The Dota 2 esports scene experienced significant changes in 2024 as Valve officially retired the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) format. For the second consecutive year, The International (TI) failed to crack the top 10 tournaments by peak viewership, yet Dota 2 remained unmatched in total prize money, solidifying its position as a leading esport. Let’s delve into the key highlights and standout tournaments of the 2024 Dota 2 season.
Valve’s New Approach: Goodbye DPC, Hello Third-Party Tournaments
In 2024, Valve reverted to an older qualification model for The International, where teams earned invitations by competing in third-party tournaments. This shift eliminated the need for lengthy DPC leagues and allowed fresh tournament organizers like PGL, FISSURE, and BLAST to host new series.
This change reinvigorated the competitive calendar. In 2023, only six Dota 2 tournaments featured prize pools exceeding $1,000,000. That number more than doubled to 13 in 2024, with projections for 15 or more events in 2025. This steady growth highlights the health and vibrancy of the Dota 2 esports ecosystem.
Team Falcons: Dominating 2024
One team that defined 2024 was Team Falcons, which secured seven titles and earned over $3,370,000 in prize money—the highest earnings for any Dota 2 team this year. Their consistent performance has firmly established them as one of the top contenders in the game.
The International 2024: The Crown Jewel of Dota 2
Despite its declining average viewership, The International 2024 remained the most significant event in Dota 2 esports. The tournament led in total Hours Watched, amassing over 55,000,000—though this was 15.6% less than the previous year.
Peak viewership for TI2024 reached 1,523,957 during the final match between Team Liquid and Gaimin Gladiators, making it the highest Dota 2 viewership record in two years. Although the prize pool was the lowest since 2013, The International retained its iconic status as the pinnacle of Dota 2 esports.
Riyadh Masters 2024: The Prize Pool King
For the second year running, Riyadh Masters 2024 surpassed The International in prize money. While its total Hours Watched slightly trailed last year’s event, it still offered electrifying matches, with Gaimin Gladiators claiming their sole title of the season.
DreamLeague: A Fan Favorite
The DreamLeague series continued its tradition of thrilling competition, with ESL hosting three seasons in 2024 and offering a cumulative $3,000,000 in prize pools. DreamLeague Season 22 stood out, delivering the highest viewership among online tournaments as Team Falcons emerged victorious.
BetBoom Dacha: A Rising Star
The BetBoom Dacha tournament series evolved significantly in 2024. Following its debut in Armenia, FISSURE hosted $1,000,000 events in Dubai and Belgrade, each attracting over 350,000 Peak Viewers. These tournaments outperformed events like ESL One Bangkok and DreamLeague, carving out a strong presence in the competitive calendar.
PGL Wallachia: A New Eastern European Powerhouse
Another standout was the PGL Wallachia series. The first season saw an impressive 486,560 Peak Viewers during its grand final between Team Spirit and Xtreme Gaming, making it the second most-watched tournament of the year after The International. PGL has already announced plans for three new Wallachia events in Romania for 2025, cementing its potential as a premier regional series.
Elite League: A Unique Addition
The Elite League debuted in 2024 with an online format, quickly becoming one of the top 5 most-watched tournaments, thanks to its Russian-language broadcasts by FISSURE. However, the series saw a decline in viewership during its second season, held offline in Peru.
Key Takeaways from the 2024 Dota 2 Esports Season
Dota 2’s esports scene is undergoing an exciting transformation. With more tournaments offering million-dollar prize pools and new organizers stepping up to fill the calendar, the competitive landscape has never been more dynamic. Events like The International, Riyadh Masters, DreamLeague, and emerging series like PGL Wallachia and BetBoom Dacha are setting the stage for an even more thrilling 2025 season
Don’t forget to keep an eye on esports-news.info in 2025 because we will show you all of the epic Dota 2 tournaments you need to be aware of.
