Eight world-class teams have gathered to compete in China at MDL Macau 2019.
Macau has been dubbed "The Las Vegas of Asia", but in fact, in 2006 it surpassed even Las Vegas in gambling revenue to become the gambling capital of the world. It's one of the richest regions of the world and in 2015 was ranked the "fastest growing metropolitan area in the world".
It isn't just traditional gambling that drives tourism in Macau. The city has now turned its sights towards esports in order to attract the younger generations. Seven months ago, in August 2018, Macau launched its first ever esports venue named “Macau EStadium” inside Melco Resorts’ Studio City.
“Esports is a fast-growing market segment that is constantly innovating and evolving, and Melco is confident that this venue will allow us to further cater to younger patrons while continuing to bring fresh and novel experiences to all our guests,” said Geoff Andres, property president of Studio City.
This isn't the first time that MDL has hosted an event in the ostentatious city. MarsMedia, it seems, was ahead of the curve. In December 2017 nine teams convened in Macau for the first Dota 2 premiere event held in the city.
The success and feedback were overwhelmingly positive, driving the tournament organizers to host another round.
Amid the glitz and the glamour of Galaxy Macau, a casino resort located on the strip MDL Macau 2019 will be taking place between February 20-24th.
Quite the backdrop for eight of the most choice teams to be competing for the largest slice of the $300,000 prize pool. While there are no DPC points on the line, teams will still be going all in for the money, title and fame.
The event kicks off tomorrow, February 20th at 04:00 CET with EHOME taking on ViCi Gaming and iG going head to head with Team Liquid.
MDL Macau 2019 Teams
Virtus.pro
Team Liquid
ViCi Gaming
EHOME
RNG
Evil Geniuses
Invictus Gaming
Newbee
MDL Macau 2019 Format
- Bo1 round-robin Group Stage
- Top 4 advance to upper bracket of the Playoffs
- Bottom 4 advance to lower bracket of the Playoffs
- Double-elimination Playoffs
- Lower Bracket Round 1 matches are Bo1, the Grand Final is Bo5
- The other matches are Bo3
MDL Macau 2019 Prize Pool
1st place: $135,000
2nd place: $60,000
3rd place: $37,500
4th place: $22,500
5-6th place: $15,000
7-8th place: $7,500
