Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena, or MOBA, where two teams of five players face off. The map is always the same, and the goal is simple: destroy the enemy's base. Specifically, you need to demolish a massive structure at the heart of their territory called the "Ancient."

Of course, it's not that easy. The other team is trying to do the exact same thing to you. You must work together with your teammates to defend your own Ancient while pushing forward to destroy your opponent's.

Dota 2 didn't just appear out of nowhere. Its roots go back to a custom map, or "mod," for the 2002 video game Warcraft III. That mod, called Defense of the Ancients (DotA), became wildly popular, creating a new genre of game.

Seeing its potential, the game development company Valve hired the mod's lead developer and created a standalone sequel. After years of development, Dota 2 was officially released in 2013, bringing the complex gameplay of the original mod to a global audience with updated graphics and features.

Beyond being a popular game, Dota 2 is a pillar of the esports world. Each year, Valve hosts The International, the game's premier world championship tournament. This event is famous for its staggering prize pools, often setting records in the history of competitive gaming.

The International brings together the best teams from around the globe to compete for the title of world champion. It's the culmination of a year-long competitive season and a major spectacle in the esports calendar, watched by millions of fans worldwide.

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