The semi-finals and grand final of Dota 2’s first UK major, ESL One Birmingham, will be broadcast on BBC Three on Saturday, May 26th and Sunday, May 27th. This marks the first time a Dota event will be broadcast live on the digital network.
That’s right – anyone with a TV license can tune in to see a dozen world-class teams compete for a $1m prize pool. There are also 1,500 Dota Pro Circuit points available at the tournament, allowing for a crucial boost for teams before The International 2018, which takes place in Vancouver in August.
BBC Three’s ESL One coverage will be hosted by BBC Radio 1 presenter Julia Hardy alongside pro casters Gareth and Shaneomad. The livestream will also feature interviews with players to get fans closer to the action.
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Dota 2 has one of the most passionate competitive gaming communities in history, so expect the atmosphere to be positively electric (and by that we mean: a lot of cosplay).
“The esports world is always such an exciting place to be and is somewhere that brings joy to millions all over the world,” Hardy says. “I’m really excited to be involved in bringing the passion and the edge-of-your-seat esports moments to a whole new audience.”
If you need proof of Hardy’s esports credentials, you can watch her masterfully break down the appeal of the scene to a pair of baffled Sky News presenters here.
Max Gogarty, executive editor at BBC Three adds, “As esports continues its rapid growth amongst young audiences, BBC Three’s coverage of it is evolving. We’re proud to bring live Dota 2 matches to the UK mainstream and we’re excited to be collaborating with BBC Sport as they bring their high production values to this unique event.”
The quarter finals of the competition kick off today, with paiN Gaming facing off against Mineski, while OG will take on Fnatic later this afternoon. The winners of the first round will go on to face Virtus.pro tomorrow, while the second round’s victors will challenge OpTic Gaming.