ESL One Returns to Malaysia with a $1 Million Prize Pool in December

Dota fans across South-East Asia were treated to exciting news on 19th September as ESL One, in its recent blog post, announced they it will be returning to Malaysia at the end of the year. The world-class Dota 2 tournament will feature twelve of the finest Dota 2 teams from around the world, who shall be competing for a share in the $1 Million USD (over 4.6 Million Malaysian Ringgit) prize pool. This year’s ESL One will take place in Kuala Lumpur, with the semifinals taking place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

The ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 Dota 2 tournament is scheduled to take place between 11th and 17th December, with the playoff matches on the last three days of the event.

Details of the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 event

Firstly, the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 will kick off on 11th December with a three-day Group Stage featuring two groups of six teams each. The teams will compete in a single round-robin format. The top six teams from the Group Stage will advance to the live Playoffs, which will be a double elimination bracket. However, fans should note that the twelve team names are yet to be disclosed.

Shane Clarke, Director, Game Ecosystems – Dota 2 at ESL FACEIT Group, said, “We know Dota fans across South-East Asia have been eagerly waiting for the return of ESL One for over a year now. This December, we’re bringing back ESL One, bigger & more accessible than ever before, as we move the tournament from Genting to Kuala Lumpur for the first time.”

Clarke added that they are ready to put on a world-class tournament at MITEC.

Tickets for ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 will go on sale on 21st September at 15:00 MYT (09:00 CEST) with prices starting from RM149 ($31.73 USD).

Fans can anticipate artwork and references inspired by the tournament’s new theme, Rise Above Fate, throughout all phases of the competition. Carolin Linden, Senior Marketing Creative at ESL FACEIT Group, said, “Our theme draws inspiration from Kuala Lumpur’s mystic charm and rich folklore, inviting players and fans alike on a transformative journey. A journey led by none other than Nerif, the Oracle and great foreseer.”