Cover-Credits:
A Valve announcement earlier today stated that The International 10 (TI10) will not take place with a live audience and that all ticket sales will be refunded. While ticket holders would be dismayed by this decision, Valve communicated that it is necessary to ensure the safety of all players, talent, and production staff participating at TI10 during this challenging time in Bucharest, Romania. This host country of TI10 has recently observed an exponential rise in cases of the virus with multiple members of the Chinese contingent also testing positive for it in the last week. Valve confirmed, however, that TI10 will start as scheduled on 7th Oct 2021.
TI10 will be played without a live crowd as tickets get canceled four days ahead of TI10
Valve stated in its blog that it had made the decision after observing the recent surge in cases in Romania as well as learning about the new local restrictions in Bucharest.
“We wanted nothing more than to welcome fans live to the event, but we can no longer do so in a way that allows us to prioritize the health and well-being of both audience members and participants,” the company noted in announcing that refunds would be issued automatically.
For those who are unaware, tickets were sold for the Main Event of TI10 which begins on 12th October. They were available in three packages:
Midweek 1 (12th and 13th Oct): 249 Lei (~$59 USD)
Midweek 2: (14th and 15th Oct) 249 Lei (~$59 USD)
Finals: (16th and 17th Oct) 999 Lei (~$237 USD)
In addition to ticket holders, fans around the world who were hoping to see an engaging series of events at TI10 through online channels will be disappointed by this outcome. The crowd has always been the cherry on top of any sporting event, let alone Dota 2. Also, this will be the first time that Dota 2’s greatest tournament, TI will take place without an in-person audience. Both Majors of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2021 were also held behind closed doors.
In this blog, Valve did not provide any comments about Team Aster or Invictus Gaming, the only two teams that have cases confirmed.
TI10 begins with the group stage on 7th Oct. After the group stage concludes on 10th Oct, the playoff brackets will be set, and the teams that make it to the Main Event will have the next day off. The Main Event will then be held on 12th Oct from 17th Oct at the Arena Nationala Stadium.
