The realm of Dota 2 is characterized by its highly competitive landscape, with teams from all over the globe striving for dominance on the grand stage. Southeast Asia (SEA) has emerged as a region of immense significance in the Dota 2 competitive scene, producing some of the world’s most skilled players and captivating storylines:
In this article, we embark on a journey through time to explore the evolution of Dota Majors in Southeast Asia, delving into the highs, lows, and defining moments that have shaped the region’s competitive identity.
Setting the Stage: The Early Years
As Dota 2’s competitive scene began to take shape, Southeast Asia quickly established itself as a region to watch. The inaugural Dota 2 Major, known as the Frankfurt Major, took place in 2015, and it was here that SEA teams made their first mark. Notably, Fnatic (formerly known as Team Malaysia) secured a spot in the tournament’s top four. Chai “Mushi” Yee Fung, Fnatic’s captain at the time, remarked,
Chai “Mushi” Yee Fung“This tournament showcased that SEA teams could compete at the highest level, setting the stage for our region’s growth.”
The Rise of SEA Dominance
In the years following the Frankfurt Major, Southeast Asia witnessed a surge in its competitive prowess. Teams like Mineski and TNC Predator emerged as formidable contenders, making deeper runs in international tournaments. The 2018 Dota 2 Asia Championships marked a turning point for SEA Dota, as Mineski clinched the championship title, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse team.
Michael “Ninjaboogie” Ross Jr., a prominent figure in SEA Dota and former TNC Predator captain, shared his insights on this era:
Michael “Ninjaboogie” Ross Jr“The victory at DAC 2018 boosted our confidence and showed that SEA was no longer an underdog. We were ready to take on the world’s best.”
Challenges and Triumphs
SEA’s ascent was not without its challenges. The region faced periods of inconsistency and roster shuffles, hindering its ability to maintain a stable competitive environment. Despite this, the resilience of teams like Fnatic and TNC Predator shone through. The 2019 World Electronic Sports Games (WESG) witnessed a historic moment as TNC Predator, led by their coach Kim “Febby” Yong-min, secured the championship with an unforgettable run. Febby reflected on the victory, stating,
Kim “Febby” Yong-min“WESG 2019 was a testament to our perseverance. We overcame internal struggles to bring glory to SEA.”
Exploring the Evolution of Dota Majors in Southeast Asia
Dota 2, with its dynamic gameplay and passionate global fanbase, has provided the esports scene with countless thrilling moments. Since the inception of the first Major in November 2015, more than 20 Dota Majors have graced the competitive arena, captivating players and fans alike. Among these, Southeast Asia (SEA) stands out as a hub of fervent Dota enthusiasts, having hosted some of the game’s most unforgettable tournaments. In this article, we delve into the history of SEA’s Dota Majors, reliving their most iconic moments and celebrating the region’s unwavering passion.
The Manila Major: A Monumental Start
The Manila Major, held in 2016, was a watershed moment for SEA’s Dota scene. This event was not only the largest and most prestigious Dota 2 tournament in the region at the time, but it also showcased the immense potential SEA had as a major esports destination. Hosted at the Mall of Asia Arena, which could accommodate a staggering 16,000 Dota aficionados, the Manila Major quickly sold out for its grand final weekend. The event boasted an impressive prize pool of USD $3,000,000, attracting teams and players from all over the world.
As the final Major for the 2016 Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), the Manila Major carried enormous significance. For many teams, it represented a last-ditch effort to secure a direct invite to The International 6 (TI6), allowing them to bypass the often unpredictable TI qualifiers. The passion of SEA’s Dota 2 community was showcased through fan segments orchestrated by Jake “SirActionSlacks” Kanner, which were seamlessly integrated into the main broadcast.
Yet, it was the unparalleled energy of the Manila crowd that truly left an indelible mark. The fervor of the audience often overshadowed the commentators during main stage matches. So intense was the enthusiasm that the event organizers, PGL, had to lower the volume of the crowd microphone to prevent deafening noise. The Manila Major will always be remembered for these iconic moments, a testament to SEA’s uncontainable passion for Dota 2.
