Dota 2’s premier event, The International 2024 (TI13), witnessed a significant dip in viewership for the third consecutive year, raising concerns within the esports community.
Despite an epic grand final between Team Liquid and Gaimin Gladiators, which peaked at over 1.4 million concurrent viewers, the overall engagement numbers for the event dropped by 17% compared to the previous year.
Viewership Decline: A Troubling Trend
According to data from Esports Charts, the average number of viewers during The International 2024 hovered around 466,842. This is a significant drop from 2023’s numbers, which had 80,000 more viewers on average, making this the lowest TI viewership since 2017.
Even though the grand final held its ground in terms of peak viewership, the overall watch hours fell by nine million compared to last year.
This decline has sparked widespread discussion among fans and experts, as The International has long been considered the pinnacle of Dota 2’s competitive scene. The steep decrease in viewer engagement, despite exciting matchups and high-level gameplay, points to deeper issues that go beyond the competition itself.
Factors Behind the Decline in Viewership
Several key factors have contributed to the drop in TI13’s overall viewership:
- Lack of Hype and Promotion:
Valve’s decision to forgo a traditional battle pass and the limited scope of the Compendium left fans feeling disconnected from the event. The absence of advertising and proper buildup meant that many casual fans were unaware of the tournament until it had already started. - Uninspiring Format:
The initial group stages lacked the stakes that make esports tournaments thrilling. With no eliminations in the group stage, many viewers saw the first week as a formality, waiting for the higher-stakes playoffs to begin. - Dwindling Prize Pool:
Without the battle pass contributions, The International 2024 featured a reduced prize pool, which dulled the event’s usual allure. Fans and players alike have pointed out that competing third-party events, such as the Saudi-funded Riyadh Masters, now offer more lucrative rewards. - Lack of Audience Presence in Early Stages:
Shifting early group and playoff stages into a studio environment with no live audience led to a lack of atmosphere. For many fans, the absence of an excited crowd cheering in real-time diminished the event’s spectacle. - Competing Events:
The rise of other major tournaments, such as the aforementioned Riyadh Masters, which boast larger prize pools and higher stakes, has caused some fans to view them as a preferable alternative to TI.
The Players’ Perspective: Prestige vs. Prize Pool
While many fans lament the drop in The International‘s prize pool and viewership, opinions vary within the professional Dota 2 community. Some pros, such as Arteezy, have voiced their support for alternative third-party events, praising their high prize money.
On the other hand, players like Quinn, Insania, and Aui_2000 still value the prestige of winning the Aegis of Champions, insisting that The International remains the most coveted title in the Dota 2 world.
Conclusion
Despite the viewership decline, The International continues to be the most prestigious event in Dota 2. However, Valve must address concerns regarding the tournament’s promotion, prize pool, and format to reignite fan interest and restore the event to its former glory.
Whether Valve will take steps to ensure a more successful The International in 2025 remains to be seen, but for now, the 2024 edition leaves fans and players alike with much to ponder.
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