Oh boy. The Dota 2 International 2015 is just around the corner now — 3 – 8 August, more details here — and the prize pool has just inched its way past $17 million USD. That’s a frankly outrageous prize pool, with first place taking home a cool $6.1 million USD and second and third taking about $2 million USD each.
This prize pool has been fueled by the Dota 2 community through the Compendium and the nifty rewards it offers and shows the value of crowdfunded Esports. The prize pool will continue to grow too as more people level up their compendium in the hope of getting that shiny Aegis of Champions.
There are plenty of ways to watch this years International at home via Twitch, Youtube or even Steams in-client broadcaster. I maintain, however, that Esports is best enjoyed together and that pubstomps are a damn good way to do it. Clearly Valve agrees, listing all official viewing events on one handy site so you can find one close to you. If you live in Melbourne you’re in luck, as you have two different styles of event to choose from.
Silicon Sports have been in the game for a while having run over 30 events since their first in 2012. They’re offering a “Stadium Event” experience at the Village Cinemas in Crown Casino complete with luxurious chairs and the VMAX big screen. There’s also a host of trivia and other games to keep you occupied between matches. You can check out all the details for their event here.
Ministry of Gaming are no newcomers either and are offering the other side of the coin — or Aegis of Champions if you will — with a more traditional pubstomp setup. Hosted at the Groove Bar at Crown Casino MoG are running an 18+ event with a bunch of Dota 2 themed cocktails as well as the usual trivia and prizes. If this event tickles your fancy you can check out the page here for more details.
Honestly though it doesn’t matter whether you choose to watch it at home alone, with friends or at an event like these as long as you watch it and love it. Support Esports, because Esports are awesome.
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