The International, also known as TI, is one of the biggest esports tournaments in the world. Created in 2011 by the Dota 2 game developer Valve Corporation, TI has become famous for its massive prize pools that are crowdfunded through in-game purchases. This unique model has boosted the popularity of esports and showcased its potential as an industry.
eSports tournament news
In the last decade, gaming has evolved from a casual hobby to an organized professional sport with dedicated athletes and millions of fans worldwide. Competitive video gaming, or eSports, draws huge crowds to massive stadiums and millions more online across every timezone. With major media networks like ESPN and TBS broadcasting eSports events, NBA and NFL teams adding ownership stakes in eSports teams, and over 600 high schools implementing PlayVS eSports programs, it’s clear that eSports has grown into its own global entertainment powerhouse.
With its exploding popularity, it’s no surprise that eSports players are earning a fortune for their skills and performances on the virtual stage. While the list of top eSports players is constantly expanding and changing, some of the most famous gamers to date include Faker (League of Legends), Daigo Umehara (Street Fighter) and s1mple (Counter-Strike).