Dota 2 Short Film Contest: Who Got Tens of Thousands of Dollars from Valve

The Dota 2 The International Short Film Contest is one of the most anticipated cultural side events during the annual The International (TI) tournament. Since its inception in 2015, it has provided a platform for the creative talents within the Dota 2 community to shine. Filmmakers, animators, and fans of the game craft stunning visual stories based on the Dota 2 universe, vying for recognition and cash prizes. The contest has become a celebration of the artistry and passion surrounding the game, producing some of the most memorable short films within the esports world.

Credit: Valve Corporation

What is a Short Film Contest?

Launched as a way to engage the vibrant creative community surrounding Dota 2, the Short Film Contest offers participants a chance to have their work displayed on the grand stage of The International. The Dota 2 fanbase has always been known for its passion, and the contest was the perfect opportunity to showcase storytelling, animation, and filmmaking talent, all while keeping the game at the heart of each submission.

With a generous prize pool, contestants are motivated not only by the rewards but also by the prestige of having their work recognized on an international scale. Short films are often based on Dota 2 heroes, in-game lore, or humorous scenarios, and they range from emotional narratives to comedic relief.

How does voting in the Short Film Contest take place?

Each year, the Short Film Contest allows the Dota 2 community to vote for their favorite entries. Valve, the developer of Dota 2, selects the top 10 entries, which are then shown during the main event of The International. The submissions are judged on factors like creativity, originality, and connection to the Dota 2 universe. The winners are determined based on both community feedback and input from Valve.

The top three films receive the highest honors, with significant cash prizes for first, second, and third place. Additionally, the exposure at TI provides creators with opportunities to advance in the animation or film industry.

Best Representatives and Notable Winners

TI5 (2015) marked the debut of the Dota 2 Short Film Contest, laying the foundation for future competitions. The participants were just beginning to explore the possibilities of this format, and the competition was relatively light. Nonetheless, several talented works stood out, both for their technical execution and their emotional drama.

The winner of that year captured the hearts of viewers with a sarcastic take on the popular memes and issues of the time. The video humorously addressed moments like using Battle Fury on Drow Ranger or Daedalus on Crystal Maiden. There was almost no competition for first place — the film excelled both in technical aspects and humorous content.

TI6 (2016) brought much tougher competition. Many participants, like Lesllee, were already known for their numerous Dota 2 animation shorts. Their work was distinguished by its simplicity, humor, and accessible animation style. This year, fans eagerly awaited videos about new heroes like Oracle, and the results did not disappoint, with videos filled with well-crafted graphics and thought-out ideas.

The winner of TI6 was a video that fit the contest format perfectly. It addressed the important issue of supports not always fulfilling their duties, causing the whole team to suffer. This film combined humor, excellent sound, and high technical execution, making it the year’s winner.

TI7 (2017) was memorable for videos that captivated audiences with their ambition. One of the best films that year was technically challenging, featuring a massive battle that was meticulously planned and skillfully executed. A simple idea turned into an epic visual project that earned praise from the community.

Another video, which combines a genius concept and excellent execution, earned this film the status of one of the best entries in the contest's history.

TI8 (2018) continued the tradition of high-quality films. While the competition was strong, the year's winner earned its place thanks to a concept similar to the previous year's work, reminding fans of the importance of even the smallest decisions in the game.

TI9 (2019) was notable for a video that highlighted the issue of playing on smurf accounts, combined with an unexpected plot twist that fans appreciated. The second place went to a film about Roshan, which was visually stunning and engaging.

The winner of that year, 4fun, had already become a regular in the contest’s prize list. His work was recognized for its high quality, although the year overall was considered somewhat weak in terms of the level of competition.

TI10 (2021) was a special year due to the absence of The International in 2020, giving creators twice as much time to produce their works. This contest showed an incredibly high level of quality. For example, an incredibly beautiful video didn’t even make the top 10, likely due to its simple concept, but it was executed stunningly.

4fun again ranked among the best with a film that impressed everyone with its technical execution. Despite this, it only took third place in the voting.

At TI11 (2021), couriers became the main theme of the contest, especially after the patch that allowed them to use items. The first two places went to films about couriers, underscoring their importance in the game.

Every year, the contest delights viewers and participants with interesting works, demonstrating that the Dota 2 fanbase is full of talented and creative individuals.

The Evolution of the Short Film Contest

As the contest has evolved, so have the entries. While early submissions were more humor-driven, recent winners have shifted towards higher production values and deeper emotional narratives. The growing complexity of animations and the inclusion of better storytelling techniques have raised the bar significantly. Some creators are now blending multiple animation styles and even incorporating 3D elements, a testament to how the Dota 2 community has matured artistically.

Not only has this contest given exposure to creators, but it has also allowed the Dota 2 universe to expand beyond the game. Fans of Dota 2 can experience the game’s rich lore and characters through a different medium, making the Short Film Contest a critical part of The International experience.

Conclusion

The Dota 2 The International Short Film Contest has become a beloved staple within the Dota 2 community. Year after year, it showcases the creative prowess of filmmakers and artists, who transform the game’s universe into a canvas for storytelling. With unforgettable entries like "A-Z of Dota 2" and "The Spirit of Dota," the contest has left an indelible mark on both esports and the broader animation community. As The International continues to grow, fans eagerly anticipate each year’s new batch of films, wondering which creative minds will take home the top honors next.

This contest not only highlights the love fans have for the game but also demonstrates the impact Dota 2 has had as a cultural phenomenon, inspiring artistry, community, and innovation.