The article recounts a personal journey to Copenhagen to explore SteelSeries’ latest gaming products and attend The International 2024, a premier Dota 2 tournament. The author describes the vibrant atmosphere of the Royal Arena, highlighting the excitement among fans as top teams compete for a significant prize pool, historically the largest in eSports. The event not only showcases gaming talent but also emphasizes the growing reverence for professional players, culminating in Team Liquid’s victory.
Copenhagen: A Temporary eSports Hub
I never thought my love for video games would take me to the Danish capital. It all began with an invitation from SteelSeries, a brand I greatly admire for its gaming gear. The aim? To explore their latest offerings and, as a bonus, attend The International 2024. This is a dream come true for any Dota 2 enthusiast.
The International 2024
Upon my arrival in Copenhagen, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant tournament vibe juxtaposed with the serene canals of the city. This unique blend sparked my eagerness to visit the Royal Arena, beautifully adorned with Dota 2 themes and the newly introduced hero: Ringmaster. After a fascinating meeting with the SteelSeries team and a glimpse of their new products (which you’ll soon see featured on JVTech), the moment to immerse myself in The International had finally arrived.
A Day Devoted to Dota 2
For those who might not be familiar, The International is a premier eSport tournament centered around Valve’s popular game: Dota 2. Much like League of Legends, Dota 2 is a MOBA that pits two teams of five players against each other. Each team’s objective is to destroy the opposing team’s base while gathering resources. This creates a complex and challenging gaming experience, where every match—even those lasting over an hour—becomes a battle of strategy and intellect.
Referring to this tournament as the biggest eSports event of the year is no exaggeration. Historically, it boasts the largest prize pools in competitive gaming. To put things into perspective, the top 7 spots in the list of the highest prize pools in history are held by The International. While this year’s prize pool may be slightly lower than past editions, we’re still looking at a staggering over $2.5 million.
the top 10 biggest prize pools in history
Now, back to my on-site experience. The energy inside the Royal Arena was phenomenal. Fans from all around the globe were cheering passionately for every kill. The arena buzzed with applauses and electricity from the interactive bracelets worn by attendees in response to each significant play. On the competition day I attended, there were four thrilling matches: BetBoom Team vs. Team Falcons, Aurora vs. Xtreme Gaming, Team Liquid vs. Cloud9, and finally Tundra Esports vs. Gaimin Gladiators.
Beyond its entertainment value, The International has made an indelible mark on the eSports landscape. As I mentioned earlier, the prize money on the line is astronomically high, reflecting the sector’s phenomenal growth. Professional gamers are now treated as celebrities, adored by millions worldwide. Notably, French player Sébastien “Ceb” Debs is celebrated as one of the greatest legends of the game, having triumphed at The International twice (2018 and 2019).
The International 2024 wrapped up on Sunday, September 15, with Team Liquid claiming victory over Gaimin Gladiators with a decisive score of 3-0.