How First Blood Decided the Winner of The International Dota 2

At The International, the premier Dota 2 tournament, every action can be decisive, and the First Blood—the first kill of the game—holds a special place among these moments. Not only does it provide an economic advantage to the team, but it can also exert significant psychological pressure on opponents. In this article, we’ll explore the fastest and longest First Bloods in the tournament's history, look at which players, heroes, and teams most often achieve this milestone, and discuss how it affects the flow of the game.

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The Fastest First Blood at The International

The fastest First Blood in The International’s history took place in 2017 at TI7. KuroKy, playing for Team Liquid, secured the first kill just 35 seconds into the game against Virtus.pro. This record became a memorable moment, showcasing KuroKy’s skill and aggressive playstyle, which helped Liquid win the championship that year.

The Longest Wait for First Blood

On the other hand, the longest wait for a First Blood at the tournament happened at The International 2015 in a match between Cloud9 and Team Empire. The first kill occurred only at 13 minutes into the game. Such a long delay heightens the tension and emphasizes the caution with which teams approach the early stages of play at the highest level.

Heroes Most Often Achieving First Blood

Certain heroes excel at early dominance thanks to their abilities, making them frequent candidates for securing First Blood. Here are six heroes who have been most involved in First Blood scenarios at The International:

1. Tusk – With his Snowball ability and high early damage, Tusk is often involved in early fights.

2. Earthshaker – His Fissure skill effectively blocks escape routes, making him perfect for early kills.

3. Lion – Thanks to his stun and high magical damage at early levels, Lion is a frequent participant in First Blood.

4. Bounty Hunter – His stealth and mobility with Shadow Walk allow him to catch opponents off guard for early kills.

5. Mirana – Sacred Arrow gives her the ability to stun enemies from a distance, often leading to an early takedown.

6. Rubick – His powerful control abilities and the potential to steal opponents' skills make him a frequent participant in early skirmishes.

Players and Teams That Most Often Secure First Blood

Over the years at The International, some players and teams have stood out for their aggressive playstyle and frequent First Blood achievements:

1. KuroKy (Team Liquid) – Known for his consistent First Blood plays, as evidenced by his record-breaking kill at TI7, where he secured the first kill at 35 seconds.

2. JerAx (OG) – With aggressive plays on support heroes like Earthshaker and Tusk, JerAx became known for frequent First Bloods during TI8 and TI9.

3. fy (PSG.LGD) – Often securing First Blood on heroes like Rubick and Tusk, fy set the tone for his team with his early-game aggression.

As for teams, those most frequently achieving First Blood include:

1. OG – Their aggressive playstyle during TI8 and TI9 allowed them to dominate in the early stages of games, securing many First Bloods and ultimately winning the championship.

2. PSG.LGD – Known for their early-game aggression, this Chinese team often uses First Blood to gain an advantage on their lanes.

3. Team Liquid – TI7 champions, Team Liquid frequently used early kills to gain an economic advantage and establish control over the map.

How often teams that have committed First Blood win

Statistically, teams that secure First Blood at The International go on to win about 60% of the time. The kill provides extra gold and experience, giving key heroes an early edge and helping control the lanes and map. However, as history shows, First Blood is just one of many factors that contribute to the final outcome of the game.

How First Blood Can Demoralize Opponents

In addition to the obvious in-game advantages, First Blood can have a strong psychological impact on the opposing team. When a team secures the first kill, it sets an aggressive tempo for the game, forcing the opponents to play more cautiously. This pressure can lead to mistakes, as players act more hesitantly or overly aggressively in an attempt to catch up. The psychological pressure from First Blood can affect the team's morale and their subsequent decisions on the map, often resulting in them losing control of the game.

Conclusion

First Blood at The International is not just the first kill—it’s a moment that can significantly impact the game. Whether it happens quickly or after a long wait, it reflects the strategies teams employ and their approach to the tournament. Heroes that most often achieve First Blood are typically those with strong control abilities and high early damage, making them key figures in the early game. Teams that secure First Blood gain not only a gameplay advantage but also a psychological edge, which often helps them secure victory.