DOTA 2 event breaks own record with P1B pot

MANILA, Philippines – Yes, you read it right: a whopping estimated P1 billion prize pool was set by DOTA 2 for their annual world cup touted as “The International,” which will be held next month.

The multiplayer online game shattered their own record again as they set the largest prize pool in the history of esports.

As of posting time, the seventh edition of the annual The International event hosted by Valve surpassed last year's pot of $20,770,460. And they still have a month to raise more funds.

Luckily, 11 Filipinos are competing in the world stage, including two Philippine-based teams, TNC and Execration, which are both attending the annual event for the second straight year. Last year, TNC finished in 7th and 8th place taking home an estimate of P24 million.

Arguably the most renowned Pinoy DOTA 2 player now named Azel “Abed” Yusop will also participate under US-based squad Digital Chaos.

Recently, the 16-year-old player put the Philippines on the international gaming map when he reached 10,000 matchmaking ranking, the highest in the game’s history.

Avid Philippine esports supporter Sen. Bam Aquino saw the potential of the online gaming industry in bringing honor to the country while creating jobs and ushering in investments.

READ: Esports seen to usher in jobs, businesses into Philippines

Aquino, who also helped in establishing the Philippine esports Association, acknowledged the talents of the Filipinos in both ends as gamers and developers.

“We have very talented gamers that are winning big in the world stage. But we also have game developers and local studios that are hired to help create some of the most popular games,” the senator said in a statement last month.

“This is big business. Gaming can actually bring in money, jobs and livelihood into the Philippines,” he added.

The International will be held at the Key Arena in Seattle from August 7 to 12.