Croatian gamers, listen up! The world’s top Dota 2 teams will gather in Split for the $300,000 tournament AMD Sapphire Dota Pit.
“This is just a confirmation of our good work, effort, and commitment. Valve believes in us and with this tournament, we want to fully justify that trust,” said Ivan Marušić, founder of the company “One Game Agency”, the tournament organizer, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on December 29, 2018.
Valve has once again confirmed the competition in Split as one of the licensed Minor tournaments where international teams will collect points for going to The International (the finals of the World Championship). The participating teams will be revealed later, due to changes in the competition system. First, qualifications should be held, but if judged by past experience, enthusiasts of Dota 2, as well as other gamers, will participate.
“We are planning a whole series of activities. The tournament will be the central part, but we will not stop there. Our goal is to bring everyone closer to gaming culture, to show what is offered and to finally get rid of the stigma that online gaming is just lost time in front of the computer. The world has thought in that direction for a long time and Croatia is moving slightly, but a tournament like this will not only enrich the Croatian gaming scene but also show what Split is capable of doing,” Marušić said.
The upcoming tournament will be the longest so far and will last from 22 to 28 April at the Spaladium Arena.
Recall, the last tournament took place in the more intimate setting of the Le Meridien Lav hotel in Podstrana, though Marušić believes that not only Split but also the audience from around the region, will show the multitude of gamers, which is always increasing.
Apart from Split, so far the only Dota Minor tournaments are known in Stockholm and Bucharest, and early recognition means that all gamers from around the world are eager to buy tickets and book accommodation.
“The tickets will be favorable, and we will have more details about the tournament as it gets closer. But I guarantee that all those wishing to come to the Spaladium Arena will be able to enjoy the games and also the accompanying content. And those coming from the region or other countries will have a lot to see. Also, 50 million people tracked the tournament over the internet last time, so there is no reason that wouldn’t happen again this year. The City of Split will thus host a multi-millionaire auditorium, which is great not only for promotion but also opens doors to numerous business cooperations,” said Marušić.
What is common to e-sports fans – no matter what game is being played – and what entrepreneurial people are beginning to understand more and more, is their passion. The passion for Dota, Counter, PES… And that they are ready to do all they can to satisfy that passion. They are willing to pay to watch their favorite players, they are even willing to go to individual tournaments to see their favorite e-athletes live, and also socialize with all those who share this same great passion. In short, they do not differ from other fans – whether it’s football or other sports.
One collects equipment used by their favorite gamers, and the other – jerseys. They both collect signatures, they know all about their favorite teams, players and games, and each and everyone shares a huge passion for cheering.
Although e-sport tourism is in the background and standards are still being sorted, it is not a reason to exclude it entirely from the city, owners of halls, hotels, and other tourist facilities. On the contrary, as it is still in the background, there is an opportunity for pioneers to set the standards and reap the benefits. All they need is vision and courage.
Great cities already have their tourist genealogy, but cities such as Jönköping in Sweden, Katowice in Poland and Odense in Denmark have been using global e-sports events like this in Split to enrich their tourism offer and use it to further brand and orient themselves towards a younger but still worthy potential audience.
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