For many, Dota 2 is one of the most important esports in Peru, as hundreds of thousands of people play this popular title day after day. Similarly, a large number of users also closely follow the competitive scene, although the tournament rules are not always clear to everyone.
Therefore, on this occasion we will present you with everything you need to know about the Dota Pro Circuit. In the following article, you will be able to find out what the DPC is, how it works, and how it impacts the Major that will be played in Lima between February and March.
What is the DPC?
The Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) consists of a series of leagues that take place in six different regions: South America, North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, and Southeast Asia. These competitions determine which teams will qualify for the international tournament known as the 'Major'.
Each of these leagues has two divisions of 8 teams, but only the teams in the first division can qualify for the Major. Meanwhile, those in the second division aim to achieve one of the top two places in the table to be promoted.
The eight teams in the first division compete in a round-robin format to determine who will qualify for the aforementioned championship. However, it is important to note that not all regions have the same number of qualifiers:
- South America - 2 spots
- North America - 2 spots
- Western Europe - 4 spots
- Eastern Europe - 3 spots
- China - 4 spots
- Southeast Asia - 3 spots
How does the DPC affect the Major?
The top teams from each region in the DPC qualify for the Major. In the first phase of this international tournament, the 16 teams are divided into two groups of eight, and only 6 from each group can advance to the next round, the Play-Offs.
Although previously the position obtained by the teams in the DPC also determined which phase of the Major they would qualify for (similar to football tournaments like the Champions League), this format is no longer used today. Now, all squads that secure a spot start in the same round.
How can I participate in the DPC?
There are different ways to participate in the DPC. In that sense, a large number of teams decide to play the open qualifiers at the beginning of each season to try to secure a spot in the second division.