The International prize pool climbs to $2.8M

The International, Valve's worldwide Dota 2 championship tournament, is currently sitting on a prize pool totaling more than $2.8 million and continues to grow.

Last week, Dota 2 players had contributed more than $1 million dollars to the pot, putting the pool at $2.6 million. Contributions are accepted through Interactive Compendium purchases — a virtual book that keeps players updated on tournament events. If the prize pool's final goal of $3.2 million is reached, Compendium owners will have a hand in selecting the next hero shipped in Dota 2.

With the current breakdown, first place tournament winners will be awarded $1,407,284; the second place team gains $619,205, while third is $281,457. Up to eight winning teams will receive monetary rewards.

The International's preliminaries are already underway; the main event begins in Seattle, Wash., on Aug. 7.