Updated on 22 Feb 26 by
Barry Carter
Poker Expert

Dota 2 has bigger first prize than the WSOP Main Event

We round-up some stories you may have missed including a Tom Dwan sighting and a new fun feature from 888poker.

Dota 2 beats poker for top prize

Dota 2 poker
The Dota 2 International

For the last two years we have been treating poker very much like an eSport, but an eSport where you can make serious money. 

It seems the tides are shifting a little as traditional eSports are not only about to boast their biggest first prize ever, it will be bigger than any poker prize awarded so far this year. 

The Dota 2 International, which takes place August 8-12, currently has a first prize of $8,467,112, which is bigger than the $8 million which will be awarded to the winner of the November Nine

It may get surpassed later this year by the recently announced One Drop event, but either way it is a landmark moment for eSports. 

durrrr spotted

Even more elusive than a Snorlax in Pokemon Go is a Tom Dwan sighting in a poker room. 

He was nowhere to be seen during the WSOP but he was spotted in a Vegas cardroom last week by this Twitter user:

888poker launches personalised videos

Ever had such a good week at the tables that you wish you had your own highlight reel to brag to your friends? Now you can at 888poker. 

A new feature at the site creates a personalised poker video just for you which includes data such as biggest hand, number of knockouts, your personal nemesis and even how you rank in your own country. 

It also features built-in share features so you can brag on your social media portals. Right now it is only available in English speaking formats but will be rolled out globally later.

Will we see Dwan return to online poker? Do you play Dota 2? Let us know in the comments. 

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Poker Expert

Barry Carter is the editor of PokerStrategy.com and the co-author of The Mental Game of Poker 1 & 2, Poker Satellite Strategy, PKO Poker Strategy, Endgame Poker Strategy, GTO Poker Simplified, Mystery Bounty Poker Strategy and Beyond GTO. In 2025, he won the Global Poker Awards for Best Book and Twitter Personality of the Year.