As The International 2024 (TI13) kicks off in Copenhagen, Denmark, fans and teams are gearing up for a showdown to win the coveted Aegis of Champions. However, this year’s tournament comes with a notable change: the prize pool is the lowest it has been in the past ten years.
Here’s a closer look at why this is the case and what to expect from the tournament.
Current Prize Pool Status
As of now, the prize pool for The International 2024 stands at approximately $2,449,780. This figure is a significant drop from previous years, sparking curiosity and concern among the Dota 2 community.
Factors Contributing to the Lower Prize Pool
Several factors have contributed to this lower prize pool:
- Late Compendium Release: The Compendium, which traditionally boosts the prize pool, was launched only two weeks before TI13. This is a sharp contrast to previous years, where the fundraising window ranged from 102 to 138 days. The shortened period has limited the potential for raising funds.
- Lack of New Cosmetics: This year’s Compendium lacks the flashy new cosmetic items that typically drive purchases and contribute to the prize pool. The absence of these incentives has resulted in reduced enthusiasm and spending from fans.
- Valve’s New Strategy: Valve has indicated a shift in its approach, aiming to revitalize the Dota 2 scene rather than focusing solely on having the highest prize pool. This move follows Valve’s previous announcement after TI12, signaling a broader change in how they handle the tournament.
Historical Prize Pool Overview
To understand the significance of this year’s prize pool, it’s helpful to look at the historical context:
- Early Years: The first two Internationals featured a base prize pool of $1.6 million, funded by Valve.
- Growth Era (2013-2021): With the introduction of the Compendium and Battle Passes, prize pools soared, reaching a peak of over $40 million in 2021.
- Recent Years: Following the peak, prize pools have gradually decreased. TI2022 had a prize pool of $17 million, TI2023 reached $3.3 million, and TI2024’s prize pool may offer a similar or lower amount.
Tournament Schedule and Expectations
The group stage for TI13 began on September 4, 2024, with the final phase set to take place from September 13 to 15, 2024, at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen. Fans and teams will converge to witness the culmination of this year’s competition, despite the reduced prize pool.
Conclusion
While The International 2024 is set to be an exciting event with top teams battling it out, the lower prize pool marks a significant shift from past tournaments. Valve’s new strategy could reshape the future of the tournament, and it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the Dota 2 scene in the long run.
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