The Riyadh Masters Dota 2 tournament returns for a second consecutive year as part of Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, the world's largest gaming and esports event. With a $15 million prize pool, it is the biggest tournament on the 2023 calendar for the popular strategy game.

The global Dota 2 competition, featuring elite international teams and the game's best-known professionals, will take place at the Esports Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City over 12 days, from July 19 to 30. The champion will receive the trophy and $5 million, while the runner-up will take $2.5 million. The third-place team will earn $1.7 million and fourth place $1.2 million.

At the forefront of the international scene

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, expressed his delight at hosting the second edition of the Riyadh Masters in Dota 2.
He said the first edition was a great success and was widely praised by the gaming and esports community around the world, putting Gamers8 at the forefront of the international scene. He added that the presence of elite teams and the best players reflects the scale and importance of the event and the standing it has achieved, something everyone can take pride in. He said he was looking forward to the start of the tournament and to seeing a high level of competition, and wished everyone an enjoyable time in the Kingdom.

Tournament format

The Riyadh Masters features an exciting format designed to guarantee viewers compelling matchups throughout the competition. Teams are split into two groups of six. The top two in each group advance directly to the next stage, while the rest compete in elimination matches to decide the four remaining qualifiers.

In the final group stage, each group contains eight teams. The top four in each group advance directly, while the seventh- and eighth-placed teams are eliminated. The remaining teams play elimination matches to decide who goes through.