This article was originally published on GameSpot's sister site onGamers.com, which was dedicated to esports coverage.

　　To say that the weight of the competition could be felt in every breath over the course of day 3 is not just appropriate, but it could be felt in how the teams played. The day featured the greatest number of close, back-and-forth dramas as some teams put on amazing 11th hour bids to still make it out of the bottom six teams. So far only Arrow Gaming have been eliminated without question, although Na`Vi.US and Team Empire are also sitting on the brink with 5-9 scores. Their hopes will be left hanging on Cloud 9 to defeat LGD, who are currently sitting on 6-8, however at that point Fnatic, Alliance or mousesports can still all raise the bar of entry to a 7-8 score.

　　On the opposite end of the spectrum, every team with eight wins and above are guaranteed safe from a direct elimination and the team sitting on nine or more wins are already sure to get into the top eight, while Evil Geniuses and ViCi Gaming are currently well ahead of the pack on shared 10-3 scores, looking good to secure the two top placings and a minimum top six finish at this event.

　　

Games to watch

Unlike previous years the games seem not to be uploaded to YouTube so far. They are however easily accessible either through the Dota 2 client or via The International website.

mousesports vs. Evil Geniuses

This might not have been the perfect game, but the drama was kicked up a notch as what was supposed to be a foregone conclusion did not want to end. Tenacity and great defensive play was showcased, with especially Ludwig 'Zai' Wåhlberg on his trademark Enigma making his presence felt.

　　

Na`Vi vs. Team Liquid

What is the essence of the stone? According to Danil 'Dendi' Ishutin it all starts with that Craggy Exterior, as the true power of this skill was shown off in fight after fight. With amazing play from both sides the game was kept alive past the 60 minute mark, with either side still in it. A particular mention goes out to Gleb 'Funn1k' Lipatnikov for his excellent ability to find pick-off's on Batrider as well as Max 'qojqva' Broecker for yet another great game, this time on Queen of Pain.

　　

mousesports vs. Fnatic

The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. Naga Siren, Nature's Prophet, Venomancer and Shadow Shaman face off against Alchemist with Battlefury and Mjollnir and a Pugna. Great back and forth action in teamfights and a great overall game which came down to a Divine Rapier purchase.

　　

Team Empire vs. NewBee

Taking on a lategame Naga Siren, that was the task given to Team Empire, as they pushed the game further than you might at first think their collection of heroes should have been able to. In particular Roman 'Resolut1on' Fominok once again stood out for his team as a player of a caliber all his own with an amazing performance on Puck.

　　

Invictus Gaming vs. Cloud 9

mouz and Fnatic think they are kind of cool with their one Divine Rapier. iG and Cloud 9 think that's not nearly enough, and up the ante to three Divine Rapiers in one game. An amazing hold and a drawn out game which clocked in at 78 minutes, the longest of the tournament so far.

　　

ViCi Gaming vs. Cloud 9

ViCi decided upon a hard pushing lineup of Lone Druid, Venomancer and Shadow Shaman in order to try and deal with Cloud 9's fabled Drow Ranger and Visage combination. While Cloud 9 were building up their advantage over time, the question was whether they'd be able to hold out long enough to take control of the game, or if ViCi's would manage to inflict too much damage to their base before that. Players to look out for include Kurtis 'Aui_2000' Ling on the Visage and Pittner 'bOne7' Armand on the Tidehunter.

　　

Two short games for the road

These might not have been the best of games, but they were entertaining even as they were short lived.

　　

Team DK vs. ViCi Gaming

"This is easily the weirdest game of the tournament." -Troels 'syndereN' Nielsen

　　

ViCi Gaming vs. Alliance

Watch it for the insanity that was the start, as Alliance pull out an old favourite.