'I'm over the moon': Dota 2 tournament a big win for Vancouver gamers
The International Dota 2 Championships will return to Vancouver in August 2018, marking its second time outside Seattle, with an expected prize purse exceeding last year’s $25 million. Local gamers like Hang Yang and former UBC student Kurtis Ling, who won $6.6 million in 2015, highlight the city’s growing eSports scene and the intense dedication required for professional play.
Vancouver will host the world’s largest eSports tournament, The International Dota 2 Championships, for the second time outside Seattle, from August 20–25, 2018. The event, featuring play-by-play commentary and live-streamed viewership, will take place at Rogers Arena, with tickets starting at $125. Last year’s tournament offered a $25 million prize pool, and organizers expect this year’s to surpass that, making it comparable to major sports events like the Masters Tournament or Tour de France. The International Dota 2 Championships is a competitive five-player team game set in an ancient fantasy world, where players control heroes with unique attributes. Fans can watch matches online or in person, with the event drawing millions globally. Richard Smith, director of digital media at Simon Fraser University, noted that part of the prize money comes from in-game accessory sales, such as boots and hats for players. Professional play requires extreme dedication, with top competitors practicing tens of thousands of hours. Hang Yang, a Vancouver gamer who attended last year’s event in Seattle, said he’s excited to return this year, calling it a ‘big win for Vancouver gamers.’ Former UBC student Kurtis Ling, who won $6.6 million in 2015 under his gaming handle Aui_2000, now earns a six-figure salary and occasionally meets fans who recognize him by his alias. The tournament follows Vancouver’s recent growth in eSports, including hosting the League of Legends championship last spring at Pacific Coliseum. Tickets for The International go on sale March 23, with organizers emphasizing the city’s role as a global hub for competitive gaming.
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