The Manila Masters 2017

With the tagline “A Legacy in the Making”, the Manila Masters was the breakout Dota 2 phenomenon tournament of 2017. It featured a $250,000 prize pool, eight of the hottest Dota 2 teams at the time, the best talents from around the world, and it also cemented Manila as a premier esports venue not only in Southeast Asia but also in the world.

Leading up to the main event, alongside a China Qualifiers and Southeast Asia Qualifiers, was the Philippines Qualifier with an unprecedented nationwide scale involving over 3000 semi-pro and professional Dota 2 teams. This months-long tournament visited over twenty provinces in the Philippines and drew the involvement of the entire country’s Dota 2 enthusiasts – an apt lead-up to one of the biggest esports events of the year.

The event filled the prestigious Mall of Asia Arena for three days with Dota 2 fans excited to see their favorite teams live and in action. Fans for to engage with their Dota 2 idols through signing sessions and unforgettable stage activities such as the now-infamous Battle of the Rages and Eri Neeman’s Hypeoff. The Manila Masters was such an enjoyable experience for attendees and the broadcast audience alike that the event has been given the nickname “Memenila Masters” for its unabashed participation in the Dota 2 community’s zany antics. Even Evil Geniuses taking home the first-ever Manila Masters champion medals was a dream come true for their numerous Filipino and global fans – the perfect end to a successful event.

The Manila Masters proved to not only be a successful international premier Dota 2 tournament and the Philippines’ milestone homegrown international LAN, but also an event that engaged its audience by staying true to the zany and fun-loving spirit of the esports community.

For us especially, the Manila Masters was the next big step in our evolution as an events team and we share the achievement with the entire Dota 2 fan base.