Dota 2: Valve cancels The International 2021 live audience ticket sales

This month, the world’s top Dota teams will be competing in one of esports most prestigious tournaments with the best team to be crowned the new champions. As Valve looked to welcoming fans and the dedicated Dota community back into stadiums while working to ensure the safety of those in attendance.

Just days away from the start of the group stages, Valve has been working hard to prioritise the safety of the teams attending, production staff and many more. Despite the efforts made and the growing cases of COVID-19 in the tournament’s host country, Valve ultimately decided that hosting The International in front of a live audience would not be possible.

The International 2021 to move on without its audience

According to a tweet published on the official Dota 2 Twitter account, Valve has stated that the decision comes as they needed “to ensure the safety of all players, talent and production staff participating in the event.” As such, Valve had decided to “refund all ticket sales for the live audience at The International 2021”.

This decision will surely deal a massive blow to many who were making the trip to the host city of Bucharest, Romania. As Valve closely monitored the COVID-19 situation in the country, which resulted in new COVID restrictions and the rise of infection cases, this decision will surely disappoint many Dota fans.

To ensure the safety of all players, talent, and production staff participating in the event, we have decided to refund all ticket sales for the live audience at The International 2021 — https://t.co/JOZQzxZ8Sf pic.twitter.com/77xnfvC5kv

— DOTA 2 (@DOTA2) October 3, 2021

As the event organisers prioritised the health and safety of all in attendance, including the audience and participants, it was no longer possible to welcome a live audience for this year’s The International tournament. As such, Valve will be issuing full refunds to all who have purchased tickets automatically.

The International 2021 will start with its group stages from 7-10 October, with the Main Stage rounds starting on 12 October. The live broadcast of The International 2021 can be watched on its official Twitch channel.

• Read more: How to watch The International 10: All qualified teams, format, venues, prize pool and more

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Featured image courtesy of Valve.