Esports production company ESB and the Qatar Esports Federation have joined forces, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to introduce a Dota 2 league. Commencing in 2024, the league will comprise three events, boasting a total prize pool of $2.6 million (~£2.06 million).
In addition to the prize pool, ESB and the Qatar Esports Federation have designated marketing agency SPORTFIVE as the league’s media rights partner, and Qatari esports organization Quest Esports as its MENA regional partner.
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The initial event of the three is scheduled for April 3rd in Doha, Qatar, featuring 10 competing teams. Subsequent editions will occur in July (Lima, Peru) and November (Doha, Qatar). Alongside these main events, the collaborative effort will establish an open circuit and tournaments for amateur players to participate in.
As outlined in a press release, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining these premier events aligns with a three-year vision.
Beside organizing two out of the three events in the Qatari capital, ESB plans to establish its new international operations in the city. The company also has ambitions to venture into additional esports titles in the coming years, although specific details about these titles have not been disclosed.
The league’s creation comes in the wake of Valve’s decision to discontinue the Dota Pro Circuit, the top tier of Dota 2 esports. In September 2023, the developer cited negative impacts on the ecosystem as the reason for discontinuation. Consequently, ESB and the Qatar Esports Federation, following the footsteps of ESL FACEIT Group, are now managing their circuit – the Dota 2 ESL Pro Tour.
Gonzalo Velasco, CEO of ESB, expressed his thoughts on the league’s establishment, stating, “There is a big space in the Dota 2 and esports scene for innovation and doing great things for the community, not only at the top level of competitive esports but also at a regional and amateur level. The Qatar experience of hosting worldwide top sports events… places the country as an ideal candidate for setting up our global hub.”
The involvement of government-affiliated esports entities has raised concerns within some segments of the esports community. Presently, Qatari laws impose restrictions on LGBTQ+, women’s rights, and freedom of expression.
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