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The International prize pool eclipses $33 million

With the International 7 on the horizon, a change to the game this drastic is sure to have ramifications on the biggest Dota 2 tournament of the year. Michael Hanson for ESPN

The prize pool for The International 19 has surpassed $33 million.

The big event, which began Thursday in Shanghai, China, continues to take contributions and the prize pool sits at $33,061,437 -- and counting -- as of Thursday afternoon. The winner's share will be more than $15 million.

The amount easily breaks last year's DOTA2 record-setting $25.5 million for International 18 in Vancouver, B.C. It also surpasses the $30 million prize pool for last month's Fortnite World Cup in New York City.

The base prize pool started at $1.6 million and has since grown by nearly 2,000 percent. Crowdfunding continues so the amount will increase further by the time the event concludes.

The International 19 runs through Aug. 25.

The 18 teams competing in the event are Team Secret, Virtus.pro, Vici Gaming, Evil Geniuses, Team Liquid, PSG.LGD, Fnatic, Ninjas in Pyjamas, TNC Predator, OG, Alliance, Keen Gaming, Mineski, Natus Vincere, Infamous, Royal Never Give Up, Chaos Esports Club and Forward Gaming.

--Field Level Media