DOTA2

Dota 2 is a 2013 multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game by Valve. The game is a sequel to Defense of the Ancients (DotA), a community-created mod for Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Dota 2 is played in matches between two teams of five players, with each team occupying and defending their own separate base on the map. Each of the ten players independently controls a powerful character known as a "hero" that all have unique abilities and differing styles of play. During a match players collect experience points and items for their heroes to defeat the opposing team's heroes in player versus player combat. A team wins by being the first to destroy the other team's "Ancient", a large structure located within their base.

Development of Dota 2 began in 2009 when IceFrog, lead designer of Defense of the Ancients, was hired by Valve to design a modernized remake in the Source game engine. It was released for Windows, OS X, and Linux via the digital distribution platform Steam in July 2013, following a Windows-only open beta phase that began two years prior. The game is fully free-to-play with no heroes or any other gameplay element needing to be bought or otherwise unlocked. To maintain it, Valve supports the game as a service, selling loot boxes and a battle pass subscription system called Dota Plus that offer non-gameplay altering virtual goods in return, such as hero cosmetics and audio replacement packs. The game was ported to the Source 2 engine in 2015, making it the first game to use it.

Dota 2 has a large esports scene, with teams from around the world playing in various professional leagues and tournaments. Valve organizes the Dota Pro Circuit, which are a series of tournaments that award qualification points for earning direct invitations to The International, the game's premier tournament held annually. Internationals feature a crowdfunded prize money system that has seen amounts in upwards of US$40 million, making Dota 2 the most lucrative esport. Media coverage of most tournaments is done by a selection of on-site staff who provide commentary and analysis for the ongoing matches similar to traditional sporting events. In addition to playing live to audiences in arenas and stadiums, broadcasts of them are also streamed over the internet and sometimes simulcast on television, with several million in viewership numbers.

Despite criticism going towards its steep learning curve and overall complexity, Dota 2 was praised for its rewarding gameplay, production quality, and faithfulness to its predecessor, with many considering it to be one of the greatest video games of all time. It has been one of the most played games on Steam since its release, with over a million concurrent players at its peak. The popularity of the game has led to merchandise and media adaptations, including comic books and an anime series, as well as promotional tie-ins to other games and media. The game allows for the community to create their own gamemodes, maps, and cosmetics, which are uploaded to the Steam Workshop. Two spinoff games, Artifact and Dota Underlords, were released by Valve. Dota 2 has been used in machine learning experiments, with a team of bots known as the OpenAI Five showing the capability to defeat professional players.

The DOTA2 esports tournament is an exhilarating and highly competitive event that brings together the best teams from around the world to compete in the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, DOTA2. This tournament showcases the pinnacle of skill, strategy, and teamwork in the esports industry.

In DOTA2, two teams of five players each battle it out on a virtual battlefield, with the ultimate goal of destroying the enemy team's Ancient, a heavily guarded structure at the heart of their base. Each player controls a unique hero with distinct abilities and roles, such as carry, support, or initiator, which adds depth and complexity to the gameplay.

The tournament features a double elimination format, where teams compete in a series of best-of-three matches, with the grand finals being a best-of-five. The matches are played on a massive stage, with state-of-the-art production and broadcasting, creating a captivating viewing experience for both the live audience and millions of fans watching online.

The DOTA2 tournament attracts a diverse and passionate fanbase, with viewership numbers reaching record-breaking levels. Fans eagerly follow their favorite teams and players, analyzing strategies, discussing meta shifts, and cheering for their chosen champions. The tournament also offers a substantial prize pool, often exceeding millions of dollars, which further intensifies the competition and motivates teams to give their best performance.

The event is not only a showcase of skill but also a celebration of the esports community. It brings together players, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world, fostering a sense of camaraderie and excitement. The tournament serves as a platform for emerging talent to make a name for themselves and for established players to solidify their legacy.

The DOTA2 esports tournament is a thrilling spectacle that combines the excitement of competitive gaming with the strategic depth of the game itself. It showcases the dedication, talent, and passion of the players, making it a must-watch event for both esports enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.