Dota 2 Riyadh Masters: Second Edition to Feature Record-Breaking $15 Million Prize Pool
The second edition of the Riyadh Masters is set to take place on July 17 in the Middle East, following the tumultuous Dota 2 Bali Major. This year, the tournament boasts an impressive $15 million prize pool, making it the largest non-Valve-sponsored Dota tournament in history. The tournament acts as a precursor to this year’s edition of The International in October 2023. The winner of the Riyadh Masters will walk away with a staggering $5 million in cash, sparking a debate among fans about its significance compared to the Dota Pro Circuit.
An Unprecedented Prize Pool
For comparison, the Gaimin Gladiators, who emerged victorious in all three DPC Majors this year, earned $200,000 from each event. This is equivalent to finishing in 13th-14th place in the Riyadh Masters. The magnitude of the prize money offered by a first-time organizer is truly astonishing and reminiscent of the early days of crowd-funded TIs. While many eagerly await the start of the tournament, some fear that it may mark a return to the days of mega Dota prize pools dominating the main circuit.
Valve’s Influence on the Dota Pro Scene
Valve’s new DPC model has been praised by many as the much-needed solution for the Dota pro scene. Previously, the top-heavy distribution of rewards in The International discouraged teams from participating in other events throughout the year. The massive payout from the pinnacle event was enough to sustain them. However, with Valve now investing money across multiple regions and tours, teams outside the top eight are finding value in mid-season Dota and not solely relying on TI for their financial stability.
The Significance of Riyadh Masters in the Scene
Although Valve’s plans for TI12 and the future of crowdfunding TI remain uncertain, the Riyadh Masters may carry more weight going forward. This tournament’s colossal prize pool mirrors the situation seen in golf, where high payouts and signing bonuses attracted top professional players to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour. Without knowing the full impact the Riyadh Masters will have on the Dota scene, it’s clear that it could have far-reaching consequences.
The Riyadh Masters commences on July 17, followed by TI12’s regional qualifiers in mid-August.
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