The 2016 Dota 2 International prize pool tops all records

The Dota 2 International continues to break all records for the largest prize pools in esports. Since the annual event was launched in 2010, it has consistently broken records year after year.

Unsurprisingly, this year's Dota 2 International is no different. The event is still one week away, and this year's prize pool has just crossed the $18.4 million mark, the record set last year.

Funds come almost entirely from sales of the Battlepass, a package of in-game rewards, goodies and challenges tied to the event itself. Prices start at $9.99, and 25% of that goes into the prize pool.

In other words, with the prize pool currently sitting at $18.5 million, we can conclude that the 2016 Dota 2 International has generated at least $74 million worth of income for Valve in Battlepass sales alone.

The 2016 Dota 2 International begins on August 3 and lasts until August 13. The event is the official world championship for the game, and features 18 teams from across the world. In terms of prize money, it is easily the biggest esports event in the world.