Team Spirit Wins Dota 2’s The International, Claiming $18 Million Prize
Dota 2’s The International tournament wrapped up on Sunday, with Team Spirit winning the event and claiming its share of the $40 million prize pool–the biggest ever in esports history. Team Spirit’s first-place prize was $18.2 million
The International took place at the National Arena in Bucharest, Romania. Valve had planned to allow fans, but it was ultimately unable to due to COVID concerns.
WE ARE THE INTERNATIONAL 10 CHAMPIONS 🐉
It was an amazing adventure. We thank all the fans for your support! We wouldn’t be there without you. See you next season!#SPIRITIX pic.twitter.com/JWB5buXfEW— Team Spirit @TIX (@Team__Spirit) October 17, 2021
The massive prize pool for The International was funded by Valve along with a community effort through sales of the Compendium and Battlepass. Team Spirit, based in Moscow, is the first eastern European team to win The International since Natus Vincere won the inaugural The International in 2011, according to GamesBeat.