I’ve been to my fair share of esports events in Singapore. The most recent one, the ONE Esports Dota 2 World Pro Invitational held from 20 to 22 December 2019, has been one of the best experiences I’ve had as a viewer.
In terms of team lineups, the event has had one of the most ambitious rosters seen in Singapore. ONE Esports had an excellent mix of top-tier teams from various regions, which certainly elevated the competition to new heights.
Praise also has to be given to the broadcaster PGL, possibly the biggest production company for Dota 2. For three days, they transformed the Singapore Indoor Stadium into an almost unrecognisable bastion of Dota 2, with high quality lights and stage setups that puts other esports events held in the same stadium to shame.
The lights turn off when in-game time turns to night! Lighting cues signify objectives and massive spells being casted! Instead of feeling like I would be better off watching the game at home in a comfortable chair, being at the arena actually felt like I was part of something special, a collective of fans sincerely enjoying the action on screen.
Even the globetrotting talents at the event, considered the Invitational one of the best-organized esports events they’ve attended. Overall, it was a fantastic effort from the Singapore-based ONE Esports.
Of course, that’s not to say that there were no problems. There’s only one main screen, which proved to be on the small side especially for seats in the lower category. The meet-and-greet cum events area coincided with the main entrance and several toilets, which proved to be a massive clusterfuck.
All these are certainly feedback that can be used by the ONE Esports team, considering that in just six months, an even bigger Dota 2 event will be held at the same location and organised by the same team.
I’ve had my first taste and now, I’ll certainly be looking forward to the Singapore Major.