Dota 2 International Compendium out next week, three annual championships added

Valve has announced its adding three, yearly Dota 2 championships to its eSports roster along with the new that a new International Compendium will launch next week alongside a balance update for MOBA.

The firm said it was adding three extra championships to the schedule as it recognized there was "room for improvement" on a structural level.

"While the lack of roster stability and major focal points during the year had its advantages, it has eventually come at the cost of fan engagement and competitive stability for the players," reads a post on the Dota 2 blog.

"The Dota Major Championships, starting this fall, will be an annual series of four marquee tournaments, one being The International."

These additional tournaments will be hosted by third-party organizers around the globe and sponsored by Valve. Teams participating in the events are beholden to the limited roster trade periods during the year.

"As the first fall event approaches, more tournament details will be announced," said Valve.

Teams being invited to The International will also be announced soon. The International 2015 returns to KeyArena in Seattle, WA this summer August 3-8.

Tickets for the event went on sale March 27 in two batches, with the first lot selling out in six minutes, and phase two selling out within four minutes.

Last year’s tournament took place in July and was viewed online by over 20 million unique viewers.

Sales of the 2014 International Compendium resulted in a $10,923,980 prize pool, which is increased by $2.50 with each digital copy sold. Valve tossed $1.6 million into the pot to kick things off.