Loda Expresses Concerns Over TI 2023 Prize Pool, Bashes Compendium

Jonathan "Loda" Berg, a celebrated Dota 2 champion with Alliance at The International 2013, recently voiced his concerns regarding the substantial decrease in The International's (TI) prize pool for this year's tournament compared to previous years. In a thought-provoking Twitter post, Loda highlighted the evolving landscape of TI and the Compendium, igniting a spirited discussion within the Dota 2 community.

At the time of writing, the TI 2023 total prize pool stands at $2.72 Million USD, which is a 70.52% from the base prize pool of $1.6 Million USD. This disappointing figure has been the talk of the town, with Dota 2 personalities like Janne "Gorgc" Stefanovsk calling even the $5 Million USD mark as "overly optimistic."

Loda Chimes In on the TI 2023 Prize Pool & Dota 2 Compendium

With his unique perspective as both a TI victor and an avid supporter of the Dota 2 scene, Loda's message struck a chord in the community. Loda wrote on Twitter, "As a person who won TI when the prize pool was far lower than its been in the past few years, I really don't think we need a $30 million prize pool, but it's a serious problem if TI is not the biggest tournament of the year." This statement underscores his belief in the enduring significance of TI as the marquee Dota 2 event.

While acknowledging the value of the Compendium's role in bolstering the prize pool, Loda added a personal dimension to the discourse: "My team is not even at TI. I don't want everything to be team or player-branded. Might sound selfish but I'd rather have a cool skin than player cards. My own experience using the Compendium has been just as important as knowing that I'm supporting the prize pool."

He went on to emphasize how TI is as much about the fans of Dota 2 as the players fighting for the Aegis and the prize pool. He added, "And this time I can't help but feel that something is missing."

Loda's candid remarks highlighted the need for a delicate balance between backing teams and players and safeguarding the essence of TI as a celebration of Dota 2, uniting fans globally. In the wake of his comments, the Dota 2 community engaged in an enlightening dialogue about the future direction of TI and the Compendium, and how they should resonate with the core spirit of the game.

Peter "ppd" Dager, a respected figure within the Dota 2 community, raised a question: "Time to rebuild teams with fans at the center instead of the players?"

Loda, responded affirmatively, stating, "Yes, fans first." This succinct yet impactful affirmation reinforced the sentiment that, amid the evolving esports ecosystem, prioritizing the fans' experience and connection to the game remains paramount.