Dota2 prize pool history : When Dota 2 first launched as Valve’s flagship esport, The International (TI) was unlike anything else in gaming. TI1 in 2011 offered a fully Valve-funded $1.6M prize pool, instantly making headlines as Na’Vi lifted the first Aegis of Champions. TI2 in 2012 repeated the same figure, with Invictus Gaming claiming victory.
- These early years confirmed Valve’s commitment to making Dota 2 a serious esport.
- They also hinted at something larger: a system where the community itself would play a direct role in shaping prize money.
Quick Look
The Crowdfunding Boom (2013–2021)
Source: TeamLiquid
Valve introduced the Compendium at TI3 in 2013, allowing fans to buy digital items while a portion of sales funded the prize pool. This single change transformed esports economics.
- TI3 jumped to $2.87M, proving community-driven funding could outpace publisher-only models.
- TI4 marked the breakthrough with $10.92M, and from there, the numbers kept soaring.
Exponential Growth Highlights:
- TI5 (2015): $18.43M — Evil Geniuses’ iconic win.
- TI6 (2016): $20.77M — Wings Gaming’s Cinderella story.
- TI7 (2017): $24.79M — Team Liquid’s perfect lower bracket run.
- TI8 (2018): $25.53M — OG’s first win.
- TI9 (2019): $34.33M — OG’s back-to-back triumph.
The peak came with TI10 in 2021: a staggering $40.02M, still the largest prize pool in esports history. Community cosmetics, especially the Battle Pass, were the key driver.
Decline and Community Frustration (2022–2024))
After nearly a decade of record growth, cracks appeared.
- TI11 (2022): $18.93M, won by Tundra Esports — the first major decline.
- TI12 (2023): $3.17M, a steep drop after Valve abandoned the traditional Battle Pass model.
- TI13 (2024): $2.60M, the lowest since 2013.
Community reaction was swift:
- Fans missed the cosmetic-heavy Battle Pass that made funding fun.
- Many expressed frustration over Valve’s shift in priorities, focusing more on updates like Crownfall and relying on third-party mega-events like Riyadh Masters.
TI14 and Where Things Stand in 2025
The International 2025 (TI14) is set in Hamburg with a base pool of $1.6M, but projections suggest only $2.5M–$3M unless Valve rethinks its system.
At this stage, Dota 2’s prize pools no longer dominate headlines like before. Instead, tournaments such as the Riyadh Masters ($15M in 2023) or even Fortnite’s World Cup ($15M in 2019) compete for attention. Yet, TI still carries unmatched prestige.
Why Dota 2’s Prize Pools Rose and Fell – Dota2 prize pool history
Looking back, several factors explain the journey:
- Rise:
- Valve’s Compendium and Battle Pass model.
- Community passion and cosmetic-driven funding.
- TI’s reputation as the pinnacle of esports prize pools.
- Decline:
- Post-2021 shift in Valve’s strategy.
- Removal of the DPC and Battle Pass reliance.
- Growth of third-party events diluting attention.
Despite the downturn, TI remains historic: over $230M crowdfunded across all years, cementing its place as esports’ largest community-driven effort.
What the Future Could Hold – Dota2 prize pool history
The question now is whether TI will ever see another massive prize pool. A revival of the Battle Pass could spark renewed growth, but Valve may prefer sustainable models that prioritize gameplay over spectacle.
For teams and fans, smaller prize pools could mean:
- Less financial shockwaves across the scene.
- More stability through third-party leagues and sponsorships.
- A shift in how success is measured — prestige, not just money.
Conclusion – Dota2 prize pool history
The Dota2 prize pool history tells the story of esports’ biggest rise and most dramatic fall — from $1.6M in 2011, to a record-breaking $40M in 2021, and back to modest levels in 2025. Whether future Internationals reclaim the spotlight or settle into a new era of stability, one thing is clear: the community’s role in shaping TI has been as unforgettable as the matches themselves.
