Dota 2’s competitive scene faces a major shakeup as Valve plans to pull the plug on the DPC in the coming year, according to Yaroslav “NS” Kuznetsov
During a recent Twitch livestream, Yaroslav “NS” Kuznetsov, a well-known streamer and Dota 2 analyst, made a shocking claim.
According to NS, there is a distinct possibility that Valve, the game’s developer, might consider a significant overhaul of the competitive landscape by potentially scrapping the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) system in the upcoming competitive season.
This unexpected revelation came during an engaging and candid discussion on his stream, where NS shared his insights and speculations about the future of competitive Dota 2. While NS’s words carry weight in the community due to his expertise, it’s crucial to underline that, as of now, there haven’t been any official confirmations or announcements from Valve regarding the discontinuation of the DPC.
The Dota Pro Circuit has been the backbone of competitive Dota 2 for several years, providing structure and a clear path for teams and players to compete at the highest level. Should Valve decide to make such a substantial change, it could have profound implications for the professional scene.
What Did NS Say About Valve And The DPC System?
“There is an insider rumor that has emerged from an unclear source, suggesting that in the upcoming season, there might not be a Dota Pro Circuit, and instead, there could be a system with various commercial tournaments,” the former Virtus.pro star said.
“It’s like a rumor that various people periodically mention. I might be standing somewhere, and someone just says, ‘Hey, there won’t be a DPC.’ It goes into one ear and out the other. Then, from the other side, someone says, ‘Listen, I heard there won’t be DPC.’”
How Does The DPC System Work?
The Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) serves as the intricate and competitive heartbeat of the Dota 2 esports ecosystem, offering a structured framework of regional leagues and tournaments that add depth and excitement to the professional scene. Within this system, teams tirelessly vie for a coveted currency known as DPC points.
The current DPC points table (Credit: Liquipedia)
These DPC points are the lifeblood of a team’s journey throughout the season. Accumulating them is no easy feat, as it requires consistent excellence in performance across regional competitions. The stakes are incredibly high because, at the culmination of the DPC season, those teams with the highest point totals are rewarded with the golden ticket of competitive Dota 2: slots at The International championship, the game’s most prestigious tournament.
Congrats to PSG LGD on being the Leaders of the DPC 2021-2022 Pro Circuit. Also congrats to the 12 teams who have now secured their slots at The International. https://t.co/SW8vwqbzcO #TI11 #DPC #Dota2 pic.twitter.com/iH6LumGQNC
— Wykrhm Reddy (@wykrhm) August 16, 2022
The International stands as a pinnacle of Dota 2 glory, offering massive prize pools and global recognition. It’s the dream every Dota 2 player and team aspires to realize. Securing a slot at The International is a testament to a team’s skill, dedication, and resilience throughout the grueling DPC season.
When Did Valve Introduce The DPC System?
Valve launched the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) system after The International 2017. Prior to this change, the process of selecting teams to participate in the year’s premier tournament was solely in the hands of the Dota 2 developers themselves. With the introduction of the DPC, however, the competitive landscape underwent a significant transformation.
Whatever you make of Valve’s DPC system, I think we can all agree that it has given teams from different countries to shine, Especially in SEA. I am Burmese and my country loves @DOTA2 and this DPC has given us the opportunity to represent ourse… #dota2 https://t.co/gS3x8XB7Ur
— Reddit Dota 2 (@redditdota2) January 8, 2021
Under the DPC system, Valve aimed to create a more structured and merit-based approach to invite teams to The International. They established a series of tournaments and events throughout the year, each with different levels of DPC points on offer. The teams that performed well in these competitions accumulated DPC points, which served as a direct qualification metric for The International.
This innovative approach not only added a layer of transparency to the selection process but also intensified the year-round competition within the Dota 2 community. Teams were now compelled to consistently excel in various tournaments to secure their place at The International, making it a more inclusive and competitive event.