Alex “Magician” Slabukhin, ex-CEO of HellRaisers, has uncovered how the Dota Pro Circuit slots sales market works and what are the prices depending on the region.
“According to rumors, in the CIS a slot costs $15,000-60,000 depending on the region. Do not forget that you recapture part of the expenses with prize money. A similar price may be in North and South America. The price of a slot in Europe and Asia will be 1.5-2 times more expensive,” he noted on his Telegram channel.
He explained the higher price in Asia and Europe is due to the popularity of the game and the interest of the organization’s potential partners.
Magician pointed out that the new market has blossomed because of the position of Valve, which does not stop this practice.
“In Dota 2, a free market for slots emerged. Yes, they were ‘sold’ before, only it was very quiet under the guise of reshuffles and tag changes. Now what is the situation – many have realized that Valve, as it were, does not prohibit, but you should not be impudent. Therefore, there is already more than 5 news that slots are being sold in different regions. They sell not from genius, but rather because of disbanding or hopelessness,” he said.
The esports manager noted that, technically, the slot is controlled by the one who has the login and password on the server. If the organization doesn’t have a strong lineup, then it is more profitable for them to sell the slot. And the buyer gets a short way to the Majors and The International. He predicted what further consequences this would have.
“First, now many clubs think before each season whether to go or just sell the slot and disperse. Second, Tier 3-4 clubs can launch a farm machine selling such slots if there is a demand (for example, from bookmakers). Third, now you can assemble any strong roster and immediately buy a slot in Division I,” Magician said.
