In the dynamic landscape of Dota 2 esports, organizers are seizing the opportunity to host events following Valve’s retreat in 2024. While ESL took the initial lead, PGL has now announced its entry into the fray with a remarkable proposition: eight tournaments boasting $1 million prize pools each.
A New Era for Dota 2 Esports
PGL’s inaugural event, “PGL Wallachia,” is set to kick off on May 10, marking the beginning of a significant commitment to the Dota 2 scene until 2026. The tournament will unfold on PGL’s home turf in Bucharest, Romania.
📢 PGL Announces a Minimum of Eight $1 Million Tournaments from 2024 to 2026. Our first event will occur between May 10 and 19, 2024
📰Read all the details here: https://t.co/KRyBHjjYL0#PGL #DOTA2 pic.twitter.com/tRTfP251NX
— PGL (@pglesports) March 4, 2024
Qualifier Details
- Open qualifiers: March 21
- Closed qualifiers: March 25
PGL’s Storied Legacy in Dota 2
PGL has long been a prominent figure in the Dota 2 esports landscape, particularly notable for its activity in the late 2010s when it hosted six majors. Despite a hiatus after 2018, during which it organized the Singapore and Arlington Majors in 2021 and 2022 respectively, PGL has returned with a vengeance.
PGL Wallachia drops May 10.
Wallachia, a precursor state to modern Romania was the home of Vlad the Impaler, the man who spawned the Dracula myth. #Dota2 #PGL pic.twitter.com/IIPW82Dcnl
— Michael Hassall (@hoffasaurusx) March 4, 2024
The Grand Comeback
Dota 2 enthusiasts were taken aback by PGL’s absence in 2024, especially considering its involvement in hosting DPC leagues that Valve discontinued after TI12. However, it appears that PGL was orchestrating a comeback behind the scenes, unveiling an intricate plan to revitalize the competitive scene.
Future Tournaments
The second PGL tournament is slated for November 2024, followed by additional events in 2025 and 2026. These years will see two tournaments each in March and April, with another event in November, ensuring a bustling calendar with three PGL events annually.
Community Controversy and PGL’s Response
Prior to its competitive resurgence, PGL found itself embroiled in controversy as it sought to combat Dota 2 players’ favored content creators who shared tournament replays via Valve’s Dota TV feature. Following significant community backlash, PGL retracted its actions, possibly indicating a strategic maneuver to lay the groundwork for its future endeavors.