Tournament organizer and production company BTS will not produce a DPC league next year, as per one of the company’s co-founders
Beyond the Summit, usually known as BTS, will not host or produce a Dota Pro Circuit league in the 2022/2023 season. The news comes from commentator and BTS co-founder David “LD” Gorman, who tweeted the news, along with a video memorializing a decade of BTS Dota 2 events.
The report comes just days after the conclusion of the BTS Pro Series Season 12, a Dota 2 event featuring international talent including Boom Esports, Fnatic, and Hokori. Additionally, with many eyes already on the future ahead of TI11, the news that BTS would not be a part of the scene next year comes as a huge shock.
BTS has produced and hosted Dota 2 tournaments for a decade, starting in 2013 with Gigabyte Dota 2 Masters. However, the production company is probably best known for its Summit series of events. This unique series of tournaments was frequently hosted inside the BTS house and sets.
Inspired by StarCraft 2’s Homestory Cup, The Summit emphasized behind the scenes looks at players and comedy skits. These elements were foundational in the Dota 2 scene, informing much of the atmosphere and style of all subsequent events. In an esports world of SportsCenter-wannabe tournament sets and sterile production, BTS’ approach to Dota events was refreshing and enjoyable.
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Who instead of BTS for the Dota Pro Circuit?
In the wake of the announcement, it seems obvious to ask who might replace BTS? Rumblings in the community suggest Fissure, a production company tied to BetBoom, will be given a league.
There’s obvious competitive integrity issues and conflicts of interest that come from a team sponsor owning the league. But additionally, there should be concerns over the fact a betting company will organize a league. This should ring alarm bells for anyone.
Overall, this news is grim for Dota 2. The competitive scene has an all the more uncertain future now one of the staple tournament organizers will not be a part of the scene. BTS will continue to hold Counter Strike, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. events.
