TI10 qualifier predictions open, here are the best picks

The International 2021 qualifiers are fast approaching and Valve is offering players the chance to get free shards.

Players can now predict the winners to the six regional qualifiers. The reward for each region is 1,000 Dota 2 shards, which can be exchanged for skins, tools, and other prizes. 

Here is how to do it and the best picks for each region.

Important TI10 news:

• SumaiL returns to OG for TI10 qualifiers
• Every team qualified for TI10
• TI10 qualifier matches, brackets revealed

How to predict TI10 qualifier winners

The new TI10 regional qualifier prediction is very easy to overlook but here’s how to do it. 

Navigate to the main page of the Watch tab and look at the bottom of the page. A module labeled as “The International Regional Qualifiers” is there with a small “Make Predictions” button. Click that to get started on your predictions.

TI10 qualifier winner predictions

Looking for tips on who to predict? Here are the safest bets for each region with some other options listed below:

• North America: Undying
• Europe: OG
• China: Elephant
• South America: NoPing e-sports
• CIS: Natus Vincere
• Southeast Asia: TNC Predator

North America is likely to be a two-horse race between Undying and 4 Zoomers, though SADBOYS is worthy of consideration as well. 

Undying has been the only serious threat to both Quincy Crew and Evil Geniuses this season and has been the definitive third-best team in the region, but 4 Zoomers was able to defeat them in BTS Pro Series events. 

The wild card in this equation is SADBOYS, which has most of the 4FUN roster that pulled off a shock win over Quincy Crew in DOTA Summit 13.

The favorite to win the Europe qualifier for TI10 will likely be decided in ESL One Summer 2021, which is ongoing. Anyone that just wants to get this done today should plug in OG. The return of Syed “SumaiL” Hassan seems to be shaping up nicely for the team at this point, but there are a long list of other options including Team Nigma, Vikin.gg, Tundra Esports, and Team Liquid.

China is possibly the toughest call because a number of contenders have a chance. Elephant is likely the best choice as the team has been solid throughout the year despite not qualifying for majors. The team’s star-studded roster hasn’t translated to DPC success, but anyone that takes a look over their lineup will be hard to bet against them when they’re not facing the cream of the Chinese crop.

South America is another difficult region when it comes to picking the TI10 qualifier winner. NoPing e-sports is the best choice due to its strong performance in the second 2021 DPC league season, but Infamous needs to be taken seriously as well. If Hokori gets hot at the right time it could also be a serious contender.

The CIS region’s TI10 qualifier is ultimately a matter of how quickly Natus Vincere can gel. It’s impossible to overstate how skilled this roster is, with a core made up of the 2018 Virtus.pro, a hot prospect carry, and a proven captain. The talent is there to contend with the best teams in the world, the question is if they can get into shape quickly enough to take on an underrated Team Spirit.

Finally, TNC Predator is the team to roll with for Southeast Asia. TNC looked very strong in the WePlay AniMajor despite not being able to qualify for TI10 directly. This isn’t a pick to feel overly confident in, as Fnatic, Execration, Motivate.Trust Gaming, and BOOM Esports all look the part of a serious contender as well.