The International is the ultimate destination for Dota 2 enthusiasts, where champions are immortalized and dreams come true. This prestigious tournament has been the pinnacle of esports success since its inception in 2011. As each Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) season begins, teams and players set their sights on the ultimate prize – winning The International.
Not only does the victorious team claim a significant portion of the massive prize pool, but they also have the honor of having their names etched onto the coveted Aegis of Champions. The International’s prize money has consistently grown over the years, thanks to the efforts of Valve and the passionate Dota 2 community.
What is The International?
The International is Valve’s annual Dota 2 world championship, where the best teams from around the globe compete for glory and one of the largest prize pools in esports. TI10 holds the record for the highest prize pool, reaching an astounding $40,018,195. Team Spirit emerged as the champions of TI10, taking home a staggering $18,208,300.
This is why every professional Dota 2 player aspires to win The International at some point in their career. It is the tournament that defines legends and solidifies their place in esports history.
All The International Winners Since 2011
| Event | All TI Winners | Grand Prize Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| TI1 | Natus Vincere | $1 million |
| TI2 | Invictus Gaming | $1 million |
| TI3 | Alliance | $1,437,190 |
| TI4 | Newbee | $5,025,029 |
| TI5 | Evil Geniuses | $6,634,661 |
| TI6 | Wings Gaming | $9,139,002 |
| TI7 | Team Liquid | $10,862,683 |
| TI8 | OG | $11,234,158 |
| TI9 | OG | $15,620,181 |
| TI10 | Team Spirit | $18,208,300 |
| TI11 | Tundra Esports | $8,489,501 |
| TI12 | Team Spirit | $1,413,194 |
TI1 Winner: Natus Vincere
The inaugural edition of The International took place in 2011 at GamesCom in Cologne, Germany. Natus Vincere, a CIS team, emerged as the champions by defeating EHOME with a score of 3-1. Led by Dota 2 legend Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, Na’Vi claimed the $1 million grand prize from the $1.6 million prize pool.
TI2 Winner: Invictus Gaming
In 2012, TI2 was held at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, Washington. China’s Invictus Gaming secured victory by defeating the defending champions, Natus Vincere, with a score of 3-1. Invictus Gaming claimed the $1 million grand prize from the $1.6 million prize pool.
TI3 Winner: Alliance
TI3 introduced Dota 2’s Compendium, which allowed fans to contribute to the prize pool. Alliance, a European team, emerged as the champions after an intense grand final against Natus Vincere, winning with a score of 3-2. Alliance claimed the $1,437,190 grand prize from the $2,874,380 prize pool.
TI4 Winner: Newbee
TI4 moved to KeyArena in Seattle, Washington, and marked China’s dominance in Dota 2. Newbee defeated Vici Gaming in the grand final with a score of 3-1, securing the $5,025,029 grand prize from the $10,923,977 prize pool.
TI5 Winner: Evil Geniuses
Evil Geniuses became the first North American team to win The International. They defeated CDEC Gaming in the grand final with a score of 3-1. TI5 also introduced a new prize allocation system, ensuring all participating teams received a significant share of the $18,429,613 prize pool. Evil Geniuses claimed the lion’s share of $6,634,661.
TI6 Winner: Wings Gaming
TI6 was held at KeyArena for the third consecutive year. Wings Gaming, a Chinese team, emerged as the champions by defeating Digital Chaos in the grand final with a score of 3-1. Wings Gaming claimed the $9,139,002 grand prize from the $20,770,460 prize pool.
TI7 Winner: Team Liquid
TI7 expanded the number of teams to 18 and saw European team Team Liquid sweep Newbee in the grand final with a score of 3-0. Team Liquid claimed the $10,862,683 grand prize from the $24,787,916 prize pool.
TI8 Winner: OG
TI8 introduced a point-based system within the DPC, determining the teams that qualified for the tournament. OG, a European team, emerged as the champions after a thrilling grand final against PSG.LGD, winning with a score of 3-2. OG claimed the $11,234,158 grand prize from the $25,532,177 prize pool.
TI9 Winner: OG
TI9 made history as OG became the first-ever back-to-back champions. They defeated Team Liquid in the grand final with a score of 3-1. OG claimed the $15,620,181 grand prize from the massive $34,330,068 prize pool.
TI10 Winner: Team Spirit
After a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TI10 returned in 2021 with Team Spirit emerging as the champions. They defeated PSG.LGD in a thrilling grand final with a score of 3-2. Team Spirit claimed the lion’s share of the record-breaking $40 million prize pool, taking home $18,208,300.
TI11 Winner: Tundra Esports
TI11 witnessed Tundra Esports’ remarkable performance, finishing at the top of their group and securing a 9-1 record in the playoffs. They swept Team Secret in the grand final with a score of 3-0, becoming the champions and claiming at least $8,489,501 from the $18,865,615 prize pool.
TI12 Winner: Team Spirit
At TI12, Team Spirit achieved an incredible feat by claiming their second Aegis of Champions, joining the ranks of OG Esports. They dominated the grand final against Gaimin Gladiators, winning with a score of 3-0. Team Spirit’s winnings amounted to $1,413,194, the lowest prize since TI3.
The International is the ultimate battleground for Dota 2 teams, where dreams are realized and legends are born. Each year, the tournament raises the bar for esports, captivating fans worldwide. The journey to TI is a testament to the dedication and skill of the players, and the ever-growing prize pool reflects the passion and support of the Dota 2 community.
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Source: ONEESPORTS
