‘Dota 2’ Kiev Major Event Ends On Sour Note Because Of Strange Video Of Women

OG got its fourth Major championship on Sunday by beating Virtus Pro, the hometown favorite, at the Kiev Major Event of “Dota 2.” However, it was not the game-five thriller that was etched in the minds of participants to the gaming event. Instead, it was a strange video, “Girls in Kiev Major DOTA 2,” of women who attended the event.

The one-minute, 23-second video, titled “Girls in Kiev Major DOTA 2,” showed the different women who attended the gaming event. Polygon points out that the video was mostly awkward and strange. It lacked context to indicate what the event organizer wanted to tell.

The presence of women in gaming events stands out because most of the events are dominated by males. Their presence could be appreciated by participants because they supported the game. But their presence could also be alienating, just like the “Girls in Kiev Major DOTA 2” video which was not what “Dota 2” fans were expecting but a recap of the battles that were fought hard by the players.

Game Revolution describes the “Girls in Kiev Major DOTA 2” video as strange and voyeuristic montage of the female attendees of the “Dota 2” Kiev Major Event. The website adds that because the last Major finished with a trailer for “Dota 7:00,” the montage was out of place and lacked context. The only message it sends is some women also care about “Dota 2.”

Following the furor caused by the “Girls in Kiev Major DOTA 2” video, PGL eSports, the organizer of the “Dota 2” Kiev Major, apologized through Reddit. Part of the apology reads, “A lot of people were disappointed and the high expectations set for us were not met. We let you down, and the clip does not reflect PGL's values, team diversity or broadcast philosophy.” PGL, an esports broadcasting company, has been hosting international gaming events since 2002, PCGames notes. Many gamers who commented on the video said it was discriminatory, insulting, and plain creepy.