The Dota 2 competitive scene is undergoing a significant transformation. With the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) on hiatus, ESL has stepped up, filling the void with an exciting lineup of five tournaments for the upcoming season.
Upcoming ESL Tournaments
Known and New Events
- ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023: Already anticipated by fans, this event is just the beginning.
- DreamLeague S22: Scheduled for the end of February.
- European LAN Event: Details are pending, but expectations are high.
- DreamLeague S23: Continues to build on the established DreamLeague series.
- Mystery July Event: Ties with Gamers8, the organizers behind Riyadh Masters, are speculated.
The Gamers8 Connection
- Challenging The International: Gamers8 has been rivaling Valve’s The International in terms of prize pools.
- Saudi Arabia’s Esports World Cup: With rebranding possibilities, the July event could be part of a larger initiative.
Prize Pools and EPT Points
- $1 Million Prize Pool: Likely for each tournament, maintaining competitive stakes.
- EPT Points: These points will rank teams on the ESL Pro Tour (EPT) leaderboard.
MENA Region’s Emergence
- New Dota 2 Region: MENA gains one guaranteed spot in each tournament, reflecting its growing prominence in the Dota 2 landscape.
- Elite Players’ Migration: Notable players, including 2 TI champions, have joined MENA’s Falcons team.
Implications for the Dota 2 Scene
ESL’s proactive approach in hosting these tournaments signals a new era for Dota 2, with third-party organizers playing a more significant role. The introduction of the MENA region and potential changes to the competitive format bring a fresh dynamic to the global Dota 2 scene.
Expands Dota 2’s Horizon
ESL’s expanded Dota 2 tournament lineup is a bold move to maintain the game’s competitive integrity and excitement. With a diverse set of events and the emergence of the MENA region, the upcoming Dota 2 season promises to be thrilling for both players and fans.