Dota 2 traces its roots to Defense of the Ancients, a Warcraft III custom map created by modders including IceFrog. Valve hired IceFrog in 2009, leading to Dota 2's development and eventual release.
The International Era
TI1 (2011) shocked the esports world with a $1.6 million prize pool—unprecedented at the time. Natus Vincere claimed the inaugural championship, establishing Dota 2 as a premier esport before the game even left beta.
The Compendium Revolution (2013+) introduced crowdfunded prize pools. TI4 reached $10.9 million, TI5 hit $18.4 million, and TI10 peaked at an astronomical $40 million—the largest esports prize pool ever.
Regional Leagues (2020+) restructured the scene with the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), featuring regional leagues leading to Majors and ultimately TI qualification through points.
Legendary Moments
OG's back-to-back TI wins (TI8, TI9), Alliance's "million dollar dream coil" at TI3, and Team Spirit's Cinderella run at TI10 represent some of esports' most iconic moments. The "Echo Slamma Jamma" and Fountain Hook remain etched in gaming history.