The International 2014 is the biggest Dota 2 tournament of the year

The International 2014 is the biggest Dota 2 tournament of the year, and Valve is publicly tallying the prize money, which is funded by fan donations and support stemming from the release of The Compendium. Last week, the prize pool exceeded $6 million, and just days before that, the purse hit the $5 million mark — making it the largest prize pool in eSports history.

Valve has opened new stretch goals since the last prize pool milestone, such as an alternate model vote, new upgraded creeps, and a victory prediction taunt. In addition, Valve has cleverly implemented hidden stretch achievements as well, with techies unusual taunt already being unlocked. While most stretch goals are promised in the future for Compendium owners, others have been released already for Dota 2, like the special-edition HUD.

The Compendium came out earlier this month and is an interactive book that allows Dota 2 fans to participate in The International as well as contribute to the prize pool. The 2014 edition costs $10 USD, with $2.50 going into the prize pool.

The finals for The International 2014 start July 18.