TI 8

The International 8, Dota 2’s premier tournament, has broken the record for the biggest tournament prize pool yet again.  The top five all time tournament prize pools belong the International.  This year’s total prize pool stands just above $25 Million with the first place team set to earn over $11 Million.
 
Valve, the company behind the free-to-play Dota 2, contributes the initial base prize pool of $1.6 Million and then offers a Battle Pass that allows players to purchase in-game items.  Valve then redirects 25% of sales accrued from in-game purchases toward the total prize pool.  This year alone the contribution has amounted to over $23.4 Million of the $25 Million.
 

Sport1
 
German television broadcast Sport1 plans to launch a channel solely dedicated to esports.  No details on when the channel will arrive, but Sport1 has been broadcasting esports tournaments since 2016 and they are currently seeking partners to help develop the new channel.
 

SNIPES x mousesports
 
German sneaker and streetwear brand SNIPES has just signed a 3 year deal with European esports organization mousesports to be the team’s official apparel partner.  SNIPES will produce the team’s jersey and apparel, along with a streetwear collection based around mousesports branding.
 
This isn’t SNIPES first foray into apparel for esports.  Back in July, the company became the official fashion retail supplier for ESL (Electronic Sports League), the world’s oldest and largest esports company.
 

ESL x Universal Music Group
 
ESL and Universal Music Group (UMG) Europe have signed a multi-year partnership for the purpose of promoting new music acts to esports audiences, by creating a joint record label.  The companies will scout, sign and then promote the new music artists through live broadcasts, social media and live performances at various tournaments and events.  
 
UMG has been focused on cross promotion with esports, as UMG Canada recently announced an exclusive partnership with esports organization, Luminosity Gaming.