The prize pool for The Intentional 6, the biggest Dota 2 competition of the year, has already exceeded $5 million, despite fans only being able to contribute for less than 48 hours.
The International Battle Pass launched late on Monday and, at the time of writing around 45 hours later, the total prize pool for the competition sits at $5,218,257. 25% of every Battle Pass purchase is added to the prize pool, with it being available at two different price points; £7.19 for the standard pass and £18.99 for the level 50 pass. Players can also buy levels for their pass, with five levels costing £1.79, 11 levels costing £3.55 and 24 levels costing £7.19, with these purchases also contributing to the prize pool.
By hitting the $5 million mark in such a short time many are predicting that this year the prize pool will again break records, and possibly hit the $20 million mark. Currently the prize pool is around $700,000 higher than where it was last year at the same stage.
Of course buying the compendium does more than adding to the prize pool and putting some money in Valve’s pocket. Anyone who purchases will grab some in game items, such as new immortals and a Crystal Maiden announcer pack, along with new challenges to try out. For the first time Dota players will also be able to compete in weekend tournaments, with every compendium owner getting one entry and anyone who reaches level 137 will receive five more.