The Biggest DOTA 2 Tournament Is Coming Soon
The International has been the biggest esports event since Team Na’Vi’s novel win in 2011. This prestigious tournament has grown exponentially over the years, attracting millions of viewers and offering substantial prize pools. With the 2024 version fast approaching, many enthusiasts are eager to get in on the action and avoid missing out on this grand spectacle.
To help fans stay informed and prepared, this article covers all relevant information about the occasion. We start with Na’Vi’s status as the first winners of a DOTA 2 competition, and how it set the stage for the tournament’s future. We’ll delve into the participating teams, the prize distribution format, when and where the event will be held, how to buy tickets, and the fun activities that fans can look forward to. Let’s dive in!
Revisiting Team Na’Vi’s Win at the First International
The International 2011 marked the beginning of what would become the biggest esports event in history. Held in Cologne, Germany, the inaugural tournament featured 16 of the finest teams from around the world, competing for a then-unprecedented prize pool of $1.6 million. Team Na’Vi, hailing from Ukraine, emerged as the champions, defeating EHOME in the grand finals with a 3-1 scoreline. Their innovative strategies, exceptional teamwork, and memorable plays left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire players and fans to this day.
Road to the International 2024; Who Will Be There
The International 2024 will feature 16 teams of 6 direct invites and 10 regional qualifiers. Both groups of gamers will be slugging it out at the grand event for a chance to win the Aegis of Champions and share the enormous prize pool. Don’t know much about the participating sides yet? We’ve taken a quick look at each below.
Direct Invites
For the first time since 2017, The International 2024 features direct invites. Six teams have been directly invited due to their exceptional performance throughout the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) season. They include:
- Team Spirit: Spirit is a Russian esports organization founded in 2015. They became the second Eastern European team to win The International in 2021 and repeated the feat in 2023. They moved its headquarters to Belgrade, Serbia, in 2022 due to geopolitical issues.
- Xtreme Gaming: The Chinese side, Xtreme Gaming, was created on January 16, 2021, by Yang Yiqing. They have experienced various changes in roster and management over the years but remain relevant in the DOTA 2 community.
- Team Falcons: Formerly known as Falcons Esports, this multidisciplinary Saudi Arabian side was founded by Msdossary in 2017. They entered competitive DOTA 2 in November 2023 and are believed to be funded by the Saudi Royal Family.
- Team Liquid: Originally a StarCraft: Brood War clan, Liquid switched to StarCraft II during the SC2 Beta in 2010 and has become one of the most successful Western players. They formed a DOTA 2 division in 2012 and won The International in 2017.
- Gaimin Gladiators: In February 2022, this Canadian side signed Team Tickles to become a DOTA 2 competitor. They dominated the 2023 DPC Season, winning all three of Valve’s Majors.
- BetBoom: BetBoom is a Russian esports team founded on April 18, 2022. They signed the former Winstrike squad and have since made significant strides in competitive DOTA 2 gaming.
Regional Champions
The road to The International 2024 began with regional qualifiers held across six regions: Western Europe, China, Southeast Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, and North America. Each region hosted its closed qualifiers to determine the top teams that would advance to the main event. A total of ten teams qualified through these regional competitions in the following format:
- Western Europe — 2
- China — 2
- Southeast Asia — 1
- South America — 1
- Eastern Europe — 1
- North America — 1
Prize Pool and Distribution
TI 13 has a base prize pool of $1.6 million. However, the total value is expected to be much higher due to crowdfunding through the International Battle Pass. The exact distribution of the pool will be determined once the total amount is finalized. Historically, the distribution has been as follows:
Ranking | Percentage % |
---|---|
1st | 45 |
2nd | 13.5 |
3rd | 9 |
4th | 6 |
5th — 6th | 4.5 each |
7th — 8th | 2.5 each |
9th — 12th | 2 each |
13th — 16th | 1.5 each |
The winning team will also have their names etched on the Aegis of Champions, earning them a place in history.
When and Where Is TI 13 Holding
TI 13 will take place at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, from September 4, 2024, to September 15, 2024.
- Group Stage: September 4–8, 2024
- Playoffs: September 10–12, 2024
- Finals Weekend: September 13–15, 2024
How to Buy Tickets
Tickets for The International 2024 will be available via Ticketmaster. The ticket sales began on June 10, 2024, and are available at the following prices:
- Single-Day Tickets:
- Friday (September 13): $180
- Saturday (September 14): $223
- Sunday (September 15): $296
- Two-Day Tickets:
- Friday + Saturday: $398
- Saturday + Sunday: $514
- Three-Day Tickets:
- Friday + Saturday + Sunday: $688
Seating Types
The seat you get depends on the type of ticket you buy:
- Floor Tickets: Assigned seats on the floor of the arena.
- General Admission (GA) Tickets: Allow viewers to watch from either level freely.
Side Activities at the International 2024 — What Is in it for Fans
Apart from watching games live, the International always comes with multiple activities for attendees. The 2024 version is no different. Below’s a quick rundown of activities you can explore by attending the occasion.
Meet & Greet Sessions
Fans will have the opportunity to meet their favourite players and get autographs. These sessions are scheduled throughout the event, allowing fans to interact with their favourite stars. You may even get the chance to ask them about their experiences and strategies.
Cosplay Competition
A cosplay competition will be held for fans to showcase their creativity by dressing up as their favourite Dota 2 heroes. The competition will be judged by a panel of experts, and there will be categories for different types of costumes, such as the best armour, the best craftsmanship, and the best performance.
Fan Art Gallery
If you’re an artist, you can look forward to the art gallery, which will display fan-created artwork inspired by Dota 2. The gallery will feature a wide range of art styles, from digital paintings to traditional sketches, and there will be opportunities for attendees to purchase prints of their favourite pieces.
Bet on Fixtures
Betting booths will be opened in strategic locations throughout the event, giving attendees a chance to get more involved. You can also bet online using reliable platforms with verifiable background information. For example, GGBET. That’s to ensure you can cash out winnings with ease if your predictions come true.
Gaming Zones
Gaming zones will be set up where fans can play Dota 2 and other popular esports games. These zones typically feature high-end gaming setups and will be open to all attendees. You can participate in mini-tournaments, try out new games, and compete against others in friendly matches.
The International 2024 Promises Unending Entertainment
The International 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable occasion for Dota 2 fans around the world. With top teams competing, a massive prize pool, and a host of exciting fan activities, this year’s tournament is set to be the best one yet. So gear up, get ready, and don’t miss out on the action.