The period between major Dota 2 events is often rife with rumors about the game and its competitive landscape. However, these rumors are frequently met with skepticism. The latest buzz, coming from discussions at the BetBoom Dacha event, suggests that Valve may abandon the current Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) format and regional leagues after The International 12 (TI12).
According to analyst Yaroslav “NS” Kuznetsov, an "insider rumor" indicates that Valve intends to discontinue the DPC format, which was established in 2021, and revert to a more hands-off approach. This would involve letting third-party organizers take control of the competitive scene with a new system.
NS mentioned on a stream, "There is an insider rumor, absolutely unclear where it came from, that there will be no DPC leagues next season." He added that Valve might "introduce a system with a bunch of commercial tournaments again."
NS emphasized that this rumor is frequently discussed but doesn't always carry weight. He laughed it off, but the topic resurfaced when RAMZES and caster Dariya “Eiritel” Morozova chimed in.
Eiritel supported NS' statement, stating that she had heard the same information from multiple sources over the past few days, confirming that "It's true." RAMZES acknowledged hearing the rumors but expressed uncertainty about discussing them or the validity of any additional details.
Based on the information shared, the proposed system would blend the existing DPC model with the previous approach where third-party organizers, such as ESL, WePlay, MDL, PGL, and others, hosted their own events throughout the year. These events would then be incorporated into the DPC, with Valve's approval and collaboration to determine DPC point allocations based on various factors, somewhat resembling how the Counter-Strike pro scene operates.
In 2021, Valve transitioned the Dota scene to a closed DPC system, collaborating with select organizers to run regional leagues during specific periods. These leagues would feed into three Majors and include promotion and relegation. This shift has been a topic of controversy, with professionals like Puppey expressing disappointment about the reduced number of DPC events.
It is plausible that Valve has been working behind the scenes to reshape the DPC for 2024, especially considering its earlier shift away from the TI-centric battle pass model. While the rumor gains traction in the Russian community, it is advisable to treat it cautiously until Valve releases an official statement, likely closer to or after TI12 in October.
