The first major of the Dota 2 pro circuit concludes its regional qualifiers and already identified all the participating teams. Having the eight best teams from all corners of the world, ESL One Hamburg 2017 is ready to kick in on October 26 to 29 at Barclaycard Arena, Hamburg, Germany.

ESL One Hamburg 2017 Overview

In three magnificent years of ESL One tournament series since 2014, the event was held at different locations like Frankfurt, New York, Manila, and Genting. This year, the ESL organizers will bring the ESL One tournament to Hamburg, Germany with an increased prize pot. From $250,000 USD in their latest ESL One Genting, the ESL One Hamburg will showcase a massive $1,000,000 USD as one of the 11 Major tournaments in Dota 2 Pro Circuit.

ESL One New York 2016

Prize Pool and Rewards

Similar to the other tournaments in the Dota Pro Circuit, ESL One Hamburg receives an additional sponsorship from Valve itself. Having a “major” status, the said tournament gets $500,000 USD from Valve which makes a total of $1,000,000 USD prize pot.

Victors will be rewarded with $500,000 USD, fifty percent of the total prize and an equivalent of 750 qualifying points to each member of the team. The runners up will get $200,000 USD and 450 points while third-fourth will receive $90,000 USB and 150 points. Fifth-sixth placers and 7th-8th will only receive $40,000 and $20,000 respectively, without any qualifying points.

ESL One Hamburg 2017 Prize Pool. Image spinned from: http://wiki.teamliquid.net/

Participating Teams

The eight teams who will compete in the first circuit tournament are:

Direct Invites – Team Liquid, Newbee

Europe Qualifier – Team Secret

CIS Qualifier – Virtus Pro

China Qualifier – Keen Gaming

Southeast Asia Qualifier – Happy Feet

North America Qualifier – Evil Geniuses

South America Qualifier – SG Esports

The direct invites were announced as early as September 13 while the regional qualifiers took place on September 21-24.

Dota 2 Cosplay Event

Aside from the Dota 2 in-game actions, ESL One Hamburg 2017 will once again showcase talented cosplayers thru their cosplaying event. The mechanics of the competition are simple:

First of all, it must be Dota 2 related, and cosplayers should be able to maneuver their costumes thru stairs/ramps unassisted. Liquids, gels, and other substances that can cause mess are not allowed. Most importantly, costumes should be self-made.

Dota 2 Cosplayer Лиза Столярова as Windranger. Photo Credits: http://cute-cosplay-girls-photos.tumblr.com/

Moreover, the competition has additional rules for weapons.

No edged or blunt weapons like knives, daggers, maces, or any other heavy-metals is allowed. Firearms and projectiles are also strictly prohibited. Any weapons will be thoroughly examined upon entry.

Other Details

The broadcast talent for ESL One Hamburg 2017 hasn’t been announced yet but the announcement is expected to come soon. For ticketing and more details about this event, visit their official website.

ESL One Hamburg 2017 is just the first in 11 majors that comprises the Dota 2 Pro Circuit alongside 16 minor tournaments. These esports events will take place in the next 9 months before The International 8 arrives.