Valve has decided to refund Dota 2 International (TI) tickets just mere days before the event was set to begin. The International is Dota 2‘s biggest yearly tournament, where the world’s top teams gather to compete against each other. TI is also well known for its massive prize pools, with the winning team amassing a few million dollars. TI 9 (2019) still holds the record for being the esports tournament with the largest prize pool: $34.3 million. The evolution is all the more staggering considering the first iteration of TI back in 2011 had a prize pool of $1.6 million. Team OG, winners of TI 9, took $18,200,000 home.
TI10 was meant to take place last year, before eventually being pushed back to 2021. As a last-minute decision, however, Valve has decided that TI10 will be held without an audience. The tournament was meant to take place in Bucharest, Romania – with the start planned for October 7.
Valve’s official statement reads: “We have been carefully evaluating the continued rise of Covid rates in Romania, as well as the resulting introduction of new local restrictions in Bucharest.”
“We wanted nothing more than to welcome fans live to the event, but we can no longer do so in a way that allows us to prioritize the health and well-being of both audience members and participants. Those who purchased tickets will be issued a full refund automatically.”
Dota 2 TI10 Tickets Refund: Days After Pros Test Positive
Valve’s stance, despite being late, will likely be seen as the safest of options. Just a few days prior, three members of Team Aster, participating in the upcoming tournament, were tested positive for COVID. The news, coupled with the apparent state of the pandemic in Romania, has forced Valve’s decision in the matter. The International without any audience will still be a major disappointment to Dota 2 enthusiasts in general. TI is the most hyped-up season for any fan of Valve’s MOBA. At the very least, it’s better than having it canceled like in 2020.
Dota 2 International ticket refunds don’t do anything to change TI10’s prize pool, however, which currently sits at just a little over $40 million.