Since its inception in 2011, The International (TI), Dota 2's premier annual esports tournament organized by Valve, has grown from a groundbreaking event to a global phenomenon, largely defined by its jaw-dropping prize pools. What began as a $1.6 million showcase has, at its peak, soared past $40 million, thanks to an innovative crowdfunding model that harnessed the passion of the Dota 2 community. However, recent years have seen a shift, with prize pools declining amid changes in Valve’s approach. Let’s dive into the history of TI’s prize pools, year by year, and explore the trends that have shaped this esports titan as of March 22, 2025.
The Early Years: Setting the Stage (2011–2012)
The International debuted at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, in August 2011, with Valve putting up a then-unheard-of $1.6 million prize pool—fully funded by the company itself. This was a bold statement for esports, dwarfing most tournament purses of the era. Ukrainian team Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) claimed the $1 million grand prize, instantly putting Dota 2 on the map. In 2012, TI2 returned with the same $1.6 million pool, hosted at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. China’s Invictus Gaming took home the lion’s share, but the static prize pool hinted that Valve had bigger plans brewing.
The Crowdfunding Revolution: Explosive Growth (2013–2021)
Everything changed in 2013 with TI3, when Valve introduced the Compendium—a digital item fans could purchase, with 25% of proceeds boosting the prize pool. Starting at a base of $1.6 million, the community added $1.27 million, bringing the total to $2.87 million. Swedish team Alliance emerged victorious, and a new era was born. This crowdfunding model supercharged TI’s growth:
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TI4 (2014): The prize pool rocketed to $10.92 million, with fans contributing over $9.3 million. China’s Newbee won $5 million, and TI solidified its status as an esports juggernaut.
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TI5 (2015): Reaching $18.43 million, TI5 saw North America’s Evil Geniuses claim $6.63 million. The Compendium evolved into the Battle Pass, offering more rewards and driving sales.
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TI6 (2016): Another record shattered at $20.77 million, with China’s Wings Gaming earning $9.14 million—a Guinness World Record for the largest single esports prize at the time.
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TI7 (2017): Team Liquid’s European squad took $10.86 million from a $24.79 million pool, the highest yet, as the event drew massive global viewership.
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TI8 (2018): OG’s Cinderella story netted them $11.23 million from a $25.53 million pool, cementing TI’s dominance in esports prize rankings.
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TI9 (2019): OG defended their title, winning $15.62 million from a $34.33 million pool, fueled by a passionate community and extended fundraising.
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TI10 (2021): Delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, TI10 hit a staggering $40.02 million—the peak of TI’s prize pool history. Team Spirit claimed $18.21 million, setting an untouchable record.
From 2013 to 2021, the prize pool grew exponentially, driven by Battle Pass sales and a base of $1.6 million from Valve. TI held the top seven spots for the largest esports prize pools ever, outpacing even traditional sports events like the Cricket World Cup.
The Decline: A Shift in Priorities (2022–2024)
After TI10’s zenith, the tide turned. TI11 in 2022 dropped to $18.93 million—the first time the pool failed to surpass the previous year’s total. Tundra Esports won $8.52 million, but the decline signaled a shift. In 2023, Valve axed the Dota Pro Circuit and scaled back the Battle Pass, replacing it with a less rewarding Compendium. TI12’s pool plummeted to $3.17 million, with Team Spirit earning $1.41 million—the lowest since TI3. TI13 in 2024, held in Copenhagen, continued the trend, finalizing at $2.60 million, with Team Liquid taking $1.17 million. Community frustration over lackluster Compendiums and shorter fundraising windows contributed to the fall.
TI14 (2025): The Latest Chapter
As of March 22, 2025, TI14’s details are still unfolding. Announced for Hamburg, Germany, it’s too early to pinpoint the final prize pool, but trends suggest it may hover around $2.5–$3 million unless Valve adjusts its crowdfunding strategy. The base remains $1.6 million, with the rest reliant on Compendium sales—currently a sore point for fans craving the cosmetic-heavy Battle Passes of old.
What’s Behind the Trends?
The rise from 2011 to 2021 was fueled by Valve’s genius crowdfunding model and a growing player base eager to support their game. The decline since 2022 reflects Valve’s pivot from cosmetic-driven revenue to gameplay-focused updates (e.g., Crownfall 2024, patch 7.36), reducing the incentive for big spending. The end of the Dota Pro Circuit and reliance on third-party tournaments like Riyadh Masters ($15 million in 2023) have also diluted TI’s financial dominance.
EsportsHeaven
2025-03-23 12:39:59