in battle.

The Meta Before The International

Before the biggest Dota 2 tournament — The International — an intriguing and somewhat ambiguous meta took shape. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular Dota 2 heroes during that period and how recent updates affected the competitive landscape.

Key Heroes

Just before The International, the most powerful and sought-after heroes among professional players were Enigma, Magnus, Io, and Tiny. These heroes possessed strong abilities that allowed them to effectively control the battlefield and have a major influence on the course of battles.

Enigma, with his Black Hole and Eidolons, was one of the leading "heavy" carry heroes, capable of controlling key areas of the map and initiating large-scale team fights. Magnus, with his Reverse Polarity and Skewer, was also at the peak of popularity thanks to his ability to mass control enemies.

The Io and Tiny duo was a dangerous pair — Io provided mobility and buffs for Tiny, while Tiny could easily deal with enemy heroes. These four heroes were so strong that they appeared in nearly every professional game.

Impact of Updates

After The International, the developers released a series of patches that significantly affected the competitive landscape. Key changes impacted both the aforementioned heroes and other strong characters.

In Dota 2, Enigma, Magnus, and Io received notable nerfs, reducing their control and team synergy capabilities. Tiny also became somewhat less dominant, making him a less frequent pick. Meanwhile, some alternative "heavy" carries, such as Sven and Wraith King, were buffed, and the role of mobile and deadly heroes like Monkey King and Ember Spirit increased.

These changes led to a more diverse and dynamic meta. Teams were forced to expand their hero pools and seek new combinations to successfully counter their opponents. As a result, the Dota 2 meta became more interesting and unpredictable, adding extra intrigue to upcoming matches.

Popular Heroes in the Group Stage of The International 2024

The International 2024 presents us with an interesting meta, where certain heroes have become particularly sought after. Let’s take a look at the most notable Dota 2 heroes in the group stage. We will also compare the win rates of these Dota 2 heroes.

Analyzing the picks and bans in the group stage of The International 2024, we can identify some interesting regional differences in team approaches to hero selection. Chinese teams, known for their strong macro play and map control, often banned Naga Siren and Shadow Demon, while favoring picks like Monkey King and Puck. This reflects their strategic approach, focused on long-term advantage.

Southeast Asian teams showcased their traditionally aggressive playstyle. Heroes like Sand King and Enchantress were frequently banned, likely due to their ability to slow the game’s pace. Meanwhile, they favored heroes like Windranger and Sniper, allowing them to quickly gain an advantage and launch swift attacks.

European teams displayed a more varied approach to drafts. They often banned Doom and Puck, likely considering them too versatile and disruptive to their strategies. At the same time, heroes like Shadow Demon and Mirana were picked, perhaps due to their flexibility and complex team interactions.

CIS teams favored heroes with strong teamfight potential. They frequently banned Monkey King and Windranger, likely fearing their lane dominance. However, these teams eagerly picked Naga Siren and Sand King, indicating their focus on territorial control and extended teamfights.

North American teams showed interest in heroes that could dominate lanes and create space for their carries. They often banned Sniper and Mirana, opting to pick heroes like Doom and Enchantress. This selection reflects their focus on aggressive map control and early advantage.

South American teams favored mobile heroes with ganking potential. Meta heroes like Shadow Demon and Puck were banned, possibly due to their perceived danger in the hands of skilled players. Meanwhile, South Americans eagerly picked Windranger and Monkey King, which aligns with their dynamic playstyle focused on constant pressure and fast map movement.

It’s important to note that these regional trends are not absolute. Many teams demonstrated flexibility in their strategies, adapting to the global tournament meta and the playstyle of specific opponents.

Best Universal Heroes of the Group Stage

The group stage of The International 2024 showcased a variety of effective strategies and heroes. Some characters proved exceptionally useful, becoming key figures in team strategies. Universal Dota 2 heroes stood out in particular.

Top Heroes in Dota 2 Public Matches

It’s interesting to compare the professional scene with what’s happening in public games (pubs) across different skill brackets. This will help us understand how the meta heroes in pro Dota 2 differ from the preferences of regular players.

General Trends

In public games, there’s a tendency to pick heroes that can effectively farm creeps, even in positions 4 and 5. This allows supports to stay relevant throughout the game. For example, Nature’s Prophet has become a very strong pick in skilled hands, capable of constantly pressuring the map.

Witch Doctor

Many consider this to be the strongest hero in Dota 2, especially in public games. Despite being rarely picked in professional play, he shows impressive effectiveness in pubs. His abilities allow him to have a strong influence in teamfights and perform well even alone.

Nature's Prophet

A hero capable of creating immense pressure on the map in the hands of an experienced player. His global presence and fast farming abilities make him a formidable opponent in public games. Skilled use of teleportation and summoned units allows him to constantly harass enemies and control the game’s tempo.

Oracle

Oracle has made a significant leap in the meta, rising from B-tier straight to S-tier. In Dota 2, this hero has become a reliable pick for support play in both high-ranking public games and among professional players. His unique set of abilities, including healing and damage dealing, makes him a versatile and powerful ally for any team.

Conclusion

The dynamics of Dota 2’s game balance remain one of the most fascinating aspects of the game. Patches regularly bring adjustments, sometimes radically changing the balance of power. Thus, today’s top Dota 2 heroes may become less effective in just a few weeks.

To improve your skills, we recommend experimenting with different heroes, even if they aren’t currently at the top of the meta. This will broaden your understanding of the game and help you find unexpected counter-strategies. In the end, player skill remains the decisive factor. Even less popular heroes in Dota 2, when played by an experienced player, can become the key to victory.