The International (Dota 2)

In August 2011, the esports landscape experienced a seismic shift with the inaugural edition of The International, a Dota 2 tournament that would redefine expectations for competitive gaming events worldwide.

Valve Corporation, the developer behind Dota 2, launched The International as a showcase for their upcoming game, which was still in beta at the time. Hosted in Cologne, Germany, during Gamescom, the event brought together 16 of the world’s top Dota teams to compete for a prize pool that was unprecedented in esports history: $1.6 million, with $1 million earmarked for the champions.

The scale of the prize pool sent shockwaves through the gaming community. It was a bold statement of intent from Valve, signalling their commitment to esports and their belief in Dota 2’s potential as a competitive platform. This move instantly elevated The International to the status of a premier esports event and set a new benchmark for tournament prize pools.

The tournament itself was a spectacle that captured the attention of gamers globally. Featuring teams from China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, The International demonstrated the truly global appeal of Dota 2. The eventual victory of Ukrainian team Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) over Chinese rivals EHOME in the grand finals became an iconic moment in esports history.

The success of the first International had far-reaching implications for the esports industry. It proved that there was a substantial audience for high-stakes competitive gaming events and that esports could support prize pools rivalling those of traditional sports.

In subsequent years, The International continued to break its records. In 2013, Valve introduced the Compendium, an in-game purchase that allowed players to contribute directly to the prize pool. This crowdfunding model led to exponential growth in the tournament’s purse, reaching a staggering $34.3 million by 2019.

The International’s influence extended beyond Dota 2. Its success inspired other game developers and tournament organisers to invest more heavily in their competitive scenes. The event’s production values, from the quality of broadcasts to the spectacle of opening ceremonies, set new standards for esports tournaments worldwide.

Moreover, The International played a crucial role in legitimising esports in the public eye. The scale of the event, the passion of its fans, and the skill displayed by competitors helped to challenge prevailing stereotypes about competitive gaming.

As of 2023, The International remains one of the most anticipated events in the esports calendar. Its impact on the industry cannot be overstated – from revolutionising prize pools to elevating production standards and contributing to the mainstream acceptance of esports.

The launch of The International in 2011 marked more than just the beginning of a tournament; it heralded a new era in competitive gaming. It stands as a watershed moment in esports history, one that continues to shape the industry more than a decade later.