The International 6’s prize pool passes $20 million just as the main event starts

The prize pool for The International 6 has passed the $20,000,000 mark just hours before the main event is due to start.

At the time of writing the prize pool sits at $20,063,190, thanks to 25% of certain in game item purchases being added to the prize pool. This makes it the biggest prize pool in eSports history, by a considerable margin. The previous record was held by last years International, which had a prize pool of $18,429,613.

The news comes just before the main event of The International kicks off. The first round of upper bracket action will take place at the Key Arena in Seattle from 5pm (UK time) today. Two time major champions OG will face off against Korean side MVP Phoenix in the first match of the day with Digital Chaos vs Wings Gaming following that. The first day will round out with four best of one matches in the lower bracket, where the first four teams will be eliminated from the tournament.

All of the upcoming matches will be streamed on Twitch, and start at 5pm UK time throughout the week. The grand final will take place on Saturday August 13th.