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VALVE OFFERS THE INTERNATIONAL UP FOR HOSTING BIDS

SHANGHAI, CHINA - AUGUST 25: A general view of the awarding ceremony of the International 2019 Dota 2 World Championships final at Mercedes-Benz Arena on August 25, 2019 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Hu Chengwei/Getty Images)

The International is up for bid — well, at least the hosting duties are. Valve’s most valuable event property is now being offered to cities interested in hosting the biggest esports show in their own town. A request for proposal (RFP) began circulating last week, outlining why the event is so valuable an attraction:

“Each [of the previous host cities] has seen an influx of visitors (about half of the attendees) that patronize their hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions,” Valve says in the document. “Moreover, Valve works with local suppliers to source equipment such as lighting, rigging, broadcast equipment, and internet bandwidth. Valve also hires local skilled laborers to handle catering, construction, décor, printing, marketing, security, transportation, and entertainment. All of this typically results in a significant boost to the host city’s economy.”

Who wouldn’t want to have that sort of economic activity in their city? It’s easy to see how traditional sporting events draw crowds and help local economies grow. Even esports newbies can see the potential in hosting the International. To support this, Valve is offering statistics about the TI8 and how it attracted $7.8 million into Vancouver’s local economy in 2018.

Valve will answer RFP-related questions until March 15th. Interested cities have must submit their final proposals by March 31st, 2020.


Theresa Gaffney

Theresa is a seasoned esports professional with nearly ten years under her belt developing content and running esports teams and leagues. She is currently the head coach for Messiah College's esports program and a freelance industry consultant.

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