With the Dota 2 Championships, or The International, being the biggest esports event of the year - and a sporting event that boasts viewership similar to something like the NFL Superbowl - Valve is seeking proposals from cities that might want to host the tournament in 2021. Kind of like cities that bid for the Olympics, Valve is opening up The International, err, internationally.



There are of course requirements, and Valve has outlined what's needed for as city to "handle an event the size and scope of The International".

A modern indoor arena or stadium with a capacity between 15,000 and 80,000 (which must be available for at least a 10 day period in August 2021)

• As an example, The 2020 International is being held at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm; The 2019 International was held at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai

Additional space for ancillary events (e.g., vendor villages, fan zones, after parties)

Ample hotel space for upwards of 30,000 individuals

Fiber network connectivity from a local service provider

Proximity to an International Airport

A strong local transportation system

Plus, things like safety, traffic support, visa and travel assistance, and more. No doubt an event like The International is a huge endeavour so it'll be interesting to see what cities apply and where the 2021 event ends up taking place. With Valve noting, "No specific format of response is required", here goes - Yo, Valve. Brings this to Melbourne. We can handle it.