Heroic disbands Dota 2 roster amid rising costs

Norwegian esports organisation Heroic has disbanded its Dota 2 roster and released all contracted players and staff after roughly two years in the scene. The organisation attributed the decision to financial reasons, saying it could no longer sustain the cost of running the team.

Heroic entered Dota 2 in January 2024 by signing a prominent South American lineup. The squad became one of the region’s top teams, built a following in South America and earned about $1.4 million in prize money during its tenure.

Industry estimates place combined annual salaries for players and support staff for a top-tier Dota 2 team between roughly $500,000 and $1.5 million. Team owners and managers in multiple esports titles have reported increasing operating expenses alongside constrained revenue sources. Around the same period, other organisations have cited similar financial pressure: a Counter-Strike 2 team owner published a breakdown of operational costs, and WYLDE confirmed it would withdraw from Tier One Rainbow Six Siege for financial reasons.

Valve, the developer of Dota 2, ended the Dota Pro Circuit after The International 2023 and shifted more event organisation to third-party hosts. PGL served as the primary organiser for The International 2024. Dota 2 has also been included as a headline title at the Esports World Cup, providing additional competitive opportunities and prize pools outside Valve-run events.

People close to the team said the former roster could remain together if a new sponsor or owner covers operating costs. With the roster and support staff now free to sign elsewhere, their availability coincides with changes to tournament structures and the growth of third-party events.

The organisation’s announcement removes Heroic from Dota 2 competition and leaves a veteran group of players and staff open to new contracts as the industry adjusts funding models and event organisation.