Dota 2 fans are showing up in large numbers to watch this year’s edition of The International, despite the disappointment over the tournament’s prize pool. The group stage of TI 2023 has managed to keep fans engaged, and the diverse mix of teams still in the event is a contributing factor.
While average viewership has slightly decreased compared to previous years, the group stage has seen significant peaks in viewership. The top match of this year’s group stage, Team Spirit vs. Shopify Rebellion, attracted over 60,000 more spectators than last year’s edition.
Team Spirit has emerged as a major drawcard, with their recent success propelling them to the forefront of TI. Other CIS-based squads like BetBoom and Virtus Pro have also contributed to the excitement.
One of the key factors influencing viewership is the location of TI 2023. Returning to Seattle, U.S. has resulted in a more favorable time zone for Russian, European, and American audiences. Last year’s event in Singapore catered well to Chinese and South-East Asian viewers, but the difference in viewership on Twitch and YouTube between the regions is significant.
Another aspect to consider is the change in format. The previous round-robin format with nine or ten teams has been replaced with a shorter and arguably cleaner group stage and playoff setup. Viewership is still divided across four streams but is more manageable. The new format also reduces the number of “dead rubber” matches.
The quality of the production is also playing a role in attracting viewers. TI 2022 faced numerous issues that led to fans tuning out early. Fortunately, TI 2023 has been free of major production faults, resulting in a more consistent and enjoyable broadcast overall.
The playoff weekend is approaching, with the top eight teams securing their spots in the main finals next week. It remains to be seen whether TI 2023 can surpass the viewership of last year’s event, which saw over 1.7 million viewers tune in to watch Tundra win TI 11. The event averaged 553,000 viewers throughout the month. Early signs are positive, but TI 12 may need compelling storylines to capture the audience’s attention.
Source: DOTESPORTS
