The Biggest Prize Pool in esports just got bigger. The International 2019 is the first Dota 2 International to take place in Asia. Dota 2 fans continue buying cosmetic items in the game and have catapulted the Prize Pool to cross the $30 million mark. There are still several weeks to go before the conclusion of The International crowdfunding.

The International 2019 Prize Pool surpasses $30 Million USD. TI9 now has the LARGEST PRIZE POOL for any single tournament in the history of esports. #TI9 pic.twitter.com/YtRC2dt0uO — Wykrhm Reddy (@wykrhm) July 21, 2019

The International 2019 has crossed the $30 million mark. 25% of all proceeds go into contributions for the Prize Pool. This means Dota 2 fans have already bought cosmetic items worth $120 million from Valve. It is a momentous occasion for Dota 2 fans to showcase their love for their favorite game.

What’s the Next Milestone?

When Valve announced TI9 prize pools, they set certain goals. If the TI8 Prize Pool would cross the TI8 Prize Pool, all Battle pass holders will get 10 free levels. They would get another ten free levels when the TI9 Prize Pool crosses the milestone of $30 million.

With the two milestones already in the past, the next step for Dota 2 would be to reclaim its title. The title of the biggest prize pool in esports currently belongs to Epic Games’ Fortnite. The Fortnite World Cup has a prize pool of $30 million. Dota 2 looks primed to easily cross yet another milestone.

What worked for Dota 2 in 2019?

The Dota 2 esports scene is constantly evolving. It is the first Game where Valve takes such an active interest in the game’s esports scene. Not only is Dota 2 Valve’s golden game, but it also holds a personal interest for Gaben.

At the same time, it is not just nostalgia and an intention to fund Dota 2 that leads to such huge prize pools every year. The 2019 Battle Pass has some great cosmetics spread throughout the Battle Pass levels. Users rewarded Valve and the Content Creators with their wallets. There are still nearly 30 days left for TI9 and reaching $30 million in prize pool is a huge achievement for the community.

The Final EighteenTeams at TI9

Here’s a list of the final Eighteen teams at The International 2019.

Invited Teams

Team Secret Virtus Pro Vici Gaming Evil Genius Team Liquid PSG.LGD Fnatic NIP TNC Predator OG Alliance Keen Gaming

Qualified Teams

Forward Gaming Infamous Chaos Esports Club Natus Vincere Royal Never Give Up Mineski

With the Weekend Bundles and some excellent cosmetic items in the works, the reason for TI9’s success is evident. Valve recently released the Acolyte Of the Lost Arts, an Invoker Childhood persona. You can read about it here.