The world of Dota 2 is no stranger to epic battles, intense rivalries, and jaw-dropping prize pools.
Among the many prestigious tournaments in the Dota 2 competitive scene, Riyadh Masters stands out as one of the most anticipated events.
This article explores the essence of Riyadh Masters, its features, gameplay, limitations and whether there is Riyadh Major in Dota 2.
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What Is Riyadh Masters?
Riyadh Masters is a prominent third-party Dota 2 tournament organized by Gamers8 Esports in collaboration with the Saudi Esports Federation.

The tournament first gained attention during the Riyadh Masters 2022 edition, which featured a considerable prize pool of $4 million USD.
Since then, it has become a regular fixture on the Dota 2 esports calendar.
In addition, the tournament draws top teams from around the world to compete for glory and an impressive prize pool.
Features Of Riyadh Masters
Some features of Riyadh Masters include the massive prize pool, elite teams and ESL pro tour, which are detailed below:
1. Massive Prize Pool
One of the most striking features of Riyadh Masters is its staggering prize pool.
While the 2022 edition boasted $4 million USD, the 2023 edition took it to another level, offering an astonishing $15 million USD.
This massive purse makes it one of the largest non-Valve Dota 2 events of all time, capturing the attention of players and fans alike.
2. Elite Teams
Riyadh Masters attracts elite teams from various regions, ensuring a highly competitive environment.
It showcases the best Dota 2 talent from around the world, giving viewers a chance a witness thrilling matches.
Additionally, this feature helps fans witness innovative strategies from renowned teams.
3. ESL Pro Tour
Riyadh Masters is an integral part of the inaugural ESL Pro Tour.
It solidifies its position as a crucial tournament in the competitive circuit leading up to The International.
How To Play Riyadh Masters?
As a professional Dota 2 tournament, Riyadh Masters follows the standard competitive gameplay format.
Teams compete in a round-robin group stage, with the top-performing teams advancing to the playoffs.

The playoffs typically adopt a single-elimination or double-elimination format, culminating in a grand finale where the champions are crowned.
To watch the Riyadh Masters 2023 from broadcasted channels and platforms, you can use Twitch or Youtube.
The schedule and format for Riyadh Masters 2023 are listed below:
Date | Format |
---|---|
July 19 - July 20 | Play-In Stage |
July 21 - July 24 | Group Stage |
July 25 - July 30 | Playoffs |
Limitations Of Riyadh Masters
While Riyadh Masters is undeniably a prestigious tournament, it does have certain limitations, as most events do.
- It is a third-party tournament, not directly organized by Valve.
- Due to it being a third-party tournament, it does not contribute to the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) points.
- As a massive event, the Riyadh Masters typically occurs only once a year, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its return.
Is Riyadh Major A Dota Event?
Riyash Masters is indeed a significant event in the Dota 2 competitive calendar.
However, Riyadh Major is not one of the Dota events as of now.
There has been confusion regarding the Riyadh Major and Riyadh Masters events.
Therefore, Riyadh Masters is a valid Dota event, but Riyadh Major is not currently.
Major Locations Of Riyadh Major
As the name suggests, Riyadh Masters is hosted in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
The city’s vibrant esports community and state-of-the-art venues make it an ideal location for major events like this.
The tournament’s organizers have consistently delivered a top-notch experience for players and fans.
The Bottom Line
Riyadh Masters in Dota 2 is more than just an esports event, it is a testament to the passion and dedication of the global Dota 2 community.
With its massive prize pool, elite teams, and competitive format, Riyadh Masters captivates players and fans.
As it evolves each year, this prestigious tournament solidifies its position in the world of Dota 2.
So, mark your calendars for the next Riyadh Masters, as it promises to be an unforgettable spectacle in the ever-growing landscape of Dota 2.