TI10 prize pool hits $36 million, pads record for largest esports prize pool ever

The International 10 continues to add to its prize pool, and it’s hard to imagine any other esports event matching its incredible sum.

The TI10 prize pool has officially surpassed the $36 million mark, piling more money onto the record-breaking amount. This follows the launch of Windranger’s Compass of the Rising Gale arcana skin, the fifth and final premium skin exclusive to players with highly leveled TI10 Battle Passes. 

The International has long been the largest esports event in the world in terms of prize pool, with the single event eclipsing the annual prize pools of most esports. 

The only event to date that has come close to challenging this sum is 2019’s Fortnite World Cup. The massive event drew a massive crowd and ranks among the most-watched events in esports history, driven in large part by a $30 million prize pool for the tournament. That record only lasted a few weeks as The International 2019 beat it, eventually reaching $34,330,068.

This accomplishment comes despite widespread fan anger at Dota 2 publisher Valve and its poor handling of the Dota 2 pro scene.

The TI10 Battle Pass is entering its final stretch and while it previously looked like it was set to approach $40 million, it doesn’t seem as though the prize pool will clear this mark. 

Unless Valve has another surprise up its sleeve, the cancellation of the 2020 Trove Carafe means the last remaining major addition to the TI10 Battle is the Immortal Treasure 3. It is unclear when that content will drop, but Valve previously indicated that the TI10 Battle Pass end date is September 19.

It is possible this end date will be pushed out further as Valve seeks to compensate fans for various stumbles that have happened throughout the last few weeks.