The original DotA mod for Warcraft III is released, creating the foundation for what would become DOTA 2.
IceFrog becomes the lead developer for DotA, laying groundwork for DOTA 2's future development.
Valve officially announces the creation of DOTA 2, a standalone sequel to the Warcraft III mod.
DOTA 2 launches a closed beta, inviting select players to test and provide feedback on the game.
Valve hosts the first major DOTA 2 tournament The International, with a $1 million prize pool.
DOTA 2 becomes officially available to the public via the Steam platform.
Valve enables trading of cosmetic items within DOTA 2, boosting the player economy.
TI5 features the largest prize pool in esports history at the time, over $18 million dollars.
Major overhaul of the DOTA 2 client providing improved experience and matchmaking.
TI8 becomes the highest prize pool esports event ever with over $25 million awarded.
The global pandemic causes Valve to postpone the annual TI event originally planned for 2020.
After postponement, TI10 takes place in 2021 with adjusted safety protocols.
Milestone reached indicating the game's continued popularity globally.
The Ancients, mysterious and powerful entities, were discovered in the world, sparking the eternal conflict between Radiant and Dire factions.
Two powerful factions, Radiant and Dire, were formed around the two Ancients, beginning the endless war over their power.
The Radiant faction, also known as Sentinel, rose to power as the guardians of the forest and life.
The Dire faction, representing decay and corruption, emerged as the scourge of the lands.
A magical battlefield was established where heroes from both factions could engage in combat to determine the fate of the Ancients.
Kunkka, the admiral of the Dire faction, arrived and became one of the first legendary heroes fighting for control over the Ancients.
Weaver emerged as a time-weaving insect hero who could traverse the battlefield with temporal manipulation.
Meepo, once a loyal miner, betrayed his comrades creating chaos through his multiplicity and cunning.
Many heroes from different origins and realities converged on the Dota battlefield, making the conflict more complex and unpredictable.
Death Prophet foretold dire events that would shake the foundations of the battlefield, involving dark spirits and vengeance.
Anti-Mage rose to prominence, determined to eradicate magic from the world and shake the balance of power.
Dire forces nearly succeeded in corrupting the Radiant Ancient, potentially ending the balance of the world.
Omniknight, a divine warrior, intervened to protect the Radiant Ancients from corruption and destruction.
Terrorblade, the demon marauder, introduced the shadow realm, threatening to unleash chaos and despair.
The conflict between Radiant and Dire escalates as new heroes arise, each determined to claim victory over the Ancients.
