Twenty-five heroes went unpicked at Dota 2’s The International 2024—21 of whom went uncontested, setting a new record in the event’s 13-year-long history. But why did these heroes not see the light of day?

With the variety in Dota 2’s hero pool, every hero has a place within a certain meta, making them viable in specific lineups. This year’s event saw the meta develop in a particular direction, with ranged carries dominating the scene in favor of melee heroes.