Most established Dota 2 event organizers are favoring well-known teams, leaving lower-tier teams to scramble through online qualifiers for very few spots at events. Without financial incentives, competing in Dota 2 for up and coming teams is becoming impossible.

The slow plight of medium scale organizers including Beyond the Summit and WePlay, leaves us with very few actual Dota 2 event hosts. We wondered where Valve would take Dota 2 without the DPC System, and thus far we have no answers to give.

Credit: Valve

Peter “ppd” Dager was among many influential figures to highlight the trouble the Dota 2 amateur scene is going through.

Steady decline of tier 2 Dota 2 across the board

Ppd points out that the absence of the DPC has left a void in the competitive structure for Tier 2 teams. This lack of a clear competitive pathway is creating a sense of hopelessness and frustration among players and teams. Ppd’s own experience with his team, Yangzhiganlu, who recently competed in the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 qualifiers, exemplifies the struggles faced by such teams. They are left questioning their future in the scene, with Ppd describing the Tier 2 scene as “effectively extinct.”

He also criticizes the apparent complacency among stakeholders in the Dota 2 community, with a disproportionate focus on top-tier powerhouses, leaving the Tier 2 scene struggling to survive.

Tier 2 and below shouldn’t be sustained through viewership and sponsorships because you’re right, no one watches them.

I think those leagues should be pay to play. Players can find sponsorships/grants or sustain through other revenue streams.

— Peterpandam ⌐◨-◨ (@Peterpandam) November 28, 2023

Challenges in Qualifying for Events

The Twitter post on November 28, highlight the significant challenges and uncertainties these teams are facing.

The current state of Dota esports is disheartening, and the path forward seems unclear.

After losing in the ESL KL qualifiers, my team is left questioning what comes next? The T2 scene is effectively extinct, and now we’re left with the results of our lack of concern and effort.…

— Peterpandam ⌐◨-◨ (@Peterpandam) November 28, 2023

We should also emphasize the difficulties faced by tier-2 teams in qualifying for events. There is currently very few organizers scheduling any events for early 2024 that would accommodate the lower tired teams. We need more events that are meant for Tier 2 teams can be a path forward, yet nobody would really follow them unless there is some incentive.

Declining fanbase and industry concerns

Ppd also touches on broader issues affecting the Dota 2 scene, such as a declining fanbase and the challenges in attracting new players. He notes the increasing dominance of betting sites in fan engagement, which could threaten the integrity and health of the Esports industry.

Finally, players are urging to call on Valve to consider the long-term health and sustainability of Dota 2 Esports. Some even suggest that Valve should establish a system for recording and ranking third-party tournament events. Such a system could help maintain the viability of the Dota 2 Esports scene and provide clarity on qualifications for major events like The International 2024 (TI13).

Ppd’s critique and the community’s rants reflect a deep concern for the future of Dota 2 Esports and a call for meaningful reform to support the Tier 2 scene. But for now, be sure to support the blooming tier-2 tournaments, such as the Kobolds Rave, featuring Southeast Asian and Chinese teams.