The phenomenon of e-sports continues to grow. According to Statista, in 2012, a mere 58 million people worldwide enjoyed watching professional teams demonstrate their game playing skills. A decade later and e-sports now attracts more than 400 million spectators. By 2024, e-sports might have reached its predicted target of 800 million. What fans find so appealing is the complexity of e-sports. Intense rivalry, betting strategies, and league championships and tournaments with unbelievable cash prizes, have all ensured e-sports' fans remain totally loyal. One of the most admired games is Dota 2, but how much has it contributed to the success of e-sports?

Dota 2 was released to universal critical acclaim in 2013. The multi-player battleground developed by Valve, has been attracting new fans and players ever since. In spite of opposition from established games such as League of Legends and the much newer Fortnite, Dota 2 continues to expand its power base. By the end of 2021, Dota 2 was attracting a monthly average of 7.6 million players.

Dota 2's enduring legacy is built upon the success of its well-established predecessor, Dota, alias Defense of the Ancients. Dota was released in 2003, six years ahead of its nearest rival, League of Legends. Whether you play Dota or Dota 2, there are similar elements such as two teams collecting gold while battling hard to destroy the symbolic artefacts of the opposing team. The majority of Dota 2 fans claim it's a masterpiece of gaming perfection with hidden depths and layers of strategic possibilities in every game. New characters such as Pangolier, Primal Beast and Dark Willow are regularly introduced to keep the format fresh and exciting. There are also different modes and themes such as Halloween and the Underhollow, the ultimate in Battle Royale game play.

You can play a meaningful game of Dota 2 completely for free. Many rival games offer less complex free versions, which usually lack features that generally enhance the format. Dota 2 still manages to build revenue for online casinos. In 2017, it raised 406 million dollars, twice the amount it generated just two years earlier. Betting options are ultra fine, with bettors able to place wagers on a multitude of gaming actions. The prize money for the International Tournament began with an amazing one million dollars in 2011 and it has now reached more than 40 million dollars.

Dota 2 has contributed a great deal to the increase in popularity of e-sports. It offers rewarding online game play for no entry fee and the excitement of supporting teams in tournaments competing for massive cash prizes. For almost two decades, Dota and Dota 2 have been providing intricate game play. They have helped make e-sports particularly compelling for players and spectators alike.