The world championship DOTA2 in Copenhagen
Client: PGL Esports
Background: The International (TI) is the pinnacle of esports for the five-on-five video game Dota 2. As the most prestigious Dota 2 tournament, every player aspires to claim the “Aegis of Champions,” the iconic grand prize. The 2024 edition of TI, held at Copenhagen’s Royal Arena, reached a peak viewership of 1.43 million. Our team was tasked with designing the opening ceremony—a pivotal moment to showcase the venue’s capabilities and introduce the players who would participate in this monumental MOBA spectacle.
Challenge: One of our main challenges was staying true to Dota 2’s authentic look and feel, both visually and sonically. We embraced this challenge, working closely with Valve and PGL to ensure that every sound and visual element aligned with the game’s lore and atmosphere. Previous TI opening ceremonies featured live performances, such as orchestras, singers, or cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality. Without access to these elements, we needed to create a concept that would still deliver a “wow” factor using a more streamlined and minimal approach.
Solution: We devised a concept that transformed the venue into a massive rotating contraption, brought to life using set-extension techniques like forced perspective and the seamless integration of physical and virtual lighting. We wove in highlight reels from previous years as part of a fake film projection, telling the story of past teams and their epic battles, while gradually building anticipation for the unveiling of the 2024 tournament, “TI13.” The tension culminated in the dramatic shattering of the contraption, as team logos burst through the projection screen, shattering the illusion and delivering an electrifying sequence to introduce the competing teams.
The ceremony concluded with a powerful and mythical rendition of the Dota 2 theme, played through a music-box motif, as we revealed the coveted ‘Aegis of Champions.’