Korb3n explained why Dota 2 was much more exciting in 2017

Dmitry “Korb3n” Belov said that Dota 2 was more interesting in 2017 because it wasn't heroes that won matches, but styles and core role swaps right in the middle of the game.

The Team Spirit manager made this statement during a stream on Twitch.

"In 2017, there were different styles. In Dota, it wasn't heroes that won, but styles and skill level. Probably the most striking example is the games between Virtus.pro and Team Liquid in 2017. There were different styles, plus swaps. Meepo went mid, and Chappie did the same. Miracle- played mid, but they swapped with MATUMBAMAN, who went mid for Broodmother, Necrophos, and Venomancer. They won largely thanks to these swaps. That's why TI7 is the pinnacle for me"

According to him, now during matches, a lot depends on the right drafts, but it wasn't like that before. Korb3n emphasized that in 2017, the style of play of the esports player, as well as his skill level, was crucial during tournaments.

As an example, he cited the legendary Amer “Miracle-” al-Barkawi and Lasse “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen. According to him, both pro players performed at an extremely high level and used position swaps, which brought them victory.

That is why the Team Spirit manager considers The International 2017 to be the most spectacular tournament in the history of Dota 2, which was interesting to watch.

Recall that earlier Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak named the winner of The International 2025, stating that last year's situation would repeat itself.