The Manila Major: A Monumental Start
The Manila Major, held in 2016, was a watershed moment for SEA’s Dota scene. This event was not only the largest and most prestigious Dota 2 tournament in the region at the time, but it also showcased the immense potential SEA had as a major esports destination. Hosted at the Mall of Asia Arena, which could accommodate a staggering 16,000 Dota aficionados, the Manila Major quickly sold out for its grand final weekend. The event boasted an impressive prize pool of USD $3,000,000, attracting teams and players from all over the world.
As the final Major for the 2016 Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), the Manila Major carried enormous significance. For many teams, it represented a last-ditch effort to secure a direct invite to The International 6 (TI6), allowing them to bypass the often unpredictable TI qualifiers. The passion of SEA’s Dota 2 community was showcased through fan segments orchestrated by Jake “SirActionSlacks” Kanner, which were seamlessly integrated into the main broadcast.
Yet, it was the unparalleled energy of the Manila crowd that truly left an indelible mark. The fervor of the audience often overshadowed the commentators during main stage matches. So intense was the enthusiasm that the event organizers, PGL, had to lower the volume of the crowd microphone to prevent deafening noise. The Manila Major will always be remembered for these iconic moments, a testament to SEA’s uncontainable passion for Dota 2.
The Singapore Major: A Tale of Rising Stars
The ONE Esports Singapore Major, held in 2021, marked Dota’s return to SEA with flair and innovation. Featuring 18 top teams from around the world, the Singapore Major was the first to be broadcast in glorious 4K resolution at 60 fps, pushing the boundaries of esports production.
Among the highlights were the emerging midlaners Erin “Yopaj” Ferrer and Zhou “Emo” Yi. Yopaj’s exceptional performance, particularly under challenging circumstances with roster changes, propelled Neon Esports to a commendable top-six placement. The fierce contest between Neon and Team Secret, despite a net worth deficit, showcased Yopaj’s remarkable skills.
In a thrilling showdown, Invictus Gaming orchestrated a remarkable reverse sweep against Evil Geniuses. Emo’s captivating performance and his fiery trash talk demonstrated the intensity of competition in the grand finals. The Singapore Major illuminated the potential of SEA’s rising talents on the global stage.
Bali Major: Unforgettable Conclusions
As the final Major of the 2023 Dota Pro Circuit, the Bali Major encapsulated the essence of SEA’s Dota journey. With seven TI12 slots still up for grabs, teams competed fiercely to earn coveted DPC points for direct invites. The event, held at the Ayana Estate, Bali, featured a history-making climax.
Gaimin Gladiators’ triumph marked their third consecutive Major victory, a feat previously achieved only by Dota royalty OG. The Bali Major was not without its challenges, including dramatic moments and even the longest LAN game in Dota 2 history. Nevertheless, Gaimin Gladiators etched their name in the annals of Dota history, reinforcing SEA’s status as a breeding ground for competitive excellence.
A Complete Overview of Dota Major Evolution in Southeast Asia
| Year | Major | Location | Prize Money (USD) | Notable Highlights |
| 2015 | Frankfurt Major | Frankfurt, Germany | $3,000,000 | Fnatic’s top-four finish showcased SEA’s competitive potential. |
| 2016 | Manila Major | Manila, Philippines | $3,000,000 | Largest and most prestigious SEA Major; Unforgettable crowd energy. |
| 2018 | Kuala Lumpur Major | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | $1,000,000 | Mineski’s championship win and introduction of DPC points system. |
| 2021 | Singapore Major | Singapore | $500,000 | Emerging talents Yopaj and Emo shine; IG’s reverse sweep against EG. |
| 2023 | Bali Major | Bali, Indonesia | $500,000 | Gaimin Gladiators’ historic third consecutive Major win; SEA’s competitive prowess reaffirmed. |
