EPICENTER XL Major is a Dota 2 tournament and in 2018 its qualifier event has a unique structure. For the first time, any team can participate, so aspiring pro-gamers can take advantage of this springboard to success. Two weeks ago the organizers have made the announcement for casters and they have opened the door to amateurs as well as professionals.
The decision to host an open qualifier for the EPICENTER XL is innovative and will benefit teams from every region. Regardless of the competitive level where they currently play, teams will be able to sign up and participate online. Up to 256 teams will be involved, so time is of the essence for those who want to secure a place in the qualifiers. To maintain the competition decently short, the organizers will limit the number of games to one during the qualification stage.
EPICENTER XL qualifiers set for March 24
The organizers expect a full lineup of 256 teams from all over the world and the qualifiers will take place over the course of a single day. Because of the best-of-one series, it will be possible to determine a winner in as little as 24 hours. A single team will emerge victorious from these qualifiers and receive a spot for the big event. EPICENTER XL Moscow is the first Dota 2 event hosted exclusively by a Russian company and the playoffs will be hosted by the Moscow’s VTB Ice Palace sports arena.
The playoffs begin on May 4 and conclude three days later on May 6, when the best of 12 participating teams will be crowned winner. They will receive a significant chunk of the guaranteed prize pool worth $1 million as well as a share of the 1500 TI8 qualifying points. Some professional teams have already been invited and the list currently includes Team Liquid and Virtus.pro.
