Some of the world’s top video gamers will compete in Seattle for a six-day tournament hosted by Valve called The International that begins Aug. 3.
The massive tournament will have a record prize pool worth more than $16.6 million – $5 million more than last year’s pool, which was already a record. And it’s still growing.
That means the total payout will exceed the prize purses of a number of major sporting events, including the Masters, the Tour de France and the Kentucky Derby. Eat that, Colin Cowherd.
This huge prize payout is another indication that, while eSports may still struggle for respect, its numbers are starting to give it more credibility. ESPN even broadcasted the tournament last year.
Dota 2 is played by two opposing teams, made up of 5 players — 16 total teams are participating in this year’s tournament. Each player controls a hero, with a particular set of special abilities and statistics, which they can augment by purchasing items and leveling up during the game. The first team to use their combined powers to destroy an Ancient at the heart of their enemies’ base wins.