In this week’s esports tournament news: The International 2025 is underway with its massive prize pool, and the final two teams are set to face off in a grand final. The International is a Dota 2 competition with 16 teams competing for a chunk of the $2.6 million prize pool. The tournament is funded by the game’s battle pass, and it’s one of the most prestigious esports events around.
The International 2025 has seen some upsets already, with Aurora Gaming and Gaimin Gladiators both having their keys crushed. But there is still a chance for those teams to win a third-place playoff against Tundra Esports or PARIVISION, respectively.
Esports tournaments provide opportunities for gamers to connect with others who share a love for the same games. The tournament format also makes it difficult for esport athletes to work full-time, so sponsors and advertisers help subsidize their lifestyles. The popularity of esports has pushed professional sports leagues to integrate the games into their portfolios.
The National Basketball Association has a 25-team league affiliated with its franchises, and it recently announced that it will begin broadcasting gamified alt-casts of the knockout rounds next week. Esports tournaments can be a great way to attract new viewers to traditional sporting events, as the leagues can offer more in-depth coverage and commentary.