Thai gamers have shown extraordinary skill in eSports, winning international tournaments and putting Thailand on the world map not only as a tourist destination but also as a force to reckon with in the eSport arenas. Thai teams have won Hearthstone and Arena of Valor competitions, but Dota 2 remains the fans’ and pros’ favorite. Launched over a decade ago, this gem in the MOBA genre has become one of Thailand’s most popular games, crowned with the success of national teams in international competitions.
Two events represent a milestone in Thailand’s eSports history – the national team winning the SEAEF Championship in 2021 and the women’s national team triumphing the GEG 2022 Women. Their success has sparked the game’s incredible popularity nationwide, even among fans of Thai online casinos. In this article, we explore why Dota 2 has gained tremendous traction in Thailand and the results Thai teams show on the international scene.
Thailand: A Gaming Hub
Thailand has evolved into the largest video market among SEA countries, with a projected revenue of $1,1 billion this year. This growth is fueled by the 38 million Thais who regularly play games on different devices. The country has acknowledged the lucrative potential of the video games industry by recognizing eSports as a professional sport in 2021.
Government agencies like DEPA and the Sports Authority have been developing accelerator programs and financial aid for local companies and professional gamers, furthering the advancement of eSports in the country. But, the biggest support comes from Thailand’s eSports Federation, which manages all events and tournaments and hosts competitions. All this has led to the enormous popularity of video gaming, ranking Thailand as 16th in the world according to the total prize money won by the 2000+ eSports players in different tournaments.
The Rise of Dota 2 in Thailand
The community of Thai Dota 2 players has grown rapidly in recent years, bolstered by eSport organizations and the local community. It is not only a recreational but also a professional game, with many teams representing the country on the global eSports scene. But the biggest factor of its popularity may lie in the fact that it’s completely free and accessible to every gamer in Thailand and worldwide.
Talent Is Rewarded
Dota 2 players get substantial financial gain by participating in competitive events, which is why new players emerge and work hard to improve their gaming skills. The highest-earning Thai gamer is Anucha “Jabz” Jirawong, who pocketed nearly $800,000 in 2023.
Jabz turned pro in 2013, has a long list of achievements in different games, and is known as the best Dota 2 competitive player in Thailand, taking the role of captain and playing support position in the team. He has a loyal fanbase, and his success has encouraged many players to try their skills in the game professionally.
Professional Dota 2 Scene
The professional Dota 2 community comprises 16 teams representing Thailand, which have collectively won $272,344 in prize money. Regarding individual players, Hearthstone emerges as the most-played esports game in Thailand, with 40 competitive gamers having won $116,329 in rewards.
The most significant achievement in Dota 2 came in 2021 at the Southeast Asian Esports Federation competition, where the Thai national team beat the Philipines squad 3:2 and won the gold medal. Besides the national team, several professional squads regularly compete in global events.
The Women’s Dota 2 Team
Thailand’s women’s Dota 2 team brought joy and pride to the nation in 2022 when they won the Global eSports Games competition in Istanbul. They played brilliantly from the beginning without losing a round and crowned the success with another straight win in the finals (2:0) against Malaysia. The team members had the chance to showcase their skills and organization, inspiring millions of female Dota 2 players in Thailand and worldwide.
Unique Gameplay
Playing Dota 2 relies on strategy, organization, and skill. The gameplay is complex, and there is never a straightforward way to win it.
Two teams are pitted against each other in a lush green world, defending their base, the Ancient, with the primary goal of destroying the other team’s Ancient. The five teammates choose their hero and take on different roles as carry or support players. Their success lies in setting up a strategy and engaging in tactical battles against a score of enemies.
Final Thoughts
New titles continually appear on the eSports scene, but Dota 2 firmly holds its position as one of the most popular MOBA games. Its intricate gameplay makes success depend on gamers’ ingenuity and skill, making it unpredictable and exciting to play and watch. It has attracted a large community of professional players in Thailand, with the government recognizing the importance of eSports and supporting everyone involved in the industry. This has led to great achievements for the Thai national teams, winning competitions on the international eSports stage.
