Unveiling the Enthralling Riyadh Masters 2023: A Dota 2 Tournament of Unprecedented Scale
Bogdan LashchenkoThe Riyadh Masters 2023 is gearing up to be an extraordinary event for Dota 2 enthusiasts, surpassing its predecessor with a staggering prize pool of $15 million. As the second-largest tournament of the year, excluding The International, this highly anticipated competition is poised to captivate fans worldwide.
Commencing on July 17 in Saudi Arabia's capital city, the tournament spans approximately two weeks, culminating in a grand finale on July 30. Twenty elite teams from around the globe will showcase their skills, promising a spectacular display of Dota 2 prowess. Let's delve deeper into the tournament's format and highlight some noteworthy contenders.
Format and General Information
Distinguishing itself as the non-DPC tournament with the largest prize pool in Dota 2 history, Riyadh Masters 2023 features 20 competing teams. Among them, eight squads secure direct invitations based on their exceptional performances in DreamLeague Season 19 and 20. Additionally, the five highest-ranked teams from the two DreamLeague tournaments, along with the winner of DreamLeague Season 19, secure their place in this prestigious event.
The remaining 11 teams will be determined through the ETP ranking system, ensuring a fair and competitive lineup. Lastly, one participant will emerge victorious from the MENA qualifier, triumphing over fierce competition, notably Quest Esports.
The tournament comprises a Play-In stage and a Group Stage. The Play-In stage is divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Group Stage. The remaining teams will compete for the remaining slots in this pivotal phase.
The Group Stage features two groups, each consisting of eight teams. Employing a Bo2 single round-robin format, these teams will vie for the top four spots, granting them entry into the Upper Bracket of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the 5th and 6th-placed teams will enter the Lower Bracket, while the rest bid farewell to the tournament.
The playoffs boast a double-elimination bracket, ensuring intense clashes between the remaining contenders. All matches, except for the Grand Final, will follow a Bo3 format, with the Grand Final pushing the limits to a Bo5 spectacle.
Prize Pool Distribution
With an eye-popping prize pool of $15 million, the Riyadh Masters 2023 sets new heights for Dota 2 tournaments. Here is the breakdown of the prize pool distribution:
- 1st Place: $5,000,000
- 2nd Place: $2,500,000
- 3rd Place: $1,700,000
- 4th Place: $1,200,000
Riyadh Masters 2023 - Favorites
Considering the enormous stakes involved, it comes as no surprise that the tournament will draw the crème de la crème of Dota 2 teams. While numerous formidable contenders emerge, a few stand out as potential favorites.
Gaimin Gladiators leads the pack, having established their dominance throughout 2023. Emerging victorious in four major international events, including two Majors and DreamLeague Seasons 19 and 20, Quinn's squad undoubtedly commands respect and enters the tournament as the front-runner.
Quest Esports, a rising force in the Dota 2 scene, has proven their mettle with dominant performances in Tour 3 of the WEU DPC and an impressive showing at the Bali Major 2023. Eager to secure their first major international title, Quest Esports presents a formidable challenge for their rivals. However, their lack of experience in LAN tournaments, with the Bali Major 2023 being their debut, may pose a potential hurdle.
Tundra Esports, the reigning TI champions, are no strangers to the pressures of high-stakes tournaments. While they haven't secured any victories in 2023, their consistent performances and historical success make them a formidable opponent. Remember, they defied expectations in 2022 and ultimately claimed the prestigious Aegis.
PSG.LGD, representing the competitive prowess of China, boasts the firepower and skill necessary to contend for the crown. Though facing tough opposition from Western European teams, PSG.LGD's well-balanced roster and recent accomplishments position them as a team capable of exceeding expectations and seizing victory.
Conclusion
Prepare to be enthralled by the extraordinary spectacle that is the Riyadh Masters 2023. Showcasing the finest Dota 2 talent on the planet, this tournament promises exhilarating gameplay and fierce competition. Stay tuned and follow the official streams to witness the electrifying action unfold. For the latest updates on Dota 2 and other popular esports, keep a close eye on BLIX.
Bogdan Lashchenko – content manager at EgamersWorld.Bogdan has been working at EGamersWorld since 2023. Joining the company, he began fillin the site with information, news and events.