At the beginning of this year, I made a conjecture about the prize pool for Dota 2’s TI 2023 (or TI 12, as you prefer), speculating that it might be the lowest in history, at least since crowd-funding became the norm for the jackpot. As a devoted esports enthusiast who relishes watching TI, my apprehensions have regrettably materialized, turning it into a Halloween trick rather than a treat.
The lowest-ever prize pool for Dota 2’s TI was recorded during the 2013 tournament, totaling $2,874,380. While that figure is nothing to scoff at, especially when compared to the staggering $40,018,195 reached for TI 10 in 2021, two million dollars in the world of Dota felt quite meager.
Even three million dollars doesn’t appear substantial, but regrettably, TI 2023 concludes with only $3,149,655 in the prize pool. Despite having 112 days in total, we’ve only witnessed an increase of a mere $766,601 over 32 days, starting from the initial day one total of $2,380,054.
In most years, we usually witness significant increases following TI, but this year, according to the Dota 2 prize pool tracker, it’s been notably different. By the 32-day mark, TI 2023 has raised far less than its lowest predecessor, 2015, which had accumulated $10,449,914. To reach anywhere near that mark this year, participants would need to contribute an additional $7,300,259.
I’ve previously discussed the reasons behind the unusually low prize pool for Dota 2’s TI 2023, pointing at the Compendium and a general sense of fatigue within the esports community as potential culprits. However, I’m not inclined to be overly pessimistic about it. While I’m not an avid Dota 2 player, I’m a fervent TI viewer, and there’s an undeniable thrill and sense of community associated with it. But it seems like that spark is slowly fading.
Esports is known for its unpredictability and upsets, but it undeniably feels like this will mark the lowest prize pool in the tournament’s history. Is it a matter of acknowledging the current situation and hoping for improvement in 2024, or does Dota 2 need a revitalization akin to what Counter-Strike 2 received despite the extensive New Frontiers update? Only time will reveal the answer.
In the meantime, we’ve compiled a list of other free Steam games that are worth trying out as we await the arrival of the latest hero, The Ringmaster. And if you’re interested in other multiplayer games, we’ve got you covered.