Team Azure Ray Announces Honkai: Star Rail As New Sponsor for TI12

In a significant announcement on the popular Chinese social media platform Weibo, the emerging Dota 2 powerhouse, Azure Ray, revealed its latest milestone achievements in preparation for The International 2023 (TI12). The team, formed earlier this year, not only secured a high-profile sponsorship but also recently overcame a crucial visa hurdle. The organization announced Honkai: Star Rail as its official sponsor for TI 2023. Additionally, all five players of Azure Ray have secured their visas to attend Dota 2’s marquee event between 12th and 29th October in Seattle, Washington.

Honkai: Star Rail Backs Azure Ray for TI12

Azure Ray, a relatively new entrant in the competitive Dota 2 scene, made waves with its impressive performance. The team’s performance resulted in a 4th-place finish in the Dota Pro Circuit China (DPC CN) 2023 Tour 3: Division I tournament. This remarkable achievement earned the team a spot at the coveted The International 2023 via the rigorous regional qualifiers.

A recent announcement about the organization has sent shockwaves through the Dota 2 esports world. Azure Ray unveiled Honkai: Star Rail, a popular role-playing gacha game developed by miHoYo, as its official sponsor for The International 2023. This sponsorship not only boosts the team’s image but also marks the first time a video game has sponsored a Dota 2 team, significantly enhancing Azure Ray’s visibility and popularity in the community.

Azure Ray Overcomes Visa Troubles Ahead of TI12

Azure Ray’s journey to The International was initially marked by uncertainty due to visa complications. However, the organization’s diligent efforts have paid off, as all of the players have successfully obtained their visas, ensuring their participation in the grand Dota 2 spectacle in Seattle. 

On 25th September 2023, Azure Ray wrote on social media, which translated to, “Good morning everyone！[I’m] very excited to tell you that just now, the US visa of the last member of our team was passed, successfully crossing the last difficulty of the TI for the whole battle. Guan Guan is sad and pass, the road ahead is long and bright, brothers, come on!”

The roster of the team includes: 

• Lou “Lou” Zhen

• Lu “Somunus” Yao 

• Yang “chalice” Shenyi

• Xu “fy” Linsen

• Jiang “天命” An

The team is under the seasoned guidance of renowned Dota 2 veteran Zhang “LaNm” Zhicheng, who serves as their coach.

Azure Ray’s newfound sponsorship in Honkai: Star Rail, combined with the resolution of their players’ visa concerns, marks a turning point for the team. With its roster locked in and bolstered by a high-profile sponsor, Azure Ray is poised to make a significant impact on the grand stage in Dota 2 esports, The International 2023. Dota 2 enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the team’s performance in this marquee tournament.

The International 2023 is scheduled to take place in Seattle, Washington, from 12th October to 29th October and will feature 20 top-tier teams vying for the coveted title of TI Champions and a share of the growing prize pool.