There’s no stopping TI8 now
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Looks like nothing can stop The International 2018, the grandest Dota 2 world championship of the year, from happening now as Matthew “Cyborgmatt” Bailey, Director of Operations of Team Secret, confirmed that all 90 players have secured their Canadian visas.
Despite previously hinting at how difficult the visa application process was for players, Cyborgmatt happily broke out the good news.
An update on the International 2018 visas: All of the teams competing have secured their visas for Canada. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/malPsAaVoh
— Matthew Bailey (@Cyborgmatt) August 9, 2018
Visa application has always been a grueling process for professional esports players. Two years ago, the all-Filipino Dota 2 team Execration missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of attending an international Dota 2 tournament through direct invitation only because of visa issues.
The same woes struck then Team Empire carry Vladimir “Chappie” Kuzmenko and The International 2017 talent Henrik “AdmiralBulldog” Ahnberg last year. Team Empire was forced to fly to Seattle for The International 2017 without Chappie since the US Consulate has to approve his passport yet. Meanwhile, AdmiralBulldog was barred to enter the US after failing to provide working visa.
For the first time since its inauguration in 2011, the annual Dota 2 world championship will be held in Canada. The International 2018 will be participated by 18 of the best Dota 2 teams from around the world and will start from August 15 to August 25, 2018.
