Dota 2 The International (TI) Prize Pool Tracker from the Beginning

A Comprehensive Guide to the Evolution of the Largest Esports Prize Pool Event

Introduction

Dota 2 The International (TI) is the most prestigious and lucrative esports tournament in the world, boasting an enormous prize pool that has grown exponentially since its inception in 2011.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the TI prize pool's evolution, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a multi-million dollar event.

The Early Years (2011-2013)

• The first TI in 2011 had a prize pool of $1.6 million, a significant amount for an esports tournament at the time.
• TI2 in 2012 saw a modest increase to $1.8 million, but it was still a substantial prize pool compared to other esports events.
• TI3 in 2013 marked a turning point, with the prize pool reaching $2.8 million, solidifying TI as a major esports event.

The Crowdfunding Era (2014-2016)

In 2014, Valve introduced the crowdfunding system through the TI Compendium, allowing players to contribute to the prize pool through in-game purchases.

This system had a profound impact on the prize pool, leading to unprecedented growth:

• TI4 in 2014: $10.9 million
• TI5 in 2015: $18.4 million
• TI6 in 2016: $20.7 million

The Record-Breaking Years (2017-2021)

TI7 in 2017 set a new record with a prize pool of $24.7 million, solidifying TI as the undisputed king of esports prize pools.

The prize pool continued to grow in subsequent years:

• TI8 in 2018: $25.5 million
• TI9 in 2019: $34.3 million
• TI10 in 2021: $40.0 million

The Impact of the TI Prize Pool

The growth of the TI prize pool has had a significant impact on the esports industry as a whole:

• Increased visibility and recognition: The massive prize pool has drawn attention to Dota 2 and esports in general, attracting new players and fans.
• Financial security for players: The large prize winnings have provided financial stability for professional Dota 2 players, allowing them to focus on their careers.
• Esports infrastructure development: The revenue generated from the TI prize pool has been invested in developing esports infrastructure, such as tournament venues and broadcast equipment.

Conclusion

The Dota 2 The International prize pool has experienced phenomenal growth since its inception in 2011, evolving from a modest $1.6 million event to a multi-million dollar spectacle.

The crowdfunding system has played a crucial role in this growth, fueling the community's passion and creating a sense of shared ownership in the event.

As the TI prize pool continues to grow, it remains to be seen what new heights it will reach and how it will further shape the esports landscape.