Dota 2 Tournament In Cologne: The Champions Emerge

The International (TI) is an annual esports world championship tournament for the video game Dota 2. The first-ever International was held in 2011 in Cologne, Germany, and it was the first official Dota 2 tournament. The tournament took place at Gamescom and had a prize pool of $1.6 million, which was the highest prize pool of any single esports tournament at the time. The Ukrainian-based team Natus Vincere (Na'Vi) won the tournament and took home a grand prize of $1 million. Since then, The International has been held annually and has had a different winner every year, with the most recent champion being Team Liquid, who won The International 2024.

The first International

Sixteen of the world's best teams were invited to compete for a $1.6 million prize pool, the highest of any esports tournament at the time. The tournament was the first in esports history to offer a $1 million reward to the winning team.

The sixteen teams were divided into four groups of four. The winners of each group were entered into a winner's bracket, and the remaining teams entered a loser's bracket. The tournament was then played as a double-elimination tournament.

The final of the inaugural International was contested between Ukrainian-based team Natus Vincere (Na'Vi) and Chinese-based team EHOME. Na'Vi won the series 3-1, taking home the $1 million grand prize. EHOME received $250,000, and the remaining $350,000 was split between the other 14 teams.

Natus Vincere wins

Natus Vincere (Na'Vi) won the first-ever Dota 2 tournament, The International (TI), in 2011. The event was held in Cologne, Germany, during the trade show Gamescom, and boasted a $1.6 million prize pool—the highest of any single esports tournament at the time. Na'Vi took home $1 million of that.

Na'Vi's victory was all the more impressive given that the team only received beta invitations to the game a few weeks before the tournament began. Dota 2 was still in early development at the time and was very difficult to play, not because it was poorly made but because only select people were allowed into the early beta.

The tournament was the first in esports where the winners walked away with $1 million, and this brought in a lot of attention. Na'Vi's victory also tripled Ukraine's GDP for 2011 (just kidding).

The team included Dota 2 legend Clement "Puppey" Ivanov, who is the only player in history to participate in every TI.

The International has been held annually since 2011, except for in 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has grown into the most prestigious tournament in Dota 2, where winners are hailed as legends who have reached the peak of their esports careers.

The International's evolution

The International (TI) is an annual esports world championship for the five-on-five video game Dota 2. The tournament is produced by the game's developer, Valve, and was first held in 2011 in Cologne, Germany, during the trade show Gamescom. Valve also funded the tournament, including the $1 million grand prize, with Nvidia supplying the hardware. The International has been held annually since, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The International as a recurring annual event was confirmed in May 2012, with the tournament taking place in Seattle, where Valve is headquartered. The total prize pool for this tournament remained at $1.6 million, with $1 million going to the winning team. The previous winners, Natus Vincere, were beaten 3-1 by Chinese team Invictus Gaming in the grand finals.

In 2013, the tournament was hosted again in Seattle, with 16 teams participating, 13 of which received direct invitations, and the final three decided in two qualifying tournaments and a match at the start of the tournament. This year, Valve introduced crowdfunding to determine the prize pool, with an in-game battle pass, known as the Compendium, available for purchase. A quarter of the total revenue from the Compendium was added to the base $1.6 million prize pool, with the final prize pool reaching over $2.8 million, making it the largest prize pool in esports history at the time.

The International continued to be held annually in Seattle until 2018, when it began to be hosted internationally again in Vancouver. The tournament was also expanded to 18 teams, up from the previous 16. The International 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was eventually held in October 2021 in Bucharest, Romania, setting a new record for the largest prize pool of any single esports event at $40 million.

The International 2022 increased to 20 teams and was held in Singapore in October, with a prize pool of $18.9 million, the lowest since The International 2015. The most recent champion is Team Liquid, who won The International 2024, with OG, Team Spirit, and Team Liquid each having won two Internationals since its inception.

The tournament's format

The International (TI) is an annual esports world championship for the five-on-five video game Dota 2. The tournament is organised by Valve, the game's developer, and is the final event of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). The International was first held in 2011 in Cologne, Germany, at Gamescom, to promote the game's release.

The tournament starts with a group stage, in which the winners of each of the four groups are entered into a winner's bracket, and the other teams enter a loser's bracket. The rest of the tournament is then played as a double-elimination tournament. The final is played as a best-of-five series.

In 2017, the number of teams competing was increased from 16 to 18, with 12 teams qualifying based on final results from the DPC, six from North America, South America, Southeast Asia, China, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe regional leagues, and the final two qualifying from last-chance qualifiers.

The International 2022 featured 20 teams, with 12 invites determined by the Dota Pro Circuit 2021-2022 season. Six teams qualified through regional qualifiers, and the final two teams qualified through last-chance qualifiers.

The International's future

The International (TI) is an annual esports world championship for the five-on-five video game Dota 2. The tournament was first held in 2011 in Cologne, Germany, during the trade show Gamescom. Since then, The International has been hosted in various cities around the world, including Seattle, Vancouver, Shanghai, Bucharest, Singapore, and Copenhagen. The tournament is organised by Valve, the game's developer, and features a combination of invited teams and qualifiers.

The future of The Internationals looks bright and promising, with a rich history of successful events and an ever-growing fanbase. Here are some key aspects that shape the future of The Internationals:

• Continued Popularity of Dota 2: Dota 2 remains one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games globally. Its dedicated player base and passionate community ensure a consistent interest in The Internationals as the pinnacle of competitive Dota 2.
• Expansion of Esports: The esports industry is experiencing tremendous growth, with increasing recognition, viewership, and revenue. This positive trend benefits The Internationals, attracting more attention, sponsors, and investment.
• Innovations in Technology: Advancements in technology, such as improved streaming platforms, virtual reality, and augmented reality, will enhance the viewing experience for fans and open up new opportunities for engagement and interactivity.
• International Recognition: The Internationals have gained significant recognition within the esports community and beyond. The tournament has broken records for prize pools and viewership, solidifying its position as one of the most prestigious esports events globally.
• Community Engagement: Valve has actively involved the Dota 2 community in The Internationals through crowdfunding initiatives like the Compendium or Battle Pass, where players contribute to the tournament's prize pool. This engagement fosters a sense of investment and loyalty among the player base.
• Evolution of Competitive Landscape: The Internationals have adapted to the evolving competitive landscape of Dota 2. The introduction of the Dota Pro Circuit and the expansion of the tournament from 16 to 20 teams demonstrate Valve's commitment to ensuring a diverse and inclusive competitive environment.
• Global Reach: The Internationals have travelled across different continents, bringing the tournament to new regions and expanding its global presence. This trend is likely to continue, fostering a more diverse and internationally recognised competition.
• Media and Broadcasting: The Internationals have been broadcast on major networks like ESPN and have attracted millions of viewers through streaming platforms like Twitch. The increasing media coverage and production value elevate the tournament's profile and attract a broader audience.
• Organisational Experience: With each iteration, Valve gains valuable experience in organising and promoting The Internationals. This accumulated knowledge enables them to refine the tournament structure, production, and overall experience for participants and viewers.
• Partnerships and Sponsorships: The Internationals have attracted notable sponsors and partners over the years. As the tournament continues to grow, it will likely secure more significant partnerships, further enhancing its financial stability and production value.

In conclusion, The Internationals future is bright, with a solid foundation laid by past successes and a dedicated community. The tournament is well-positioned to continue its growth, innovation, and impact on the world of esports, solidifying its place as one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the Dota 2 competitive calendar.

Frequently asked questions