The biggest tournament in esports is back this year with an official date and location.
Wait, what’s The International?
The International is the annual Dota 2 world championship. It also just so happens to boast the biggest prize pool in esports, with last year’s paying out to the tune of $10 million (first place took home over half of that).
That’s over $7 million more than 2013, which was over $1 million more than 2012… so expect 2015 to have a pretty crazy amount of cash to go around.
In addition to throwing around a lot of money, last year’s tournament was also a huge milestone for the esports community. Over 20 million people tuned in to watch the event, and it was even broadcast on ESPN’s digital platform.
Sounds cool, when/where is it?
The International 2015 will be a six day tournament held in Seattle, Washington. It begins on Monday, August 3, and will run through Saturday, August 8.
Who’s competing?
16 teams will vie for the top spot, and if it’s anything like last year, it will be a mix of invited teams and ones who make it through qualifier rounds. Invites will go out “shortly after May 1.”
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but Valve has promised to release more information soon. Keep a sharp eye out for that announcement, as tickets tend to sell out in a matter of minutes, no joke.
