The International (TI), the premier tournament for the Dota 2 esports community, is set to take place in 2023 in Seattle. While the event has historically been known for having one of the largest prize pools in the esports sector, projections for 2023 suggest a declining trend. This article will delve into the numbers and factors affecting the prize pool, scrutinizing the Compendium/Battle Pass system and the community’s contributions.
Historical Context: Prize Pool from 2013-2021
VALVE : TI12 could feature the lowest prize pool in years of the tournament’s history.
Between 2013 and 2021, Dota 2's The International experienced an almost continual increase in its prize pool. This upward trend was made possible largely through the introduction of the Compendium/Battle Pass structure in 2013. By allowing the community to contribute, the prize pool saw substantial growth year-over-year, reaching its peak in 2021.
The Sudden Drop: Comparing 2022's Prize Pool
However, 2022 saw a drastic reduction in the prize pool, plummeting from over $40 million to a relatively modest $18.9 million. This unexpected decrease has raised many questions about the future of the event and the factors contributing to this decline.
The International 2023: Current Status of the Prize Pool
In preparation for the 2023 event, Valve released TI12's Compendium. The initial response, however, has been less than favorable. Compared to previous years, the Compendium this year lacks several cosmetic items and traditional Battle Pass features. The following data outlines the current prize pool: