The Dota 2 International (TI) is the most prestigious tournament in esports, featuring the largest prize pool in competitive gaming history. Since its inception in 2011, The International has captivated millions of fans and bettors worldwide, creating one of the most lucrative opportunities for esports betting, crypto wagering, and high-stakes gambling. With each year setting new records for prize money, TI has become a battleground where elite teams fight for millions while bettors analyze odds, team form, and in-game strategies to maximize profits.
Why The International Is a Prime Betting Event
Few esports events attract the same level of betting action as The International. With dramatic upsets, unpredictable meta shifts, and high-stakes matchups, this tournament provides a thrilling betting experience. Whether wagering on match winners, total kills, or live in-game bets, bettors have endless options to explore.
Key Reasons to Bet on Dota 2: The International
- Massive Prize Pool – The multi-million-dollar pot creates intense competition, ensuring that teams give everything they have.
- Unpredictable Meta – Frequent game updates make TI a challenge to predict, creating great value in underdog bets.
- Diverse Betting Markets – From moneyline bets to total objectives and first-blood wagers, the variety ensures something for every bettor.
- Crypto Betting Integration – Many platforms now allow Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoin wagering, making it easier to bet securely and anonymously.
Dota 2: The International Prize Pool – A Record-Breaking Phenomenon
The most remarkable feature of The International is its ever-growing prize pool, which dwarfs most traditional sports events. Unlike other tournaments, TI’s prize money is community-funded through Battle Pass sales, allowing Dota 2 fans to directly contribute to the pot.
Historical Prize Pools (Selected Years)
| Year | Prize Pool | Winning Team | Runner-Up |
| 2013 | $2.87M | Alliance | Na’Vi |
| 2015 | $18.42M | Evil Geniuses | CDEC Gaming |
| 2018 | $25.53M | OG | PSG.LGD |
| 2021 | $40.02M | Team Spirit | PSG.LGD |
Each year, the prize pool soars higher, making The International not just a spectacle but a life-changing event for teams and players.
Best Betting Markets for The International
Understanding Dota 2 betting markets is essential for making informed wagers. With such high stakes, professional teams often adopt unique strategies, creating opportunities for bettors to capitalize on unexpected outcomes.
Outright Winner Betting – Predicting the Champions
Betting on the overall tournament winner is a high-risk, high-reward market.
- Favorites: Historically dominant regions like China (LPL) and Europe (WEU) often produce the strongest teams.
- Dark Horses: Teams from Eastern Europe or South America have started to upset traditional powerhouses, offering excellent betting odds.
- Defending Champions: The previous year’s winner often struggles as new patches and meta shifts force them to adapt.
First Blood Betting – Quick Profits on Aggressive Teams
First Blood bets are perfect for those who want quick returns. Teams with aggressive laning styles tend to secure first kills early in the match.
Best Teams for First Blood: Squads with dominant early-game roamers, such as PSG.LGD, Team Liquid, and Gaimin Gladiators have historically performed well in this category.
Total Kills & Handicap Betting – Finding Value in Underdogs
Handicap betting is a great way to profit from mismatched games.
If a favorite like Tundra Esports (-1.5) faces OG, betting on them means they must win 2-0 for your bet to succeed.
If an underdog like BetBoom Team (+1.5) plays against Team Secret, they just need to win one map for your bet to pay out.
Total kill betting is another exciting market, with teams that favor team fight-heavy compositions likely to push the kill count higher.
Chinese Powerhouses – PSG.LGD & Xtreme Gaming
Known for their strategic discipline and flawless execution, Chinese teams are always a safe bet for deep tournament runs.
Western Europe’s Giants – Team Liquid & Gaimin Gladiators
The WEU region has been one of the strongest in recent years, with innovative drafting and mechanical excellence.
Eastern European Underdogs – Team Spirit & BetBoom Team
After Team Spirit’s shocking TI10 win, Eastern European squads have proven they can compete with the best.
North America’s Hope – Shopify Rebellion & TSM
Historically weaker at TI, North American teams remain long-shot bets, but recent roster improvements could turn the tide.
The Best Time to Bet on Dota 2 The International
With its unmatched prize pool, intense competition, and deep betting markets, Dota 2 The International is the biggest event in esports for both players and gamblers. Whether you’re betting on match winners, total kills, or first-blood markets, understanding team playstyles, tournament trends, and crypto betting platforms will give you the edge. Will we see another record-breaking prize pool and a new champion, or will past legends reclaim their glory? The stakes have never been higher.
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