Will The International 2023 prize pool reach $15 million?

This year, the initial funding for The International 2023 started with a base prize pool of $1.6 million. This starting amount was expected to increase through sales generated by the event's associated Compendium. As of the time of writing, the prize pool for TI12 has reached $2.8 million.

Unlike tradition, Valve has decided to depart from the usual Battle Pass model. Instead, they are introducing a significantly different Compendium, poised to revolutionize the landscape of TI12's prize pool. This strategic shift will have a profound impact on the financial rewards that participating teams and players can expect.

How TI Prize Pool is Formed

Every year, The International begins its prize pool with an initial contribution of $1.6 million from Valve. This amount symbolically reflects the prize pool of the very first TI event in 2011, celebrating the tournament's humble beginnings while highlighting its impressive growth over the years.

However, the core of The International's financial strength lies in its unique crowdfunding model. Instead of relying solely on corporate sponsorship, TI leverages the passionate Dota 2 player community to propel its prize pool to unprecedented heights. Leading up to the tournament, Valve introduces an enticing array of TI-themed content within the Dota 2 client. This content includes Compendiums, Battle Passes, and various in-game items and cosmetic treasures, all available for purchase.

What makes this system unique is that a significant portion of the proceeds generated from the sale of this exclusive TI-related content directly contributes to the tournament's prize pool. This approach transforms The International into a collective effort, involving the global Dota 2 community in the financial success of the event. Fans eagerly purchase this content not only to enhance their in-game experience but also to support their favorite teams and players, effectively becoming stakeholders in the championship's fortunes.

This unique funding mechanism has not only made The International one of the most financially rewarding esports events in the world but has also generated an unprecedented level of excitement and engagement within the Dota 2 community. It has turned the tournament into a spectacle where players, fans, and the industry as a whole come together to celebrate their shared passion for the game.

Previous TI Seasons

Leading up to The International 11 (TI11) in 2022, there was a clear trend in the world of Dota 2 esports. Each successive tournament consistently raised the bar for the total prize pool, often surpassing Valve's own record for the largest reward pool in the history of esports.

This remarkable streak of record-breaking purses came to an unexpected halt in 2022. TI11, despite being a highly anticipated event, did not manage to surpass the colossal $40 million prize pool achieved by TI10 in 2021.

The Prize Pool for Dota 2 This Year

The prize pool for The International 12 (TI12) is currently off to a rather lackluster start, with only a modest sum of $2.39 million accumulated within the initial 24 hours of its crowdfunding campaign. This opening day collection represents the lowest figure seen for The International events since 2015.

What's Causing the Slow Start?

One significant factor contributing to this slower rate of accumulation is the absence of incentives for additional level purchases in this year's TI Battle Pass. In previous iterations, the Battle Pass offered various enticing rewards and stretch goals that encouraged players to invest more, driving the prize pool to remarkable heights. The absence of these incentives in the current Battle Pass has negatively impacted sales, resulting in a less impressive early showing for The International 2023 purse. The Compendium also failed to generate significant buzz in the community.

What will the prize pool of The International 2023 be like?

This subdued start raises the possibility that, unless notable changes occur, TI12 could be the first International event in recent memory to be outpaced by other Dota 2 events in terms of prize pool size. As of now, surpassing the Riyadh Masters 2023 prize pool seems to be a lofty ambition, considering that TI12 is scheduled to start on October 12th.