“They have to prove their strength!” — the American community on LGD Gaming’s qualification for The International 2026
Semyon Nomerovsky
The American community has taken to social media to discuss the results of the South American closed qualifier grand final for The International 2026 between LGD Gaming and PlayTime.
Coach Raulino “oldR” Alves noted that both teams deserved a spot at The International:
Congratulations to LGD on qualifying for The International 15. In my opinion, they were better prepared for the best-of-five series and were able to counter PlayTime’s strongest asset—their early-game speed.
Based on the season’s results, both teams deserved a spot at TI, but it’s a shame that South America had only one slot, and it went to the team that was stronger today.
Brazilian commentator Felipe Augusto “baLones” Rodrigues dos Santos shared his joy at LGD’s victory:
It’s so cool to see them make it through the qualifiers. I’m incredibly happy for the team and especially for the Brazilians who are representing the country. Onward to The International!
Caster Conner “Mathmagician” Chapman lamented the number of slots in South America:
It’s great to see LGD move on, but it’s absurd that we have three teams in this qualifier that could definitely have qualified through other regions. South America isn’t a one-slot region, and it hasn’t been one for a long time.
Former esports coach Mariano Andrés “Papita” Caneda expressed hope for a strong showing by LGD Gaming at TI 2026:
“GG” to LGD! Now that they’ve earned their spot on the world stage, they need to prove their strength! Let’s not let PlayTime’s failure to qualify go to waste.
Commentator Marco Espinoza congratulated Igor “kaffs” Furtado Guimarães Estevão:
kaffs, now you have to win TI and secure three slots for the region—you’re such a stud.
Earlier, Rustam “Adekvat” Mavlyutov reflected on how warmly the South American team—competing under a Chinese organization’s banner—would be received in Shanghai: “I don’t know to what extent the locals will root for them or against them, but the players on this roster won’t let the team lose face on the Dota field.”
Photo by Jennika Ojala, DreamHack.
Semyon Nomerovsky
