Valve has released info for the DPC 2019-2020 season, including details qualifiers as well as point distribution and accumulation process.
The International 9 might have ended just two weeks ago, but nothing stops with Dota 2 and the next DPC season is already upon us. With the first DPC event being the Minor scheduled for November 7th, teams will need to register their official rosters no later than September 28th, 2019 at 10:00 AM PDT.
In response to some of the criticisms and feedback from the last season, there are a few changes for the new season including the point distribution, qualifier schedule, format changes as promised earlier, and team registrations. To answer the questions, Valve's FAQ page has detailed information which we included here for readers as well.
How are points earned? UPDATED
Points are earned by all 16 teams playing in the Major and all 8 teams playing in the Minor, as well as every team in the regional qualifiers.
How many points are Majors and Minors worth? UPDATED
This season, Majors are worth 15000 points, and Minors are worth 660 points. Additionally, teams that participated in the regional qualifiers obtain DPC points.
How are points distributed based on tournament results? NEW
For Majors, which are 16-team double-elimination, the point distribution is as follows :
| Place | Prize pool | Points |
| 1 | $300,000 | 4850 |
| 2 | $160,000 | 3000 |
| 3 | $110,000 | 2100 |
| 4 | $80,000 | 1350 |
| 5-6 | $60,000 | 900 |
| 5-6 | $60,000 | 900 |
| 7-8 | $40,000 | 450 |
| 7-8 | $40,000 | 450 |
| 9-12 | $20,000 | 150 |
| 9-12 | $20,000 | 150 |
| 9-12 | $20,000 | 150 |
| 9-12 | $20,000 | 150 |
| 13-16 | $12,500 | 100 |
| 13-16 | $12,500 | 100 |
| 13-16 | $12,500 | 100 |
| 13-16 | $12,500 | 100 |
For Minors, the point and prize pool distribution is as follows:
| Place | Prize Pool | Points |
| 1 | $72,000 | 140* |
| 2 | $60,000 | 120 |
| 3 | $54,000 | 110 |
| 4 | $42,000 | 90 |
| 5-6 | $24,000 | 60 |
| 5-6 | $24,000 | 60 |
| 7-8 | $12,000 | 40 |
| 7-8 | $12,000 | 40 |
*Since the minor winner also gets to participate in the major, they will only get points for the event in which they placed better (e.g: If they place last in the major, they will only get 140 points for winning the minor. If they place 8th instead, they'd get the 450 points for the major but not the 140 points from the minor)
Do teams earn points, or do players?
Points are now earned by teams.
If a player changes teams, do those players' points go with them?
No.
How many teams receive direct invites to The International 2020 from points?
The top twelve teams with the highest point totals receive direct invites to The International 2020. The other invited teams will be determined by Regional Qualifiers (1 per region).
Do points determine invites to the Regional Qualifiers? UPDATED
Yes, as long as the team has a valid active roster. Teams can opt out of an invitation if, for example, they are disbanded and the roster isn't active.
How many regional qualifier teams qualify for Majors and Minors?
Each region gets a minimum of 2 qualified teams for Majors, and a minimum of 1 qualified team for Minors.
How are the remaining three Major and two Minor qualifier slots determined? UPDATED
The regions for the additional qualifier slots are assigned by Valve, per Major and Minor.
Are there other ways to qualify for a Major?
Yes, in addition to qualifying via Regional Qualifiers, the winner of the preceding Minor is automatically qualified to the Major. This team will earn either the DPC points for their Minor victory, or their placement in the Major, whichever is greater.
Can teams qualify for both the Minor and the Major?
No, only teams that have not qualified for the Major can compete in the Minor qualifiers.
Can a team play with subs? UPDATED
Yes. During qualifiers, a team must play with at least 4 of its 5 registered players (this will cause no penalty). Any team that plays the LAN portion of a tournament with a sub will incur a 40% penalty on points earned from that tournament.
Can a team remove a player after qualifying to a tournament? NEW
Yes. However, a team that removes a player after securing a slot at a minor or a major, will have a 20% deduction to the points obtained during that event in addition to the normal penalty.
When can teams no longer switch players? NEW
Teams can drop players up until the beginning of the final Minor. At that point teams can no longer release players from their roster. However, teams can still add players if they don't have a full set of 5 up until 12PM PST the day after the last Major concludes, at which point all teams will be considered locked and TI Invites will occur.
Can I participate in The International Open Qualifiers if I belong to or work for a team that has been qualified to The International or The International Regional Qualifiers? NEW
No.
Who gets invited to The International Regional Qualifiers? NEW
The top 8 teams with the most DPC points from each region that didn't get invited to The International and have a full roster in the DPC site will be invited to the Regional Qualifiers.
What is the format for the Majors? NEW
Phase 1: 4 Bo3 GSL groups of 4. Top 2 teams per group advance to Upper bracket. Bottom 2 teams per group advance to lower brackets.
Phase 2: 16 team Double Elimination with 8 starting in Lower Bracket. Bo1 matches for 1st round of lower bracket. Bo5 finals, Bo3 every other game.
What is the format for the Minors? NEW
Phase 1: 2 Bo3 GSL groups of 4. Top 2 teams per group advance to Playoffs.
Phase 2: 4 Bo3 team double elimination. Bo5 finals.
How are qualifiers different this year? NEW
This year we have combined both the Majors and Minors qualifiers into a single, shorter one, reducing complexity and time for players and organizers, and allowing to both give extra time to rest to players after a Major is over without majorly compromising the time for players in the minor to get visas when required.
When are the qualifier dates? NEW
Qualifier #1: Sep 30-Oct 5
Qualifier #2: Dec 1-Dec 6
Qualifier #3: Feb 9-Feb 14
Qualifier #4: Mar 29-Apr 3
Qualifier #5: May 17-May 22
What is the format for the Qualifiers to the Majors and Minors? NEW
Phase 1 (2 days):
2 bo2 groups of 5. The top 8 teams with DPC points are invited. 2 Open qualifier spots. In case not enough teams have DPC points, Valve will decide how to distribute the remaining slots.
Top 2 from each group advance to Phase 2.
3rd from each group advances to Phase 3. Everyone else is eliminated and gets 10 DPC points. In cases the region has 3 major or 2 minor invites, Both 4th places play a bo3 to decide who else goes. In cases where the region has 3 majors AND 2 minor invites, both 4th places advance.
Phase 2:
4 team Double Elimination.
Top 2-3 qualify to the major. Loser(s) advance to to phase 3.
Phase 3:
4 team double elimination. Top 1/2 qualify to the minor, the rest get 20 DPC points.
There are just over two more weeks for teams to be getting their rosters in order and for the season to officially kick off so don't forget to keep all eyes on our news section for all of the latest developments.
