Dota 2 has been on the competitive esports scene for more than 15 years. During this time, Valve has organized dozens of tournaments, delivering some of the greatest moments in the history of cybersports.
Even though watching professional matches is exciting enough on its own, a good game-day menu can make the experience even better. Let’s consider the most delicious snacks and drinks to enjoy while watching Dota 2, as well as determine which tournaments are worthy of your attention.
5 Best Dota 2 Tournaments to Watch
Major Dota 2 tournaments keep fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Those willing to add even more fun and excitement to the action can also bet on Dota 2 while watching competitions.
The best online bookmakers set favorable odds for both pre-match and live wagering. They also offer a wide range of esports bonuses, from generous welcome packages and deposit rewards to bet insurance.
The International
The most prestigious Dota 2 tournament is an absolute must-watch for all Dota 2 fans. Organized by Valve, it has been held annually since 2011. The very first tournament iteration had a staggering $1.6 million prize pool, which was the highest among all esports events at that time. Today, the total TI prize pool has already exceeded $211 million.
The International brings together the 16 most powerful teams who compete in 5v5 matches over 10-11 days. The rosters include players from Europe, North America, South America, and Asia.
BLAST Slam
BLAST Slam is a tier-1 Dota 2 tournament organized by BLAST, a major global esports and media production company based in Denmark. The event has already drawn lots of attention from fans, even despite its short presence on the esports scene. BLAST Slam has been hosted since 2024, allowing professional Dota 2 players to compete for fame and a $750,000 prize pool.
The event is worth watching if you like fast and action-packed matches. It combines professional Dota 2 with BLAST’s focus on entertainment.
DreamLeague
DreamLeague is another well-awaited event in the professional Dota 2 scene. The tournament was launched in 2013 by DreamHack and its partners (TheGDStudio, ASUS ROG, Roccat, and the Swedish TV6 channel). It became a part of the ESL Pro Tour (EPT) in 2023 and has been hosted by ESL Gaming since then.
Each edition runs for approximately 14 days and features 16 leading teams from Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. The total estimated prize pool is $16,308,399, while recent leagues offer $1,000,000 in prize money.
ESL One
ESL One is a series of major Dota 2 tournaments hosted by ESL since 2014. The lineup includes 16 tier-1 teams from all over the world, mainly from Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. The prize pool reaches $1,000,000, while the total amount of the prize money players have won throughout the years has already reached $15.4 million.
As part of the ESL Pro Tour, ESL One also awards important ranking points that help teams secure invitations to other major competitions. Since the top Dota 2 players face each other in high-stakes matchups, the tournament often produces some of the most memorable games of the year.
PGL Wallachia
PGL Wallachia is a pretty young Dota 2 tournament where 16 top-tier teams compete for a $1,000,000 prize pool. Launched in 2024 by PGL, it has quickly become one of the most-watched esports events.
Just like ESL One, PGL Wallachia is a short-term tournament that lasts only 8-10 days. There is also less downtime between important matches, which puts additional pressure on the teams. For viewers who prefer tournaments that don’t stretch over several weeks, PGL Wallachia is a good option.
What Snacks to Prepare for a Dota 2 Game Day
Big Dota 2 games deserve the best snacks to keep you happy – no matter what happens on the screen. Whether you are rooting for your favorites alone or with friends, the following snacks will complement your game day perfectly.
- Buffalo wings: golden-brown chicken wings are a good supplement for any game day. Marinate them for at least 30-40 minutes and then bake until crispy. It’s best to serve Buffalo wings with a blue cheese dip or ranch dressing.
- Popcorn: this simple menu option does not require lots of preparation time. Make a bowl of traditional sweet or salty popcorn, or try some unique flavors (e.g., Thai curry, matcha with white chocolate, or smoked paprika).
- Loaded nachos: mix tortilla chips with cheese, ground beef, and beans and bake for 10-15 minutes. In case you want a richer flavor, add jalapeños or salsa to your taste.
- Charcuterie board: this is a classic yet delicious snack for cheese and meat lovers. It’s super easy to make, since you just need to fill a board with your favorite cheeses, sliced meats, fresh fruit, crackers, and nuts.
- Jerky: jerky is lean meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork) cut into strips and dried. It’s a source of protein, minerals, and vitamins, which makes it a good option for those watching their health.
- Dried fruit and nuts: this is another healthy snack for a Dota 2 game day. Dried fruit and nuts deliver a good combo of macronutrients, healthy fats, protein, and fiber. You will feel full, no matter how long the matches last.
- Pizza bites: buy ready-made pizza bites and serve them with marinara sauce. This quick snack will make your watching experience hassle-free.
Top Cocktails to Drink During Dota 2 Tournaments
Here are the most delicious and refreshing drinks to enjoy while you are watching Dota 2 games:
- Ginger alcohol-free mojito
- Iced matcha latte
- Tonic water loaded with fresh berries and lime
- Green smoothie made from almond milk, spinach, frozen banana, and mango
- Strawberry basil lemonade with fresh fruit, basil, lemon juice, and sparkling water
- Honey sweet iced tea
- Non-alcoholic apple cider with a splash of lemon juice
