The buzz for TI13, The International 2024, is already on. The teams have been selected, and the venue has been decided. Fans are eagerly awaiting the event. However, one major question remains: how will the prize pool of TI13 compare to previous years? With no Battle Pass and only a Compendium, it is expected that the prize pool might be smaller than before.
The move from cosmetic-based content to more general gameplay updates has left fans questioning if this change will affect the prize pool. Without the flash of exclusive skins, will the community still support TI13 as they have done in previous years? Or are we going to see another lower figure?
How much will be the prize pool of TI13?
Currently, The International 2024 has a prize pool of $2,452,605. It may reach $3 million if more Compendiums are sold, but the days of $40 million prize pools seem to be behind us.
The International: Prize Pool Growth and Decline
The International is Dota 2’s flagship event, and for many years, the game’s prize pool increased at an exponential rate. However, after reaching the highest value of $40 million during TI10, the situation has changed.
Here’s a look at how The International’s prize pool has evolved:
- TI1: $1.6 million
- TI2: $1.6 million
- TI3: $2.8 million
- TI4: $10.9 million
- TI5: $18.4 million
- TI6: $20.7 million
- TI7: $24.7 million
- TI8: $25.5 million
- TI9: $34.3 million
- TI10: $40 million
- TI11: $19 million
- TI12: $3.3 million
- TI13: Estimated $3 million
Valve started changing its priorities last year, and this was reflected by a reduction in cosmetic releases. Instead, they have focused on gameplay improvements such as the popular Crownfall 2024 and patch 7.36. This shift in strategy implies that the once sky-high prize pools are no longer a given.
Crowdfunding TI13: Where Does the Prize Pool Come From?
While there is no Battle Pass, TI13’s prize pool is crowdfunded through the sale of Compendium 2024. The Compendium contains Player Cards and Team Support Bundles but lacks the shiny skins that used to be popular. This year, players are much more cautious, and many are not even opening the Compendium at all. As for supporting the prize pool, it remains a source of pride for the Dota 2 community, but it is obvious that without cosmetics, people’s interest has faded.
The cut Valve takes from the Compendium is still 75% for Valve, with 25% going into the prize pool. With Compendium sales expected to be lower than in past years, it raises the question: should Valve reconsider how much of these sales are allocated to the prize pool?
Why Change the Crowdfunding Model?
In recent years, Valve has struggled to keep the Dota 2 community engaged. One of the issues is that not all players purchase the Battle Pass or content related to the event. Therefore, the largest game updates are enjoyed by only a small percentage of players, while the rest gradually leave the game, despite continuous gameplay updates.
This decline raises an important question: why continue raising huge amounts of funds for a single event like The International when the overall health of the competitive ecosystem is declining? While TI10 had a $40 million prize pool, that money could have been invested in multiple regional tournaments and leagues to support the Dota 2 competitive scene.
Dota 2 vs. Other Esports: A Prize Pool Comparison
Dota 2 has always been an exception when comparing prize pools with other leading esports. For example, the 2022 League of Legends World Championship had a prize pool of roughly $2.25 million, far less than The International, despite League having a much larger player base. Dota 2’s massive prize pools have concentrated the money at the very top, leaving smaller scenes and up-and-coming talent underfunded.
The problem is that without a strong competitive scene at the local level, The International’s status could be in jeopardy. The question is whether Valve will continue investing at the top level of Dota 2 or start building up the entire ecosystem.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Huge Jackpot
The large prize pool for The International has had its advantages, of course. It makes the game exciting and ensures that the best players and teams remain engaged. Additionally, it contributes to Dota 2’s uniqueness in the esports industry, discouraging players from switching to games like Valorant or similar titles.
However, the disadvantages are becoming clearer. Valve risks losing sight of the bigger picture by focusing all its efforts and money on The International. The elimination of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) and its Major tournaments means that mid-tier and up-and-coming players have fewer opportunities to play at a high level.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Competitive Dota 2
Valve’s decision to disband the DPC marks a major change for Dota 2 esports. It has created what can be described as the “Wild West” of independent tournaments. However, this has led to more opportunities for a wider range of players, as demonstrated by events like DreamLeague S23, ESL One Birmingham, and BetBoom Dacha—tournaments with million-dollar prize pools.
The upcoming Riyadh Masters 2024 with a prize pool of $5,000,000 also shows that independent tournament organizers are ready to step in. A stronger regional scene with larger prize pools for more teams is likely the future direction for Dota 2.
Decentralizing the competitive environment and focusing on regional championships with high stakes will help Valve and other organizers nurture new talent. This is essential if Dota 2 is to continue attracting new players and growing its community in the coming years.
Conclusion: TI13 and the Future of Dota 2
Although The International 2024 may not feature a prize pool as large as in previous years, Valve’s strategic shift may benefit the game in the long run. By focusing on gameplay changes and allowing third parties to organize events, Dota 2 may develop a more stable competitive scene.
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