The International prize money exceeds 30 million

The prize pool of the Dota 2 World Championship, The International 2019, has exceeded the 30 million mark. This is not only a milestone in the history of MOBA. Never before has there been so much money to win at an eSports tournament.

Before the weekend, the Fortnite World Cup held the title of the highest endowed eSports tournament. 30 million US dollars are being offered at the competition in New York, which takes place from 26th to 28th July. Dota 2 fans spent so much money on the Battle Pass over the weekend, however, that The International 2019 (TI9)’s prize pool rose to over $30 million – as if to wipe out the competition.

The TI9 pot reaches such high sums because of the Battle Pass. It’s a package with lots of in-game content, like skins and features, that can be bought and levelled. 25 per cent of the resulting revenue goes into the prize pool. Valve pockets the rest. Since the willingness of the community grows every year, the international always breaks the old record.

Who grabs the millions?

The high prize money is especially pleasing to the participants of the International. 18 teams qualified for the tournament in Shanghai. Among them are four German players. Kuro ‘KuroKy’ Takhasomi can even count himself among the favourites with Team Liquid. Adrian ‘Fata’ Trinks of the ninjas in pyjamas, Maximilian ‘qojqva’ Bröcker of Alliance and Maurice ‘KheZu’ Gutmann of the Chaos Esports Club, on the other hand, have only outsiders’ chances on the big throw.