The International 11 in Singapore: Southeast Asia’s Esports Breakthrough

strong

Singapore has etched its name into global esports history. In a move never before seen in Southeast Asia, the island city-state welcomed the world’s most lucrative competitive gaming spectacle — The International 11 (TI11). This marked the first occasion that Valve’s monumental Dota 2 championship unfolded on Southeast Asian soil and only the second time in Asia.

The grand finals exploded into life on 29 and 30 October at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. A sold-out crowd roared as Tundra Esports, a London-based squad, stormed their way to glory, claiming the fabled Aegis of Champions. The energy in the arena — relentless. Light, sound, and sheer crowd noise fused into an audiovisual barrage befitting an event of such scale.

Earlier in the month, sixteen elite rosters battled through playoffs held between 20–23 October at Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre. The stakes were astronomical. So was the spectacle.

🎮 A Crown Jewel of Esports

Since its inception in 2011, The International has stood tall as the climax of the Dota Pro Circuit. It’s not just a tournament. It’s a global celebration of a community. The MOBA genre, driven by Dota 2, has spawned millions of devout followers. This dedication directly fuels TI’s massive prize pool — largely sourced via crowdfunding from players themselves.

Previous editions have shattered financial ceilings. TI10, held in 2021, holds the benchmark with a staggering US$40 million pool. The victors walked away with over US$18.2 million, still the largest single-event payout in esports.

📊 Audience Reach and Digital Footprint

TI10 wasn’t just about money. It rewrote viewership records. Over 107 million watch hours, averaging 850,000 concurrent viewers across a 125-hour broadcast. Its grand final between Team Spirit and PSG.LGD peaked beyond 2.7 million.

TI11 wasn’t far behind. With nearly 1.75 million peak viewers and over 67 million hours watched, the event earned a solid third place in Dota 2’s all-time rankings. Held over 120 hours, the numbers showcased sustained global interest.

📍 Singapore’s Moment

Tickets? Gone in moments. Demand overwhelmed supply. Fans packed out the stadium. Over 12,000 spectators generated an atmosphere rarely matched — deafening, thunderous, unrelenting. Pyrotechnics, LEDs, projection mapping — the showmanship matched the stakes.

Meanwhile, across Kallang Wave Mall and near the venue itself, fringe activations transformed the area into a full-blown gaming carnival. Sponsors hosted immersive booths. Pop-up events sprang up. Families, casual gamers, hardcore fans — all converged. It was more than a tournament. It was a demonstration of what modern esports culture looks like in public view.

🇸🇬 Singapore as an Esports Power Base

This wasn’t Singapore’s first rodeo. The republic has been gathering momentum for years. Highlights include:

  • Free Fire World Series 2021 – A mobile event that achieved over 5.4 million peak viewers, a record unmatched in handheld esports.
  • Mobile Legends M2 & M3 – January and December 2021 respectively.
  • ONE Esports Dota 2 Singapore Major – A major milestone in 2021.
  • PMGC Grand Finals and Wild Rift Icons 2022.

TI11 didn’t arrive in isolation. It followed this run of world-class events, reinforcing the notion that Singapore isn’t just participating — it’s leading.

💬 Industry Voices Weigh In

Yusuf Batliwala, Head of Partnerships at SPORTFIVE Asia, offered perspective on the moment. He remarked, “Singapore’s progression in this space is undeniable. TI’s successful execution sends a loud message — the republic is ready for more. Much more.”

He believes the city-state now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with regional giants like China, Korea, and Japan. Not merely as a host but as a contender in the race for esports prominence.

“This single event has done more than just entertain,” Batliwala explained. “It has positioned Singapore as a destination for major finals. It’s no longer an outsider — it’s part of the core.”

📈 A Signal for Sponsors

For brands seeking to engage digitally-native audiences, now is the moment. Batliwala stressed that while traditional sports dominate brand sponsorships, esports remains relatively unsaturated.

“There’s room. There’s white space. With proper execution, brands can stand out,” he added. “Esports offers direct access to young, tech-forward audiences. But they must act fast.”

🎯 The Takeaway

The International 11 didn’t just crown champions. It solidified a trend. Singapore is not just a backdrop. It’s becoming the stage.