The prize pool for DOTA 2’s annual The International tournament has surpassed the $25 million mark with 46 days still to go until the main event gets underway.
Previously known as The International Compendium, the DOTA 2 battle pass has provided the perfect platform for fans to get behind their favorite game and support the expansive competitive scene.
In recent years, prize pools have soared above other esports titles as fans are given new skins, items, and even chances to play new games by attaining certain levels within the battle pass. Now though, the support for the 2019 installment of The International has jumped right above any of its predecessors.
On June 30, the prize pool for The International 9 broke the $25 million mark, with less than half a million to go before eclipsing last year’s total – which also broke the previously held record for the biggest payout ever.
To put its incredible backing into context, The International 8 took 104 days to raise $25 million – where the prize pool rose to its final total after a few more days – compared to TI 9’s super-fast 53 days.
Yet, it’s growth hasn’t been spawned from a crazy influx of new content that has prompted players to dig into their wallets. The TI9 battle pass got off to a hot start, breaking the record for the most prize money raised on release day.
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25.:astonished: #TI9 pic.twitter.com/Gaiy8uPEI8
— Wykrhm Reddy (@wykrhm) June 30, 2019
Despite already breaking the prize pool record from previous International’s, fans are still waiting for Valve to release new plenty of new content which could propel the total above the $30 million set for the Fortnite World Cup.
One of the most anticipated releases, the annual Immortal Treasure II cosmetic pack, has also yet to drop. Speculation suggests that it may become available at the start of July but that is unconfirmed.
Players are also expecting the imminent release of the Wrath of Moro’Kai custom game mode that should allow them to rack up additional battle points. The mode will only be available to battle pass owners so those players who are holding out for its release may soon have to shell out.
