Team Spirit has secured the Aegis trophy after being crowned champions of Dota 2's The International 2021, as well as a cash prize of $18.2 million from a prize pool of $40 million, the largest amount in esports history. Hosted by Dota 2 developer Valve, the tournament took place in Bucharest this year and was played without fans present after COVID-19 concerns took precedent.

"We wanted nothing more than to welcome fans live to the event, but we can no longer do so in a way that allows us to prioritize the health and well-being of both audience members and participants," said Valve in a statement. "Everyone who bought a ticket received a refund automatically."

Despite the lack of an audience, the tournament was an unmitigated success and was broadcast live with play-by-play commentary across multiple languages. Team Spirit became the first Eastern European team to win the International since Ukraine's Na'Vi won the inaugural tournament in 2011. Back then, the prize pool was $1 million.   

The prize money was funded by Valve, as well as community contributions that come from a percentage of in-game purchases of the Compendium and Battlepass. Also, 2020's prize pool was rolled over to this year after COVID-19 canceled the entire tournament.

(All information was provided by For The Win and Game Spot)