You may be wondering why DotA 2 is such a Big Deal. It's just a game, right? Albeit one with a myriad of complex mechanics and interactions sporting a learning curve that isn't so much a curve as a sheer cliff face. And while most people will only play DotA 2 as "just a game," there are quite a few players who go above and beyond, becoming professionals who make their living on sponsorships and winnings from tournaments. And there is no bigger tournament than the one hosted by Valve Corp themselves: The International.
There is nothing particularly notable about the International's format. What sets it apart from other tournaments of its kind is the massive amount of cash that gets poured into production, broadcasting, and prize money -- from Valve and DotA fans alike!
The International started off in 2011 as a way of advertising the beta launch of DotA 2. It had a prize pool of $1,600,000, which was an absolutely preposterous amount of money at the time, and sixteen of the world's greatest DotA 2 teams vying for first place. The grand prize, a cool million dollars, was taken home by the famous Ukrainian team Na'Vi, of Natus Vincere Gaming, followed up by EHOME in second and Scythe Gaming in third.
The International 2012 also had a prize pool of $1,600,000. Na'Vi only claimed second this time around, falling to a fellow International veteran, China's Invictus Gaming. A short-lived triumph, as while Na'Vi would make the grand final next year, Invictus has never again seen the light of the final four.
The International 2013 needed to be bigger and better than before, and to this end it introduced the Compendium, a sort of downloadable digital program of the tournament. A portion of compendium sales went directly to the series' prize pool, boosting it to over $2,800,000. The Swedish team Alliance claimed ultimate victory and over $1,400,000 in prize money, followed once again by Na'Vi as the runner up.
This year, the International once again sold its Compendium, and once again the contribution from fans was astronomical in scope. With the addition of compendium-exclusive bonuses, sales skyrocketed and the prize pool ballooned to over $10,000,000, over six times the initial amount set in 2011. The grand champion this year was an upset -- the relatively unknown Chinese team Newbee beat out crowd favorites like Cloud 9 and Evil Geniuses to claim over five million dollars in prize money, or about a million per player.
The International is a spectacle for players both new and experienced. If you have any interest in the game, it could very well become the highlight of your summer break. Happy spectating.
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